Does Damiana Work?

If you've heard about damiana, you may wonder if it works. The effectiveness of damiana has yet to be proven in clinical studies. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that damiana doesn't work, just that more research is needed. Keep in mind that supplements such as damiana are not as closely regulated as are prescription and non-prescription drugs.

 

Does Damiana Work? -- An Overview

Damiana is an herbal supplement often used as an aphrodisiac and as a recreational substance for a mild "high." However, people also use it for medicinal purposes. Damiana supplements are sometimes claimed to help with the following conditions:
 

Damiana: Is There Any Scientific Evidence?

There is no reliable scientific evidence, such as clinical studies, suggesting that damiana works for any purpose. This does not mean that damiana does not work; it simply means that, currently, there is not any real proof that it does work. Some people (including most healthcare providers) feel that it is appropriate to take only medications and supplements that have been scientifically demonstrated to be beneficial and safe; other people, however, are comfortable experimenting with unproven treatments. Whether you decide to take damiana will largely depend on your willingness to try an unproven herbal supplement that has not been shown to work for any condition.
 

Final Thoughts on the Effectiveness of Damiana

At this time, it is not known if damiana really works for any use. It is important to remember that damiana is classified as a food or a dietary supplement (depending on the particular form), not a drug, and is, therefore, less strictly regulated than drugs, such as prescription or non-prescription medications.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;