Herb-Drug Interactions: Damiana

Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. (Tumeraceae)

Synonym(s) and related species

Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward, Turnera diffusa var aphrodisiaca (Ward) Urb, Turnera microphylla.

Constituents

Damiana leaves contain flavonoids including trimethoxy-flavone derivatives. The hydroquinone arbutin, a cyanogenetic glycoside tetraphylline B and the phytosterol β-sitosterol have also been reported. The volatile oil contains, among other components, alpha- and beta-pinene, thymol, alpha-copaene, 8-cadinene and calamene.

Use and indications

Damiana is used most often as an aphrodisiac, but, although there are some animal studies, there is no clinical evidence to support this use. It is also reported to be mildly sedative and antidepressant.

Pharmacokinetics

No relevant pharmacokinetic data found.

Interactions overview

No interactions with damiana found.