Ptychopetalum

Ptychopetalum is a genus of two species of flowering plants in the family Olacaceae, native to the Amazon rainforest. The indigenous name for the genus is Muira Puama, "potency wood".^[1] The species are shrubs or small trees growing to 5 m tall.

Species

• Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth.
• Ptychopetalum uncinatum Anselmino

Uses

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The root and bark are used for a variety of ailments by indigenous peoples in the Rio Negro area of South America, and have become popular as herbal treatments for sexual dysfunction, but the effectiveness of muira puama preparations are debatable^[2]. There is evidence that Muira Puama is anxiogenic, which would be consistent with a stimulant effect, without affecting coordination^[3]

References

• Germplasm Resources Information Network: Ptychopetalum

1. ^ Tropical Plant Database file for Muira Puama. Raintree Nutrition Incorporated. Retrieved on 2006-04-21.
2. ^ Muira-Puama. PDR health. Retrieved on 2006-04-21.
3. ^ (2002) "Anxiogenic properties of Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth. (Marapuama)". Phytotherapy Research 16 (3): 223–226.