Damiana Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Damiana

Damiana

Also known as
  • Turnera diffusa
  • Turnera aphrodisiaca
  • Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca
  • Turnera microphylla
Damiana Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a small, aromatic shrub native to Central and South America, known for its historical use in traditional medicine and as an aphrodisiac. The plant produces small, yellow flowers and has a long history of traditional use among indigenous peoples. Damiana leaves are commonly dried and brewed as an herbal tea, believed to have mild stimulant and relaxant properties.
There are 84 drugs known to interact with Damiana

Additional Details

Is Damiana Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Damiana is generally considered safe when taken orally in common food amounts, earning it Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the US. However, caution is advised when using it medicinally, especially during pregnancy and lactation, as there is insufficient reliable information available.

How Is Damiana Thought To Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

The active parts of damiana are its leaves and stems, containing around 35 compounds like flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Damiana is believed to have antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemic, anxiolytic, gastrointestinal, and neurological effects. For instance, its antibacterial properties are attributed to the quinone arbutin, while apigenin, a constituent, is thought to play a role in its anxiolytic and anti-cancer effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Unfortunately, there is insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of damiana, limiting our understanding of how the body processes this natural remedy.

Interaction Overview (See Bottom of Page For Full List)

Damiana may interact with antidiabetes drugs, potentially lowering blood glucose levels. Caution is advised to avoid the risk of hypoglycemia when combining damiana with other herbs or supplements that also lower glucose levels.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Generally, damiana is well-tolerated when taken orally. However, an extremely rare case reported tetanus-like convulsions with a high damiana extract dosage. It's crucial to be aware of any adverse effects and seek medical attention if unusual symptoms occur.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Information on the standardization of damiana is lacking. It's essential to be cautious when using damiana supplements, as the consistency of its active components may vary among different products.

What Is Damiana Typically Used For?

Damiana has a rich history of traditional use, particularly as an aphrodisiac. Today, it's employed orally to address various issues, including headaches, depression, asthma, and even as an aid for sexual dysfunction. Some also use it for a subtle "high" when inhaled.

Drugs that interact with Damiana

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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