Common names | Muira puama
Scientific name | Ptychopetalum olacoides

Used part | Bark

Known active compounds | magnoflorine, menisperine 

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-microbial
Product name | Muira Puama Bark-ANB

 

 

Plant Story

Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) is a flowering plant belonging to genus Ptychopetalum. The genus Ptychopetalum consists of only two species, P. olacoides and P. uncinatum, and they are native to the Amazon rainforest. Roots and barks have been used to treat chronic rheumatism, sexual impotency, and central nerve system disorders. Indigenous people in the Rio Negro area considered muira puama panacea, especially for age-related illnesses. Roots and barks are consumed as a tea to treat rheumatism, strengthen the heart, and promote intestinal health.

 

Magnoflorine and menisperine were found to be the major constituents of muira puama bark with less abundant compounds moschamine, luteolin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and syringic acid. Magnoflorine is a potent anti-fungal agent against Penicillium avellaneum. Muira puama extract showed anti-microbial activity against Klebsiella ozanae and Acinetobacter baumannii.