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==Uses==
==Uses==
Damiana has long been claimed to have a stimulating effect on [[libido]], and its use as an [[aphrodisiac]] has continued into modern times. More recently, some corroborating scientific evidence in support of its long history of use has emerged. Several [[animal testing]] studies have shown evidence of increased sexual activity in rats of both sexes. Damiana has been shown to be particularly stimulating for sexually exhausted or impotent male rats<ref>{{Citation|author= Arletti, R., Benelli, A., Cavazzuti, E., Scarpetta, G., & Bertolini, A. | title= Stimulating property of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts on the sexual behavior of male rats | journal= Psychopharmacology | volume = 143 | pages = 15–19 | date= September 1998 | year= 1999 }}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author= Estrada-Reyesb, K.R., Ortiz-Lópeza, P., Gutiérrez-Ortíza, J., & Martínez-Mota, L. | title= Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted males | journal= Journal of Ethnopharmacology | volume = 123 | pages = 423–429 | date= June 2009 | year= 2009 }}</ref> as well as generally increased sexual activity in rats of both sexes.<ref>{{Citation|author= Kumar, S., Madaan, R., & Sharma, A. | title=Evaluation of Aphrodisiac Activity of Turnera aphrodisiaca | journal=International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research | volume = 1 | pages = 1–4 | year=2009}}</ref> It has also been shown that damiana may function as an [[aromatase inhibitor]], which has been suggested as a possible method of action for its reputed effects.<ref>{{Citation|author= Zhao, J., Dasmahapatra, A.K., Khan, S.I., & Khan, I.A. | title= Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa)| journal= Journal of Ethnopharmacology | volume = 120| pages = 387–393 | date= December 2008 | year= 2008}}</ref>
Damiana has long been claimed to have a stimulating effect on [[libido]], and its use as an [[aphrodisiac]] has continued into modern times. More recently, some corroborating scientific evidence in support of its long history of use has emerged. Several [[animal testing]] studies have shown evidence of increased sexual activity in rats of both sexes. Damiana has been shown to be particularly stimulating for sexually exhausted or impotent male rats<ref>{{Citation|author= Arletti, R., Benelli, A., Cavazzuti, E., Scarpetta, G., & Bertolini, A. | title= Stimulating property of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts on the sexual behavior of male rats | journal= Psychopharmacology | volume = 143 | pages = 15–19 | date= September 1998 | year= 1999 }}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author= Estrada-Reyesb, K.R., Ortiz-Lópeza, P., Gutiérrez-Ortíza, J., & Martínez-Mota, L. | title= Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted males | journal= Journal of Ethnopharmacology | volume = 123 | pages = 423–429 | date= June 2009 | year= 2009 }}</ref> as well as generally increased sexual activity in rats of both sexes.<ref>{{Citation|author= Kumar, S., Madaan, R., & Sharma, A. | title=Evaluation of Aphrodisiac Activity of Turnera aphrodisiaca | journal=International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research | volume = 1 | pages = 1–4 | year=2009}}</ref> It has also been shown that damiana may function as an [[aromatase inhibitor]], which has been suggested as a possible method of action for its reputed effects.<ref>{{Citation|author= Zhao, J., Dasmahapatra, A.K., Khan, S.I., & Khan, I.A. | title= Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa)| journal= Journal of Ethnopharmacology | volume = 120| pages = 387–393 | date= December 2008 | year= 2008|pmid=18948180 }}</ref>


Damiana is an ingredient in a traditional [[Mexico|Mexican]] [[liqueur]], which is sometimes used in lieu of [[Triple Sec]] in [[margarita]]s. Mexican folklore claims that it was used in the "original" margarita. The damiana margarita is popular in the [[Los Cabos]] region of Mexico.<ref name="Damiana liqueur">[http://www.damiana.net/ Damiana Liqueur at Damiana.net]</ref><ref name="Mexican liqueurs">{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jun/20/food/fo-drink20 |first=Charles |last=Perry |title=The unexpected thrill |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2007-06-20}}</ref>
Damiana is an ingredient in a traditional [[Mexico|Mexican]] [[liqueur]], which is sometimes used in lieu of [[Triple Sec]] in [[margarita]]s. Mexican folklore claims that it was used in the "original" margarita. The damiana margarita is popular in the [[Los Cabos]] region of Mexico.<ref name="Damiana liqueur">[http://www.damiana.net/ Damiana Liqueur at Damiana.net]</ref><ref name="Mexican liqueurs">{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jun/20/food/fo-drink20 |first=Charles |last=Perry |title=The unexpected thrill |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2007-06-20}}</ref>

Revision as of 14:21, 10 April 2012

Turnera diffusa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Malpighiales
Family:
Passifloraceae
Genus:
Turnera
Species:
T. diffusa
Binomial name
Turnera diffusa
Varieties

T. d. var. aphrodisiaca (G.H.Ward) Urb.
T. d. var. diffusa[2]

Synonyms

Turnera microphylla Ham.[2]

Turnera diffusa, known as damiana, is a shrub native to southwestern Texas in the United States,[3] Central America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. It belongs to the family Passifloraceae.[2]

Damiana is a relatively small shrub that produces small, aromatic flowers. It blossoms in early to late summer and is followed by fruits that taste similar to figs. The shrub is said to have a strong spice-like odor somewhat like chamomile, due to the essential oils present in the plant.[4] The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea and an incense which was used by native people of Central and South America for its relaxing effects. Spanish missionaries first recorded that the Mexican Indians drank Damiana tea mixed with sugar for use as an aphrodisiac.

Uses

Damiana has long been claimed to have a stimulating effect on libido, and its use as an aphrodisiac has continued into modern times. More recently, some corroborating scientific evidence in support of its long history of use has emerged. Several animal testing studies have shown evidence of increased sexual activity in rats of both sexes. Damiana has been shown to be particularly stimulating for sexually exhausted or impotent male rats[5][6] as well as generally increased sexual activity in rats of both sexes.[7] It has also been shown that damiana may function as an aromatase inhibitor, which has been suggested as a possible method of action for its reputed effects.[8]

Damiana is an ingredient in a traditional Mexican liqueur, which is sometimes used in lieu of Triple Sec in margaritas. Mexican folklore claims that it was used in the "original" margarita. The damiana margarita is popular in the Los Cabos region of Mexico.[9][10]

While scientists have found inconclusive data on damiana, it has recently been shown that a chemical essential to the plant's structure, damianin, has relaxing effects on the central nervous system. This chemical may therefore account, in part, for the reports of relaxation effects, however the research involved is limited at this point.[citation needed] Damiana also contains α-pinene, β-carotene, β-pinene, eucalyptol, tannins and thymol.[11]

Legality

USA

In Louisiana, USA, Damiana is considered a "prohibited plant" along with 39 other plants by Louisiana State Act 159, effective 8 August 2005. Any combination of any of the parts, leaves, stems, stalks, seeds, materials, compounds, salts, derivatives, mixtures, preparations, or any resin extracted from any part of the plant is illegal to possess or distribute for human consumption in the state of Louisiana. This is due to an recent increase in the number of calls made to U.S. Poison Control Centers regarding highs, a majority coming from Louisiana. [further explanation needed][12][13][14]

UK

A product known as "Black Mamba", labelled as containing "100% Damiana", has been on sale in the UK; ill effects from its use have been reported.[15] MP Graham Jones has called for the substance to be made illegal [16]

During Prime Minister's questions on Wednesday the 7th of March 2012 MP Nadhim Zahawi asked for action to be taken in relation to "Black Mamba", the Prime Minister responded:

"We are determined to stamp out these so-called legal highs. The Home Office is aware of this particular drug. We now have the drugs early warning system which brings these things to our attention, but as he says, a decision needs swiftly to be made and I will make sure that happens." [17]

References

  1. ^ "Turnera diffusa". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  2. ^ a b c "Taxon: Turnera diffusa Willd". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2009-05-11. Retrieved 2012-01-03.
  3. ^ Everitt, J. H. (2002). Trees, Shrubs, and Cacti of South Texas. Texas Tech University Press. p. 208. ISBN 9780896724730. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Gildemeister, Eduard (1922). The Volatile Oils. Vol. Volume 3. Translated by Edward Kremers (2 ed.). Wiley. p. 183. {{cite book}}: |volume= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Arletti, R., Benelli, A., Cavazzuti, E., Scarpetta, G., & Bertolini, A. (September 1998), "Stimulating property of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts on the sexual behavior of male rats", Psychopharmacology, 143: 15–19 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |year= / |date= mismatch (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Estrada-Reyesb, K.R., Ortiz-Lópeza, P., Gutiérrez-Ortíza, J., & Martínez-Mota, L. (June 2009), "Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted males", Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 123: 423–429{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Kumar, S., Madaan, R., & Sharma, A. (2009), "Evaluation of Aphrodisiac Activity of Turnera aphrodisiaca", International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research, 1: 1–4{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Zhao, J., Dasmahapatra, A.K., Khan, S.I., & Khan, I.A. (December 2008), "Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa)", Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 120: 387–393, PMID 18948180{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Damiana Liqueur at Damiana.net
  10. ^ Perry, Charles (2007-06-20). "The unexpected thrill". Los Angeles Times.
  11. ^ Balch, Phyllis A. (2002). Prescription for Nutritional Healing: the A to Z Guide to Supplements (2 ed.). Penguin. p. 233. ISBN 9781583331439.
  12. ^ Legislature of Louisiana: Regular Session, 2010; Act No. 565; House Bill No. 173
  13. ^ Richards, Brandon. "Fake pot now illegal in Louisiana." KPLCtv.com. (2010): n. page. Web. 3 Nov. 2011.
  14. ^ "Damiana Legal Status." Erowid. N.p., 30 Oct 2011. Web. 3 Nov 2011.
  15. ^ "Legal high fears as teens taken ill". The Sun. 2011-10-21.
  16. ^ "Call for ban on 'legal high' Black Mamba backed by MP Graham Jones". The Lancashire Telegraph. 2011-12-08.
  17. ^ David Cameron MP, Prime Minister of the UK, House of Commons, 7th March 2012.
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