Tribulus terrestris / Caltrop / Zygophyllaceae (Caltrop family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Puncture Vine, Caltrop, Yellow Vine, Goathead.

Contents

Tribulus terrestris contains several steroidal saponins such as cistocardin, diosgenin, tribuloin, hecogenin, dioscin, and ruscogenin. Tribulus terrestris also contains two beta-carbolines harmane and norharmane, as well as sugars, tannins and resins.(2)

Historical

Tribulus terrestris has a long history of use in Ayurvedic practise in India where it is known as "Gokshura". Its fruit has been used in Ayurveda for a variety of purposes. Recent research has isolated several steroidal saponins in Tribulus terrestris and has indicated that the herb possesses mild aphrodisiac properties.(3) Recently it has gained popularity among amateur body builders in the USA after its alleged use by strong man Jeffery Petermann.(1) Research has also indicated that Tribulus terrestris supports the urinary and reproductive system and supports kidney function.(4)(5) The herb is also beneficial in calming the mind and supporting the nervous system.(4)

Plant Description

Tribuls terrerstris is an annual or perennial plant that has several stems that emerge from the crown outwards to a diameter of between 10 cm to over 1m. Its stems often trail on the ground. Its leaves are pinnate and opposite to each other with between 3-8 leaflets that are less than a quarter inch long. Its flowers are bright yellow with five petals. The fruit of the plant is produced around one week after the flowers have blossomed and are made up of five seed pods which are hard a bear 2 to 3 sharp spines. The seeds of the plant are said to be viable for up to 3-7 years on average.(1)(2)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Norway

References

(1) Tribulus terrestris, Wikipedia
(2) Gokshura, (c) 2008 Todd Caldecott
(3) Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats., Gauthaman, Aidakan, and Prasad (2003)
(4) The Yoga of Herbs, Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasantlad
(5) Tribulus for sexual dysfunction in men and women, Kerry Bone (2004)

Erythroxylum catuaba / Catuaba / Erythroxylaceae (Coca family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Cataguá, Chuchuhuasha, Tatuaba, Pau de Reposta, Caramuru, Piratançara, Angelim-rosa, Catiguá.

Contents

The constituents found in Catuaba include a bitter substance, alkaloids, tannins, aromatic oils and fatty resins, phytosterols, cyclolignans and a chemical Brazilian scientists named, Ioimbina.

Synergic Combinations

Catuaba is often used in combination with Muira Puama as an aphrodisiac.

Historical

Few beneficial plants are as popular or as widely consumed among the natives of the northern Amazon river basin as the barks of Catuaba and Muira Puama. These two common trees grow widely from Peru to Brazil. Both have been used extensively by natives and non-natives for centuries, to increase libido and improve sexual potency.(2)
In Brazil there is a saying which goes, "Until a father reaches 60, the son is his, after that the son is Catuaba's."(1)

Plant Description

Native to Brazil, catuaba is a medium-sized, vigorous growing, leafy tree with a thick knotty trunk. The root system is mostly above ground and each root measures from 2 to 2.5 meters. It produces pretty yellow and orange flowers, and small, oval, dark yellow inedible fruit. It can be found in the Amazon, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Maranhao, and Alagoas.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Norway

References

(1) Catuaba, Raintree Tropical Plant Database
(2) Herb Sex Boosters, Discovery Health

Turnera aphrodisiaca / Damiana / Turneraceae (Damiana family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Damiana, Damiane, Oreganillo, Thè Bourrique, Mexican Damiana, Mexican Holly, Damiana de Guerrero.

Scent

The shrub is said to have an odor somewhat like Chamomile or Cannabis sativa, due to an oil present in the plant.(3)

Contents

The main constituents of Damiana include: Albuminoids, alpha-copaene, alpha-pinene, arbutin, barterin, beta-pinene, beta-sitosterol, calamenene, caoutchouc, chlorophyll, 1,8-cineole, cymene, cymol, damianin, essential oil, gamma-cadinene, gonzalitosin-i, hexacosanol-1, luteolin, quinovopyranosides, tannins, tetraphyllin b, thymol, triacontane, and trimethoxyflavones.(2)

Historical

The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea which was used by native people of Central and South America for its aphrodisiac effects. A Spanish missionary first reported that the Mexican Indians made a drink from the Damiana leaves, added sugar, and drank it for its purported power to enhance lovemaking. (2)

Plant Description

Damiana is a small shrub that grows 1-2 m high and bears aromatic, serrate leaves that are 10-25 cm long. Small yellow flowers bloom in early to late summer which are followed by small fruits with a sweet smell and fig-like flavor. The medicinal part of the plant is its leaves, which are harvested during the flowering season. Damiana is found throughout Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies, as well as in parts of South America. Turnera diffusa and T. aphrodisiaca are generally regarded as the same plant in herbal commerce. A closely-related species, T. ulmifolia, is similar in appearance, but it has different traditional medicinal uses. (2)

References

(1) Document: NL-E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(2) Damiana, Raintree Tropical Plant Database
(3) Damiana, Wikipedia

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Turnera afrodisia - Erowid

Epimedium sagittatum / Horny Goat Weed / Berberidaceae (Barberry family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Herba Epimedii, Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goatweed, Yin Yang Huo, Xian ling pi.

Contents

The main active constituent of Epimedium is icariin, a flavonol glycoside. Epimedium also contains epimedin A, B, C and other flavonoids. (6)(7)

Historical

Horny goat weed was first described in ancient classical Chinese medicinal texts. The use of Epimedium as a medicinal herb dates back to at least 400 A.D. Due to its qi-boosting and spirit quieting effects, the dried herb is traditionally used to relieve stress and fatigue. Chinese folk healers were reported to use Epimedium decocted with squid and red wine as a treatment for bodily fatigue and lack of strength due to overtaxation. It is believed to remedy fatigue and absent-mindedness. Additionally, Epimedium leaf extracts have long been used as an aphrodisiac, and the herb is a common ingredient in the alcoholic "Spring Wine". (1)(2)(3)

Plant Description

Epimedium is a small ground bearing shrub with broad heart shaped leaves that resemble ground ivy. Native to China, many Epimedium species are now grown as an ornamental herb in Asia and the Mediterranean region. There are evergreen and deciduous kinds (the latter have rich green leaves in summer which turn copper and gold before falling). The flowers vary between species from white to yellow and red. (8)

References

(1) Horny Goat Weed: More Than Just a Name by Chris Kilham, Discovery Health.
(2) Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium), Supplement Watch.
(3) Xian Ling Pi, Shen Nong herbal glossary
(4) Epimedium , Wikipedia article
(5) NL-E75-0-REF , Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
(6) Xian ling pi, Yin yang huo , Edited by Joe Hing Kwok Chu, Complementary and Alternative Healing University.
(7) Systematic studies on quality of main species of Herba epimedii. Pei LK, Huang WH, He TG, Guo BL. Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College.
(8) Barrenwort, Epimedium, BBC Gardening.

Related Products

Quebracho (Aspidosperma quebracho)
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Maya`s Aphrodite Mix (Maya`s Aphrodite Mix)
Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides)
Saw Palmetto (Sabal serrulata)
Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis)
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao)
Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca)

Jatropha macrantha / Huanarpo / Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Huanarpo Macho, Higos del Duende, Huanarpo de Canta, Guarnarpo Macho, Mitocala, Palo de Grado, Sangre de Drago, Simayuca, Urco Huanarpo, Vanarpo, Wanarpo.

Contents

catechin, catechin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside and proanthocyanidin B-3 along with other catechin polymers(2)

Historical

"The young branch stems of the Huanarpo Macho tree are shaped like a man's anatomy and for centuries these young branch stems have been used in traditional medicine systems to support, aid, and enhance male sexual function."
"It has recently been called "Peruvian Viagra" in various marketing programs and is as popular in Peru as a male aphrodisiac as Muira Puama is in Brazil for the same purpose."(1)

Plant Description

Huanarpo macho is medium shrubby tree (10 to 12 m in height) with pretty reddish-orange flowers. It is indigenous to Peru and can be found in abundance in the Marañon river valley in the Amazon and in the Puno district in Peru. (1)

References

(1) Huanarpo macho, Raintree Tropical Plant Database
(2) Catechin derivatives in Jatropha macrantha stems: Characterisation and LC/ESI/MS/MS quali–quantitative analysis, Angelyne Benavides, Paola Montoro, Carla Bassarello, Sonia Piacente and Cosimo Pizza

Typha capensis / Love Reed / Typhaceae (Reedmace family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Maya`s Aphrodite Mix

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Contents

Ingredients: Damiana herb (Turnera aphrodisiaca), Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis), Peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita), Orange Flowers (Aurantii dulcis).

Ptychopetalum olacoides / Muira Puama / Olacaceae (Aster family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Potency Wood, Marapuama, Marapama, Muiratã, Muiratam, Pau-Homen, Potenzholz.

Contents

The main plant chemicals found in Muira Puama include: alpha-copaene, alpha-elemene, alpha-guaiene, alpha-humulene, alpha-muurolene, alpha-pinene, alpha-resinic acid, alpha-terpinene, arachidic acid, allo-aromadendren, behenic acid, beta-bisabolene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene, beta-resinic acid, beta-sitosterol, beta-transfarnesene, borneol, campesterols, camphene, camphor, car-3-ene, caryophyllene, cerotic acid, chromium, coumarin, cubebene, delta-cadinene, dotriacontanoic acid, elixene, ergosterols, eugenol, essential oils, gamma-muurolene, hentriacontanoic acid, heptacosanoic acid, lignoceric acid, limonene, linalool, lupeol, melissic acid, montanic acid, muirapuamine, myrcene, nonacosanoic acid, para-cymene, pentacosanoic acid, phlobaphene, stigmasterols, trichosanic acid, and uncosanic acid.(2)

Synergic Combinations

Muira Puama is sometimes combined with Catuaba, Damiana or Horny Goat Weed in various formulas on the market.

Historical

Historically, all parts of muira puama have been used medicinally, but the bark and roots are the most-utilized parts of the plant. It has long been used in the Amazon by indigenous peoples for a number of purposes. In Brazilian herbal medicine, muira puama still is a highly-regarded sexual stimulant with a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac. It has been in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia since the 1950s. Early European explorers noted the indigenous uses and the aphrodisiac qualities of muira puama and brought it back to Europe, where it has become part of herbal medicine in England. Muira puama has been gaining in popularity in the United States among herbal practitioners.(2)(3)

Plant Description

Ptychopetalum olacoides is a small tree that grows to 5 m high and is native to the Brazilian Amazon and other parts of the Amazon rainforest. The small, white flowers have a pungent fragrance similar to jasmine's. The Ptychopetalum genus is a small one - only two species of small trees grow in tropical South America and five in tropical Africa. The two South American varieties, P. olacoides (found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname) and P. uncinatum (found only in Brazil), are used interchangeably in South American herbal medicine systems.(1)(2)

References

(1) Ptychopetalum, Wikipedia
(2) Muira Puama, Raintree
(3) Fytotherapeutisch compendium J van Hellemont

Cestrum nocturnum / Night Queen / Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Aspidosperma quebracho / Quebracho / Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Quebracho, Quebracho Blanco. The name Quebracho is derived from the Spanish "Quebra Hacha" meaning "axe-breaker" and is an indication of the hardness of the wood.

Scent

The taste is very bitter, but there is scarcely any odour.

Contents

Contains six alkaloids: Aspidospermine, Aspidospermatine, Aspidosamine, Quebrachine, Hypoquebrachine and Quebrachamine. All agree that quebrachine is the most active. Two new sugars, quebrachite and laevogyrate inosite, tannin and starch have also been extracted.

Additional Remarks

Two other plants are known as Quebracho: Schinopsis Lorenzii, the wood of which is sold in commerce as 'quebracho wood,' and Iodina rhombifolia, 'quebracho flojo', the wood and bark of which are sometimes substituted for the 'quebracho colorado'.

Historical

Quebracho is used by indigenous Shamans known as Paleros, (those that use wood) specializing in the use of trees as teachers. They speak with great reverence about several species called Remocaspi. These formidable trees with their huge buttressed roots are said to be among the most powerful spirits of the jungle, capable of bestowing sublime insight to the carefully prepared user. The Shaman warns, however, that the same tree can mete out death to anyone who has not properly prepared by following a strict diet and regime of abstinence.
Quebracho wood is extremely hard and is used in construction, or an extract of the wood is used for its high tannin content particularly in the leather tanning industry.

Plant Description

This tree is a large evergreen, having pendant branchlets, bearing small elliptic-lanceolate, acutely-pointed leaves, which are opposite, or tri-verticillate, and subsessile. They have entire, stiff margins. The flowers are axillary, cymose, small, and yellow. The fruit is a ligneous capsule, containing seeds having broad wings.
This tree is a native of Chili and the Argentine Republic.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland

References

Aspidosperma, from King's American Dispensatory, by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898
Quebracho, A modern Herbal, by Mrs M. Grieve