HERBAL
MEDICINAL
PLANT
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T U R N E R A -
DAMIANA
(Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. (Turneraceae) + +)
WILD DAMIANA
(Turnera ulmifolia L.) ++
by
RETTODWIKART THENU
DAMIANA
(dah-mee’ah-nah)
Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. (Turneraceae) + +
SUMMARY AND
PHARMACEUTICAL COMMENT
There
is limited chemical information available on damiana. There has been little documented
evidence to justify the herbal uses, and the reputation of damiana as an
aphrodisiac is unproven. In view of the lack of toxicity data and reported cyanogenetic
and arbutin constituents, excessive use of damiana should be avoided.
HISTORICAL NOTE
Damiana is a
wild deciduous shrub found in the arid and semi-arid regions of South America,
Mexico, United States and West Indies. It is believed that Mayan Indians used
damiana to prevent giddiness, falling and loss of balance, and as an
aphrodisiac. It has also been used during childbirth, and to treat colic, stop
bedwetting and bring on suppressed menses. Today its leaves are used for
flavouring in food and beverages, and infusions and other preparations are used
for a variety of medicinal purposes.
SPECIES (FAMILY)
Turnera diffusa
Willd. ex Schult. (Turneraceae) + +
SYNONYM(S)
Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward, T. diffusa var. aphrodisiaca (Ward) Urb.
Turnera microphylla Desv. ex Ham.
Notes:
McGuffin et al. (2000) give “damiana” as the standardized
common name for both T. Diffusa
Willd. ex Schult. var. aphrodisiaca (Ward) Urb. and T.
diffusa
Willd. ex Schult. var. diffusa.
They do not cite T. ulmifolia
which Gupta (1995) lists under the
common name “damiana.”
OTHER COMMON NAMES
Herba de la pastora, Mexican damiana, old woman’s
broom, rosemary. Chac Mixib (Maya; JFM); Cumana (Ma.; JFM); Damiana (Brazil;
Eng.; Mex.; Spain; CR2; FAC;
MPB; USN; VAD); Damiana de Guerrero (Sp.; EB49:205; RAI; USN); Damiane (Fr.;
EFS); Escobilla
(Sp.; IED); Granizo (Ma.; JFM); Hierba de la Pastora (Mex.; JFM; MAX); Hierba
del Pastorcito
(Mex.; JFM; MAX); Hierba del Venado (Mex.; MAX; PCS); Kok-Catarro-Asmatico (Maya; Mex.; JFM; MAX); Maria Lopez
(Mex.; JFM); Mejorana (Ma.; JFM); Mexican Holly
(Eng.; RAI; USN); Miixkok (Maya;
Mex.; MAX); Misib Escoba (Maya; Mex.; MAX); Misibkok (Maya; Mex.; JFM; MAX); Old Woman’s
Broom (Eng.; JFM); Oreganillo (Dor.; AVP; PCS;
RyM); Oregano Cimarron (Dor.; AHL);
Pastorcita (Mex.; JTR; MAX; PCS); Rompe Camisa Blanca (Cuba; AVP); Rompe Camisa
Macho (Cuba; JFM; JTR; RyM); Rosemary (Eng.; JFM); Santa Lucita (Ma.; JFM); Swamp Bush
(Bel.; BNA); The Bourrique (Fr.; Haiti; AHL; RAI;
USN); Xmisibcoc (Maya; JFM; PCS);
Xmisibkook (Maya; Mex.; JFM; MAX).
PART(S) USED
Leaf, stem
ORIGIN
Damiana is a shrub found in the
United States and in Central and South America.
PHARMACOPOEIAL AND
OTHER MONOGRAPHS
BHC 1992(G6)
BHP 1996(G9)
Martindale 35th edition(G85)
LEGAL CATEGORY
(LICENSED PRODUCTS)
GSL(G37)
CONSTITUENTS
The
following is compiled from several sources, including General Reference G6.
Carbohydrates
Gum 13.5%, starch 6%, sugars.
Cyanogenetic
glycosides Tetraphyllin B.(1)
Phenolic
glycoside Arbutin (up to 0.7%).(2)
Tannins
3.5%. Type unspecified.
Volatile
oils 0.5–1.0%. At least 20 components including 1,8- cineole (11%), p-cymene
(2%), a- and b-pinene (2%), thymol, acopaene, d-cadinene and calamene. The
presence of 1,8-cineole and p-cymene has been disputed.(2)
Other
constituents Acids (fatty, plant), alkanes (e.g. hexacosanol- 1 and
triacontane), damianin (7%) (a bitter principle), flavone (gonzalitosin-1),
b-sitosterol, resin (6.5%).(3)
ACTIVITIES
Antiaging (f; APA); Antidepressant (f; APA; SKY);
Aphrodisiac (f; APA; CRC; PED; PH2); Cardiotonic (1; HHB); CNS-Depressant (f;
CRC); CNS-Stimulant (f; CRC; HHB; LAF); Depurative (f; PED); Diuretic (f; CRC;
GMH; PED); Emmenagogue (f; MAD); Energizer (f; APA); Expectorant (f; CRC; GMH;
PED); Euphoric (f; APA; CRC); Hallucinogen (f; APA); Laxative (f; CAN; CRC;
GMH; SKY); Stimulant (f; APA; CRC; GMH); Thymoleptic (f; CAN); Tonic (f; APA;
CRC; GMH; PED).
Adaptogenic (f; RAI; X17030478); Anorectic (f; LE2);
Antiaging (f; APA); Antidepressant (f; APA; RAI; SKY); Antidiabetic (f; MPB);
Antiestrogenic (f; RAI); Antimalarial (f; MPB); Antiseptic (f1; AHL; VAD); Antispasmodic
(f; RAI); Antisyphilitic (f; MPB); Antitussive (f; RAI); Anxiolytic (f1; RAI;
X15864356); Aphrodisiac (f1; APA; CRC; PED; PH2; RAI; X10227074; X14692728);
Astringent (f1; EFS; MPB); Bactericide (1; X12963140); Cardiotonic (1; HHB);
Cerebrotonic (f; MAX; PCS); CNS-Depressant (f1; CRC; RAI); CNS-Stimulant (f1;
CRC; HHB; LAF; RAI; VAD); Cough (f; RAI); Depurative (f; PED); Digestive (f; MPB;
RAI); Diuretic (f; CRC; GMH; JFM; PED; RAI); Emmenagogue (f; MAD); Energizer
(f; APA); Expectorant (f; CRC; GMH; PED; VAD); Euphoric (f; APA; CRC);
Gram(+)-icide (1; X12963140); Gram(–)-icide (1; X12963140); Hallucinogenic (f;
APA); Hypoglycemic (1; CAN; LE2; RAI; X9683340); Laxative (f; CRC; IED; RAI;
SKY; VAD); Myorelaxant (1; PM10:669; X14692728); Nervine (f; RAI); Neurotonic
(f; EFS); Orexigenic (f; GAZ; MPB); Purgative (f; CAN; CRC; GMH; VAD);
Secretolytic (f; RAI); Stimulant (f; APA; CRC; EFS; GMH; IED); Thermogenic (f;
RAI); Thymoleptic (f; CAN); Tonic (f; APA; CRC; GMH; MAX; PED); Toxic (1; GAZ;
MAX).
INDICATIONS
Amaurosis
(f; CRC); Amenorrhea (f; MAD); Anxiety (f; APA); Asthma (f; APA); Atony (f;
MAD); Bronchosis (f; CRC); Catarrh (f; CRC); Cholecystosis (f; CRC); Cold (f;
CRC; PED); Colic (f; MAD); Constipation (f; APA; CRC; SKY); Cough (f; APA; CRC;
PED); Depression (f; APA; SKY); Diabetes (f; APA; CRC); Diarrhea (f; MAD); Dysentery
(f; CRC); Dysmenorrhea (f; APA; CRC; MAD; PED); Dyspepsia (f; CAN; CRC); Enuresis
(f; CRC; PED); Headache (f; APA; CRC; MAD; PED); Frigidity (f; APA); Impotence (f;
APA; CRC; PHR; PH2); Incontinence (f; MAD); Infertility (f; CRC); Insomnia (f;
MAD); Migraine (f; CRC; MAD); Nephrosis (f; APA; PED); Neurasthenia (f; CRC;
MAD); Neurosis (f; CRC; MAD); Orchosis (f; CRC); Paralysis (f; CRC; MAD);
Prostatosis (f; MAD); Spermatorrhea (f; CRC; MAD); Stomachache (f; CRC);
Syphilis (f; CRC); Water Retention (f; CRC; GMH; PED).
Albuminuria
(f; PCS; RyM); Alcoholism (f; MPB); Amaurosis (f; CRC; MAX); Amenorrhea (f; MAD); Anorexia (f; GAZ; MPB); Anxiety (f; APA; RAI);
Asthenia (f; VAD); Asthma (f; APA;
JFM; RAI); Atony (f; MAD; MAX); Bacteria (1; X12963140); Bronchosis (f; CRC; JFM; RAI; VAD); Catarrh (f; CRC; IED; MAX); Childbirth (f;
RAI); Cholecystosis (f; CRC; MPB);
Colds (f; AHL; CRC; HOC; PED); Colic (f; MAD); Constipation (f; APA; GAZ; IED; RAI); Coughs (f; APA; CRC; PED); Cystosis (f; MAX; VAD);
Debility (f; MAX; RAI); Depression (f; APA; RAI; SKY; VAD); Diabetes
(f1; APA; CRC; JFM; MAX; MPB; RAI; X9683340); Diarrhea (f; MAD); Dysentery (f; CRC; RAI);
Dysmenorrhea (f; APA; CRC; EFS; MAD; PED); Dyspepsia (f; CAN; CRC; GAZ; MPB);
Dysuria (f; RAI); Enterosis (f; PCS;
RyM); Enuresis (f; CRC; JFM; PED; RAI); Fatigue (f; GAZ); Frigidity (f; APA;
RAI); Gastrosis (f1; AHL; PCS; RAI; RyM;
X12963140); Headache (f; APA; CRC; MAD; PED); Hot Flash (f; RAI); Hyperglycemia (1; X9683340); Hypochondria
(f; RAI); Impotence (f1; APA; CRC; PHR; PH2; VAD; X10227074;
X14692728); Incontinence (f; GAZ; MAD); Infection (f; AHL); Infertility (f; CRC); Inflammation (f; MAX);
Insomnia (f; MAD); Leukorrhea (f;
MPB); Malaria (f; MPB; PCS; RyM); Migraine (f; CRC; MAD; PCS); Nephrosis (f;
APA; EFS; MAX; MPB; PCS; PED); Nervousness (f; RAI); Neurasthenia (f; CRC; MAD;
PCS); Neurosis (f; CRC; MAD; MPB); Obesity
(f; LE2); Oliguria (f; JFM; RAI); Ophthalmia (f; JFM; RAI); Orchosis (f; CRC; JFM); Paralysis (f; CRC; JFM;
MAD; MPB); Pregnancy (f; HOC); Prostatosis (f; MAD); Spasms
(f; RAI); Spermatorrhea (f; CRC; MAD; MAX; RAI); Stomachache (f; CRC; PCS; RAI); Syphilis (f; CRC; MPB);
Ulcers (f; MPB; RAI); Thymus (f; RAI); Urethrosis (f; DEM); Vaginosis (f; RAI); VD (f; AHL;
IED; MPB; PCS; RyM).
USES
Damiana is used as an aphrodisiac to increase sexual
potency. It may irritate the urethra and increase sensitivity of the penis. Damiana
may be used in combination with other herbs for sexual potency. This herb is
also used as a diuretic, antidepressant, laxative, and antianxiety agent, and
it is thought to produce euphoric effects when smoked.
FOOD USE
Damiana
is used in foods and is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of
food flavouring (category N2). This category indicates that damiana can be added
to foodstuffs in small quantities with a possible limitation of an active
principle (as yet unspecified) in the final product.(G16) Previously in the
USA, damiana has been approved for food use.(G41)
Figure
1. Damiana (Turnera diffusa) Flower and Leaf
HERBAL USE
Damiana
is stated to possess antidepressant, thymoleptic, mild purgative, stomachic and
reputedly aphrodisiac properties.(4) It has been used for depression, nervous dyspepsia,
atonic constipation, coital inadequacy, and specifically for anxiety neurosis
with a predominant sexual factor.(G6, G7, G8, G64)
INVESTIGATIONAL USES
Damiana shows promise as an antidiabetic agent (Alarcon-Aguilar
et al, 2002) and as a weight-loss agent.
Figure
2 Damiana – Leaf and dried drug substance.
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY
Capsules, powder, tea, tincture
Plant
Part Used: Leaves
DOSAGES
• Adult PO decoction: 18 g powder/500 ml water tid
• Adult PO tea: 1 cup tid (Murray, Pizzorno, 1998)
• Adult PO liquid extract: 2-4 ml (Jellin et al, 2008)
• Adult PO tincture: 2.5 ml tid
• Adult PO dried leaf: 2-4 g tid (Jellin et al, 2008)
DOSAGE
Dosages for oral
administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in older and contemporary
standard reference texts are given below.
·
Dried leaf 2–4 g as an infusion three times daily.(G6, G7)
·
Liquid Extract of Damiana (BPC 1934) 2–4 mL.
Dried leaf: 2–4
g taken three times daily.
·
Infusion:
pour a cup of boiling water onto one teaspoonful of the dried leaves and let
infuse for 10–15 min. Drink three cups daily.
·
Liquid
extract (1:2) or solid dose equivalent: 20– 40 mL/wk or 3–6 mL/day.
DOSAGE
·
1–2 (400 mg) capsules (APA); 400–800 mg capsule 3 ×/day (SKY);
·
2–3 ml tincture 3 ×/day (SKY);
·
1 dropperful tincture (APA); 2–4 g shoot as tea 3 ×/day (CAN);
·
2–4 ml liquid shoot extract (CAN);
·
1 tsp fresh leaf (PED); 0.5 g dry leaf (PED);
·
1 g leaf/cup water/3×/day (SKY);
·
0.5 g dry leaf:3 g alcohol/2 ml water (PED);
·
2–4 ml liquid extract; damiana extract BPC 0.3–0.6 g (PNC).
FNFF = ! Herbs used in preparing a liqueur by the same name,
“damiana,” and also used as a tea substitute (AHL; FAC; PCS). Leaves “are
approved by the FDA for flavoring liqueurs” (JFM). 1 tsp fresh leaf (PED); 1 g
leaf/cup water 3×/day (SKY); 0.5 g dry leaf (PED); 0.5 g dry leaf:3 g alcohol:2
ml water (PED); 0.5–1 ml leaf tincture tid (YAR); 2–3 ml tincture 3×/ day
(SKY); 1 dropperful tincture (APA); 2–4 g shoot, as tea, 3×/day (CAN); 2–4 ml
liquid shoot extract (CAN); 2–4 ml liquid extract; 0.3–0.6 g damiana extract
BPC (PNC); 400–800 mg capsule 3×/day (SKY); 1–2 (400-mg) capsules (APA).
·
Bahamans use for childbirth,
dysmenorrhea, headache, oliguria, • and give decoction to incontinent children
3–4 mornings (JFM; RAI).
·
Brazilians suggest the plant for
albuminuria, alcoholism, anorexia, asthenia, cholecystosis, cholecocystosis,
constipation, debility, diabetes, dyspepsia, impotence, infertility, leukorrhea,
malaria, nephrosis, neurosis, nocturia, paralysis, respirosis, rheumatism, sore,
syphilis, and vaginosis (MPB; RAI).
·
Colombians and Guatemalans take leaf
tea as aphrodisiac (JFM).
·
Cubans use the plant decoction in
aromatic baths and as a aphrodisiac, diuretic, and stimulant (JFM; RAI; RyM).
·
Haitians use for colds, enterosis,
impotence, and VD (RAI).
·
Mexican Indians use leaf tea as a
tonic in impotence, muscular and nervous debility (JFM).
·
Mexicans suggest the infusion for amaurosis
caused by tobacco abuse, also for asthma, bronchosis, cold, constipation,
cough, diabetes, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, dysuria,earache,
enterosis, flu, headache, impotence,
infection, malaria, nephrosis, neurosis, ophthalmia, paralysis, stomachache,
syphilis, and vaginosis (JFM; MAX; RAI).
·
Yucatanese take flower/leaf decoction
for asthma and bronchosis (JFM).
DOWNSIDES
Class 1 (AHP). “No health hazards or side effects are known
in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages” (PH2). “No significant adverse effects … Persons claiming to
experience damiana-induced hallucinations should be monitored closely” (LRN,
Feb. 1989). Reported convulsions from high dose (one report only), quinones,
and cyanogenic glycosides (CAN). Because of possibility of cyanogenic
glycosides and risk of cyanide toxicity in high doses, its use in pregnancy and
lactation is to be avoided. May interfere with hypoglycemic therapy (CAN; VAD).
Leaves laxative, may loosen stools in large doses. Tetraphyllin B is reportedly
toxic (GAZ). As of July 2007, the FDA Poisonous Plant Database listed 15 titles
alluding to toxicity of this species.
EXTRACTS
Volatile oils diuretic, expectorant and laxative; irritate mucous
membranes and increase the production of, while decreasing the thickness of,
fluids produced by these membranes (PED). Roots uteroactive. Dichloromethane
extracts relaxed corpus cavernosum smooth muscle strips (PM10:669; X14692728).
Hexane extract showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria (X12963140). One study shows treatment with the
traditional plant preparation significantly decreasing the hyperglycemic peak
a/o area under the glucose tolerance curve (X9683340), while another study
using water ethanol extract shows no hypoglycemic activity (X12112298). Not
specific, one study of damiana, identified only as Turnera spp. increased copulatory ability in impotent rats (YAR). A
formula containing damiana, guarana, and mate delayed gastric opening, prolonged
satiety, and induced significant weight loss (probably more due to the caffeine
and guarana, so entered as folklore).
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS
IN VITRO AND ANIMAL STUDIES
Hypoglycaemic
activity has been reported in mice following both oral and intraperitoneal
administration of damiana.(5) An ethanolic extract was stated to exhibit
CNS-depressant activity although no other experimental details were available.(6)
Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus has been documented for a mixed herbal
preparation, with some of the activity attributed to damiana.(7) The same
herbal preparation was also reported to inhibit acetylcholine-induced spasm of
the isolated guinea-pig ileum, although none of the antispasmodic activity was
attributed to damiana.(7) Arbutin is stated to be responsible for the urinary
antiseptic properties (see Uva-Ursi). However, the arbutin content of damiana
is much less than that quoted for uva-ursi (0.7% and 5 to 18%, respectively).
CLINICAL STUDIES
There
is a lack of clinical research assessing the effects of damiana and rigorous
randomised controlled clinical trials are required. A herbal preparation containing
damiana as one of the ingredients was reported to have a favourable effect on
the symptoms of irritable bladder associated with functional and neurohormonal
disorders, and on bacterial bladder infections.(7) However, because of the
methodological limitations of this study, these effects cannot be attributed to
damiana.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pregnancy
category is 3; breastfeeding category is 1A. Damiana
should not be given to children. It should not be used by persons with hepatic
disease, diabetes, or hypersensitivity to this herb.
SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTIONS
CNS: Hallucinations, confusion, headache, insomnia
GI: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, hepatotoxicity
(high doses)
GU: Urethral irritation
INTEG: Hypersensitivity reactions
INTERACTIONS
Drug
Antidiabetics: Damiana may decrease the action of antidiabetics.
Lab Test
ALT, AST,
alkaline phosphatase: Damiana
may increase these levels.
Blood glucose: Damiana may decrease blood glucose levels.
SIDE-EFFECTS, TOXICITY
There
is a lack of clinical safety and toxicity data for damiana and further
investigation of these aspects is required. Tetanus-like convulsions and paroxysms
resulting in symptoms similar to those of rabies or strychnine poisoning have
been described in one individual following the ingestion of approximately 200 g
damiana extract; cyanide poisoning was considered to be a possible cause. No
other reported side-effects for damiana were located. High doses of arbutin
(e.g. 1 g) are considered to be toxic, although the concentration of arbutin
documented for damiana (1 g arbutin is equivalent to more than 100 g plant
material) is probably too low to warrant concerns over safety.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS, WARNINGS
Excessive
use should be avoided because of the presence of cyanogenetic glycosides and
arbutin. Drug interactions None documented. However, the potential for preparations
of damiana to interact with other medicines administered concurrently, particularly
those with similar or opposing effects, should be considered. There is limited
evidence from preclinical studies that damiana has hypoglycaemic activity.
Pregnancy and
lactation The safety of damiana has not been established. In view of the lack
of toxicity data and possible cyanogenetic constituents, doses greatly
exceeding amounts used in foods should not be taken during pregnancy or
lactation.
CLIENT CONSIDERATIONS
Assess
·
Assess the reason the client is
using damiana.
·
Assess for hypersensitivity
reactions. If present, discontinue use of damiana and administer an
antihistamine or other appropriate therapy.
·
Assess for hepatotoxicity:
increasing ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels; clay-colored stools; right
upper-quadrant pain. If hepatotoxicity occurs, use of herb should be
discontinued and appropriate action taken.
Administer
·
Instruct the client to store
damiana products in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture.
Teach
Client/Family
·
Inform the client that
pregnancy category is 3 and breastfeeding category is 1A.
·
Caution the client not to give
damiana to children.
PREGNANCY USE
Safety
in pregnancy has not been scientifically evaluated; however, no increase in
fetal abnormalities has been observed from limited use in women (Mills
& Bone 2005).
PRACTICE POINTS/PATIENT COUNSELLING
·
Damiana
is a herb with a traditional reputation as being an aphrodisiac, stimulant,
mood enhancer and general tonic.
·
Currently,
evidence to support its use as an aphrodisiac is limited to research in
animals, which has produced some positive results.
·
In
vivo studies have identified significant anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic
activity, although human studies are still required to determine clinical
significance.
·
It
is also suspected that the herb exerts some degree of hormonal activity.
PATIENTS’ FAQs
What
will this herb do for me?
Damiana
has not been significantly tested in human studies, so much information is
taken from traditional sources or preliminary research in animals. According to
these sources, it may increase sexual function and libido in some cases of
dysfunction, lower blood glucose levels and exert anti-inflammatory actions.
When
will it start to work?
There
is insufficient evidence to predict when effects may develop.
Are
there any safety issues?
A
long history of use suggests it is generally safe. However, scientific testing
has not been conducted.
PREPARATIONS
Proprietary
multi-ingredient preparations
Australia:
Bioglan Mens Super Soy/Clover; Bioglan The Blue One; Medinat Esten; Nevaton.
Canada: Damiana-Sarsaparilla Formula. Italy: Dam; Four-Ton. Malaysia: Total
Man. Spain: Energysor. UK: Daily Fatigue Relief; Damiana and Kola Tablets;
Elixir Damiana and Saw Palmetto; Regina Royal Concorde; Strength; Strength
Tablets; Supa-Tonic Tablets; VitAmour; Zotrim. USA: Women's Menopause Formula.
REFERENCE
Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., and Phillipson, J. D. 2007. Herbal Medicines Third Edition. Pharmaceutical Press. Auckland and London.
Braun, L and Cohen, M. 2010. Hebs and Natural Supplements An Evidence Based Guide 3R D Edition. Elsevier Australia. Australia.
Duke, J. A. with Mary Jo Bogenschutz-Godwin, Judi duCellier, Peggy-Ann K. Duke. 2002. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 2nd Ed. CRC Press LLC. USA.
Linda S-Roth. 2010. Mosby’s Handbook Of Herbs & Natural Supplements, Fourth Edition. Mosby Elsevier. USA.
WILD DAMIANA
(Turnera ulmifolia L.) ++
TURNERACEAE
SYNONYMS
Turnera alba Liebm.; T.
angustifolia
Mill.; T. caerulea
DC.; T. mollis
HBK.; T. Trioniflora
Sims.; T. ulmifolia
L. intermedia Urban; T.
velutinia
Presl.; fide (HOC; PCS; RyM).
NOTES
Picking a common name was difficult. The three offered by the
USDA (USN) all are misnomers, suggesting instead “alder,” “holly,” “rose,” or
“sage,” none exactly appropriate. “Damiana” is among common names cited in
Latin America but McGuffin et al. (2000) give “damiana” as the standardized
common name for both T. diffusa
Willd. ex Schult. var. Aphrodisiaca (Ward) Urb. and T.
diffusa
Willd. ex Schult. var. diffusa. They do not however cite T. ulmifolia
which Gupta (1995) lists under the
common name “damiana.” Burkill (1966) says
this American species ran wild in India over a century ago, and
now has run wild in Java and Malaya. Chinese herbalists reportedly stock it in
Singapore (IHB).
Flowers sessile; petiole eglandular . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. diffusa
Flowers pedicellate, the pedicel fused with leaf stalk; petiole
biglandular. . . . T. ulmifolia
Figure
1. Turnera ulmifolia
COMMON NAMES
Albina (Brazil; Por.; AVP; JFM; MPB); Amaranto (Mex.; AVP;
JFM; MAX); Buttercup (Eng.; JFM); Calendula (Mex.; AVP; MAX; PCS); Catbush
(Bah.; HOC); Chanana (Brazil; MPB; MPG); Claudioso (Bel.; BNA); Clavel de
Cristo (Bel.; BNA); Clavel de Oro (Bel.; Mex.; BNA; MAX; MPG; PCS); Cumana
(Ven.; AVP; MPG); Damiana (Brazil; Col.; Eng.; AVP; FAC; MPG); Dash Along
(Eng.; HOC; JFM); Di Thym (Fr.; JFM); Du Thym (Haiti; AHL); Elm-Leaved Turnera
(Eng.; Jam.; AVP); Escoba (Ma.; JFM); Escobillo (Ma.; Sal.; AVP; JFM); Escobillo Blanco (Ma.; JFM); Flor
de San Lorenzo (Sal.; AVP); Granizo (Dor.; AVP; MPG); Grosblattrige Damiana
(Ger.; USN); Hierba de la Pastorcita (Mex.; MPG); Holly Rose (Eng.; JFM);
Jamaica Herb (Bel.; BNA); Lalo (His.; AHL); Lida Kuching (Malaya; IHB); Malva
(Col.; AVP; JFM; MPG; PCS); Malva Cimarrona (Ma.; JFM); Manzanilla delos Campos
(Nic.; MPG); Margarita de los Campos (Nic.; AVP); Maria Lopez (Cuba; Dor.; Nic.;
MPG; PCS); Marilope (Cuba; Sp.; AVP; MPG; RyM); Marilope du Thym (His.; AHL); Mari
Lopez (Cuba; Dor.; Mex.; Pr.; Sp.; AVP; MAX; PCS; RyM); Oreganillo (Dor.; MPG);
Oreja de Coyote (Nic.; AVP; MPG; PCS); Pastorcito (Mex.; AVP); Ram Goat
Dashalong (Eng.; JFM; USN); Ram Goat National (Eng.; JFM); Ram Goat Rational (Eng.;
JFM); Saca Estrepe (Brazil; MPB); Sage-Rose (Eng.; AVP; USN); San Juan (Nic.;
AVP; PCS); Santa Lucia (Col.; AVP); Sereno (Ma.; JFM); Tapalayote (Ma.; JFM);
Thym (Haiti; AVP); Thym a Feuilles d’Orme (Haiti; AVP); Thym des Savanes (Fr.;
Guad.; St. Bart.; AVP); Thym Marron (Haiti; AVP); Turnere (Fr.; Guad.; AVP);
Turnere B Feuilles d’Orme (Fr.; St. Bart.; AVP); West Indian-Holly (Eng.; USN);
Wild Damiana (Bel.; BNA); Yellow-Alder (Eng.; USN); Yellow Flower (Eng.; JFM);
Yerba del Ahorcado (Ma.; JFM); Zherbe Cimetiere (Haiti; AVP); Zherbe Dimetiere
(Haiti; JFM); Zombi Nan Bois (Haiti; AVP; JFM). (Nscn).
ACTIVITIES
Abortifacient (f; MPG); Analgesic (f; JFM; MPG; RyM);
Antiedemic (1; X9705013); Antihistaminic (1; X9705013); Antiinflammatory (1;
X16226027; X16876965; X9705013); Antioxidant (1; X16226027; X16876965);
Antiprostaglandin (1; X9705013); Antiulcer (1; X11995930; X9705013); Astringent
(f1; MPB); COX-2-I? (1; X9705013); Cyanogenic (1; MPG); Emmenagogue (f; DAW;
JFM); Expectorant (f; GMH; MPB; RyM); Febrifuge (f; DAW); Gastroprotective (1;
X11995930; X9705013); Hemostat (f; MPG; RyM); Insecticide (1; MPG); Larvicide (1;
MPG); Laxative (f; JFM); Mosquitocide (1; MPG); Spasmogenic (1; MPG); Stimulant
(f; RyM); Stomachic (f; JFM); Tonic (f; GMH; JFM; MAX; MPB; PCS); Vasodilator
(1; MPG).
INDICATIONS
Allergies (1; X9705013); Backache (f; AHL); Biliousness (f;
WOI); Bleeding (f; MPG; RyM); Bronchosis (f; JFM; MAX); Cancer (f; MPB);
Catarrh (f; MPG; RyM); Childbirth (f; JFM); Colds (f; MPG; RyM); Colic (f;
JFM); Congestion (f; GMH; MPB; RyM); Constipation (f; JFM); Cramps (f; JFM);
Diabetes (f; MPB); Diarrhea (f; JFM; MPG; RyM); Dysentery (f; WOI);
Dysmenorrhea (f; DAW; JFM; MPG; RYM); Dyspepsia (f; MAX; PCS); Edema (1;
X9705013); Fever (f; DAW; JFM); Gastrosis (f1; MPG; RyM; X11995930; X9705013);
Headache (f; JFM); Hemorrhoids (f; JFM); Hepatosis (f; HOC); Hyperacidity (f;
JFM); Impotence (f1; YAR); Inflammation (1; X16226027; X16876965; X9705013);
Insomnia (f; MPG; RyM); Leukorrhea (f; MPB); Lumbago (f; DAW); Menorrhagia (f;
RyM); Nephrosis (f; MPG; RyM); Neuralgia (f; JFM); Ovary (f; JFM); Pain (f;
JFM; MPG; RyM); Puerperium (f; DAW); Pulmonosis (f; PCS); Respirosis (f; JFM;
MPG; RyM); Rheumatism (f; WOI); Sores (f; DAW; JFM); Splinter (f; MPB);
Stomachache (f; MPG; RyM); Swelling (1; X9705013); Tension (f; JFM); Toothache (f;
AHL; JFM); Tumors (f; MPB); Ulcers (1; X11995930; X9705013); Vertigo (f; AHL).
DOSAGES
FNFF = ! Dried leaves used for beverage teas or flavoring
(FAC; HOC; JFM). Leaf tincture 0.5–1 ml tid (YAR).
·
Argentinians use decoction for
headache, neuralgia, tension, and • sweetened for bronchitis, convalescence,
and dyspepsia, claiming it sharpens retarded children (JFM).
·
Bahamans take decoction for colds
during menstruation, constipation, and pediatric colic (JFM).
·
Brazilians use bruised leaves to
remove thorns and resolve tumors (MPB).
·
Brazilians use the tea to treat
gastric dysfunction, e.g., gastric and duodenal ulcers (X11995930).
·
Colombians use leaf/shoot decoction a
• s aphrodisiac (MPG).
·
Cubans use leaf/flower decoction for
diarrhea and stomachache, insomnia, kidney problems,
·
menstrual pain and bleeding,
respiratory problems like cough and catarrh (MPG; RyM).
·
Dominicans suggest the plant for
backache, toothache, and vertigo (AHL).
·
Haitians boil 5–15 g in 1 liter water
as anodyne, stomach, tonic, and using for toothache (JFM). \
·
Jamaicans use leaves as abortifacient
(MPG), for acid stomach, cold, fever, and as a beverage tea (JFM).
·
Mexicans take plant decoction as
tonic and for bronchosis and dyspepsia (JFM; MAX).
DOWNSIDES
As of July 2007, the FDA Poisonous
Plant Database listed four titles alluding to toxicity of this species.
EXTRACTS
Caffeine reported from seed (MPG). Not specific, one study of
damiana, identified only as Turnera spp., increased copulatory ability
in impotent rats (YAR). Lyophilized infusion of aerial parts tested in
trinitrobenzenesulphonic (TNBS) acid model of rat colitis, showed pretreatment
at 250 and 500 mg/kg significantly attenuated induced colonic damage
(X16876965). In one study, hydroethanolic leaf extract exhibited greater antioxidant
activity (77.4% +/– 0%) than alpha-tocopherol (58.4% +/– 3.7%) (X16226027). Aqueous
fraction of aerial parts significantly reduced the formation of gastric and
duodenal mucosa lesions (X11995930). Hydroalcoholic extracts of the aerial
parts inhibited carrageenan- induced edema (rat/mice), and cotton pellet
granuloma and the increase of vascular permeability. Compared to NSAIDs, the
hydroalcoholic or ethanolic fraction did not potentiate gastric mucosal lesions
induced by aspirin, but inhibited the appearance of gastric lesions induced by
indomethacin, ethanol and pylorus ligature, but not those induced by stress (X9705013).
REFERENCE
Duke, J A., with Mary Jo Bogenschutz-Godwin; Andrea R. Ottesen. 2009. Duke’s
Handbook of MEDICINAL PLANTS OF LATIN
AMERICA. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group. Boca Raton, FL
33487 2742
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