Damiana - active compounds and therapeutic effects Damiana - active compounds and therapeutic effects
Abstract
Turnera diffusa, also known as damiana, is a small shrub from the family Passifloraceae originating from South and Middle America. In traditional medicine, it is used for treatment of many disorders and also as an aphrodisiac.
Damiana contains many bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, steroids, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins. In vitro studies and animal experiments have shown anxiolytic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, and cytotoxic properties and also some effects on reproductive system.
Only few clinical trials were still provided and a majority of biological activities is not yet confirmed in humans.