Muira puama is an Amazonian tree with a long history of use in South
American cultures. Also known as potency wood, muira puama bark is a key
ingredient in many restorative, energizing tonics. Although the herb is
often prepared as tea, certain compounds are more readily available when
the bark is tinctured in alcohol.
In terms of composition, muira puama contains several long-chain fatty
acids, plant sterols and a small amount of beta-sitosterol. The bark
also contains a compound called lupeol that appears to have several
pharmacological actions, including the inhibition of pro-inflammatory
chemicals called interleukins.
