Does Muira Puama Increase Testosterone Levels? Know Science!

Peter PaulsonByPeter Paulson Posted on
Does Muira Puama Increase Testosterone Levels Know Science!

Muira Puama is one of the lesser-heard names in the health and wellness segment. But, some people who have crossed paths with this while looking for natural testosterone boosters have been curious to know about it.

Originating from the Amazon Basin, Muira Puama claims to improve sexual functioning in men by heightening libido and overcoming erectile dysfunction. Since these functions are often associated with testosterone, some websites suggest there could be a positive effect of this herb on testosterone, but they lack concrete evidence. Now the question here is does it increase the levels?

We always focus on rigorous research and conforming to scientific evidence before sharing our opinions. After a detailed probe into the available scientific literature, here’s what we found.

Key Points To Note
  • The claims about Muira Puama influencing testosterone do not have any evidential support.
  • There is minimal literature on the effects of Muira Puama on erectile dysfunction.
  • Most of the writings affirming claims on boosting testosterone inaccurately reference data or connect to entirely unrelated studies.
  • No factual data has been found surrounding Muira Puama’s claims about increasing testosterone

How Did We Arrive At This Point

Most people these days look for natural ways to boost their testosterone levels and testosterone-boosting supplements unanimously claim to do so. No, we are not saying all of them do this for a marketing gimmick. Some genuinely good supplements effectively tackle low testosterone issues. However, it is natural for everyone to get intrigued by the way some supplements are marketed.

Today, modern-day formulas have begun to include new ingredients like Muira Puama. Since this herb does help improve libido and may overcome erectile dysfunction due to its erectogenic properties, it has been believed to also boost or maintain testosterone levels. However, the fact is, there is no evidence to prove so. The main concern is, then how Muira Puama has even come into the testosterone-boosting scene. The main reason behind this, as we found, is distorted communication leading to misinterpretation of the facts.

Muira Puama And Testosterone- Let’s Take A Closer Look

Muira Puama And Testosterone Let’s Take A Closer Look

Let’s analyze where all of this would have possibly come from. One of the clinical studies from 2020 shows that phytosterols, a type of plant compound found in plants like saw palmetto can improve prostate health and is effective in treating prostate cancer. The findings also suggested that it may help support androgenic (testosterone) deficiency since a rise in the serum-free testosterone levels in the test subjects was noted.

Meanwhile, another team of Brazil-based researchers carried out a chemical breakdown of Muira Puama (the plant whose origin is Amazonian regions) using high-grade spectrophotometric methods and they found sterols as one of its constituents. This is probably where people have started establishing a correlation between Muira Puama and testosterone levels by relating to the previously mentioned study.

However, that isn’t actually true. A clinical intervention on the safety aspects of prolonged supplementation of plant sterol esters for 52 weeks found that while it can reduce the levels of total cholesterol and LDL, there were no changes in testosterone levels in men. There was no change in the luteinizing hormone, or FSH as well which plays a key role in testosterone production and synthesis.

Further, digging into the scientific data led me to an elaborative review of the effect of various herbs on exercise performance. The study included Muira Puama because of its claim to mimic activities similar to testosterone. However, it did not have any effect on workout performance whatsoever.

There is yet another recent study on the effect of various herbs on sexual functioning in men. The list included some of the most potent ingredients like zinc, ginseng, L-arginine, Tongkat Ali, and some others including Muira Puama. The review states that the literature surrounding this herb is scarce and that further studies are required to come to a more definite conclusion about its impact on erectile functioning.

Conclusion

The bottom line is, that there is no scientific proof that Muira Puama can bring about any changes in testosterone levels in any way. While it may improve your sex drive, a handful of research has suggested that there could be a possible positive influence of this herb on male sexual functioning but the effects are more of a result of a combination of different herbs. This makes it hard to even come to a definitive conclusion on Muira Puama’s potential individually to improve erectile function.

Moreover, if you notice none of the testosterone-boosting supplements have made it a part of their formula because of a lack of concrete scientific evidence.

So if you are looking for natural remedies to boost testosterone, Muira Puama will do no good. Instead, you can take a look at the list of the best foods for improving testosterone here. As always, it is important to chalk out and follow a regular exercise routine in combination with foods and natural supplements.

Peter Paulson

Peter is an ardent advocate for wellness and physical fitness, maintaining an unwavering interest in fitness, supplements, and overall well-being for more than a decade. He is the founder of Advantageja, a prominent health and wellness brand. Peter has garnered multiple fitness certifications, including personal training and sports nutrition credentials. For the past few years, he has diligently served as a personal trainer, wholeheartedly committed to assisting clients in attaining their fitness aspirations and embracing healthier lifestyles.
With an unwavering dedication to sharing his expertise and passion, he enthusiastically strives to empower others by imparting knowledge and promoting well-being thorough his writings .