(Turnera diffusa) INTRODUCTION :
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a small herb that is native to Northern Mexico. Its traditional use probably dates back to prehistoric times; the Indians employ beverages of this relaxant as an aphrodisiac and medicinally, but probably not for pleasure. Very often damiana is combined with other herbs (tabacco, hashish, orange blossom) to form sexual stimulating or psycho-active smoking blends. Other traditional additives are cola nuts (Cola nitida) and Strychnos nux-vomica seeds. EFFECTS :
This sexual stimulant produces a marihuana-like high, euphoria and mental stimulation. When taken orally (a beverage or an infusion) the effects are far from spectacular; the effects are much milder than when smoked. Autonomic changes: rise of blood pressure and muscle relaxation. DURATION :
When smoked, the effects last 1-1,5 hours. When taken as a beverage, the effects are much milder, but last longer. Dosage and preparation :
Damiana may be smoked in the form of joints, taken as a coldwater infusion or prepared as an alcoholic beverage. An effective dose consists of 4-20 grams of dried plant material (leaves and stems).
Sometimes damiana is combined with catnip (Nepeta cataria); a mild euphoric tea is prepared by combining both herbs in 50%/50% ratio and in doses of a few grams. Let the tea draw for 5 minutes.
A coldwater infusion may be prepared by soaking the plant material in water and filtrate the solution after 24 hours. A damiana brew may be prepared by boiling the plant material in water for one hour and then filtrate the solution.
A damiana liqueur (aphrodisiac): to 0.7 L. of alcohol (white rum or tequila) 10-20 grams of damiana, 2 grams of mace (Myristica fragrans), 0.5 grams galanga-rhizome and vanilla are added. Ingredients should be drawn for 3 weeks minimal. 
Figure: Dried damiana Botanical aspects :
T. diffusa (Damiana) belongs to Turneraceae and native to the area between South California and Argentina. T. diffusa has lancet-shaped leaves, yellow flowers and round fruits that contain 1-2 seeds. It usually grows 30 cm in height, but it may reach two meters. Turnera species can easily be interchanged due their similar appearance. This species can be reproduced through cuttings and through seeds. It requires a warm, humid environment.  Figure: T. diffusa
The fragrant foliage contains 0.2-0.9 % aromatic oil and 3.5 % tannins by dried weight. 4 The oil consists of approximately 20 compounds, of which one half are monoterpenes (a-, b pinen and thymol) and the other half sesquiterpenes (guaiane derivatives).
5-hydroxy-7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone and tetraphyllin B have been isolated from the aerial parts and caffeine from the stems. Pharmacology :
The psychoactive effects of the aromatic oil have been ascribed to very complex, not well understood psychological and pharmacological events, but the flavone derivative might be mainly responsible for the psychoactive effects. Although little is known about 5-hydroxy-7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone, it is quite possible that this flavonoid excerts its effects through similar mechanisms as closely related flavonoids that appear to be naturally occuring ligands (agonists) on benzodiazepine receptors and thus exhibit allosteric modulation of the GABA-receptor-proteins. For example, flavone itself and apigenine (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) exhibit anxiolytic activity, muscle relaxation (myorelaxation) and sedation.
It might be interesting to note the closely related 4'-glucuronide- and position 3-glucuronide quercetine derivatives appear to possess xanthine-oxidase-inhibiting properties at low molecular concentrations (xanthine-oxidase is involved in caffeine metabolism). 5 If this is also the case for the glucuronides of 5-hydroxy-7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone the traditional combination with Cola nitida might be founded on synergic interactions, but this has not yet been demonstrated.
An alcoholic extract of the plant material has anti-bacterial properties on Staphylococcus aureus and Baccilus subtili. Modifiers : - Activated charcoal counteracts the effects of the aromatic oil. - Milk quickens absorption of the lipophilic aromatic oil.
- Damiana (more specifically 5-hydroxy-7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone) might be synergic with caffeine. References :
1. [Forth/ Henschler/ Rummel/ Fostermann/ Starke, 2001]
2. [Fugh-Berman/ Cott, 1999]
3. [Gottlieb]
4. [Ratsch, 1998]
5. [Erlund]
6. [Wolfman/ Paladini/ Medina/ Levi de stein/ Calvo/ Diaz, 1999] Text by Wout. Copyright: Amazing Nature |
