turnera diffusa leaf

Turnera diffusa leaf, commonly known as Damiana, is the dried or fresh foliage of Turnera diffusa, a wild shrub native to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. Traditionally used in herbal medicine and as a dietary supplement, Damiana has been employed for its purported aphrodisiac effects and to address conditions such as headache, depression, nervous stomach, constipation, bedwetting, menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), anxiety, diabetes management support and weight loss. The plant contains various bioactive compounds including flavonoids (such as apigenin), arbutin, tannins and cyanogenic glycosides. While some of these constituents may have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially improve stomach health or reduce ulcers by unknown mechanisms of action on gastrointestinal tissues or neurotransmitter systems[1][2][7], there is insufficient clinical evidence supporting any specific therapeutic benefit. Turnera diffusa is not an approved pharmaceutical drug but is available in over-the-counter products marketed primarily as herbal supplements[3][5]. No standardization exists for preparations; safety data are limited.

Other names

damianaherba de la pastoramexican damianaold woman's broomrosemary