Muira Puama

Muira Puama

Potential efficacity for hair loss : ⭐⭐⭐

My recommendation

If you're dealing with hair loss caused by stress, anxiety, or depression, I'd suggest considering the addition of muira puama to your list of dietary supplements. It's a potent antioxidant known for its positive impact on cognitive function.

However, for those facing other forms of alopecia, it may not offer a significant solution.

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Muira Puama is derived from a gray-trunked tree native to the Amazon rainforests and has been used for generations by Amazonian indigenous communities. It is a relatively costly product and obtaining it in high concentrations can be challenging due to the rarity of the tree from which it is extracted.

Typically, people turn to this plant to address sexual issues, as it is believed to enhance libido, a traditional use also practiced by indigenous Amazonian tribes. Muira Puama can also be utilized for various conditions such as menstrual disorders, joint pain, and as a general tonic and appetite stimulant.

In the context of alopecia, Muira Puama is not well-recognized. You’re unlikely to find it included in the ingredients of hair supplements, shampoos, or elixirs.

Does it work for hair loss?

Muira Puama might offer some advantages in dealing with hair loss. Although quite uncommon, you can come across elixirs containing this plant for alopecia treatment.

Based on my research, Muira Puama could potentially address hair loss in the following manner:

Muira Puama’s potential to reduce xxidative stress and enhance cognitive functions

One contributing factor to hair loss is oxidative stress, a condition that occurs when free radicals outnumber the antioxidants in the body. Excessive free radical formation can result from various factors such as stress, poor dietary habits, or exposure to environmental pollutants.

Oxidative stress can lead to significant health problems, including hair loss, inflammation, premature aging, heart disease, and certain types of cancer (source).

Several studies have demonstrated that individuals with alopecia exhibit elevated levels of oxidation and inflammation in their scalp.

In a study conducted on mice, it was discovered that Muira Puama’s antioxidants could penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reduce oxidative stress.

Another study examined the plant’s antioxidant effects, this time using isolated brain slices from rats. Muira Puama extract safeguarded brain cells from oxidative stress induced by insufficient glucose and oxygen.

These antioxidant properties have the potential to diminish excessive oxidative stress within hair follicles, thus mitigating one of the factors contributing to hair loss.

Muira Puama’s potential to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression

Stress and its various forms can significantly worsen hair loss, and sometimes, they can even be the primary triggers for alopecia. They are known to initiate chronic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.

In a study involving mice, Muira Puama extract effectively treated stress-induced depression, demonstrating results comparable to the antidepressant imipramine. The study also found that Muira Puama reduced anxiety.

Another study conducted on mice showed that Muira Puama could lower cortisol levels and reduce excess blood glucose induced by stress.

While these studies were conducted in mice, they suggest that Muira Puama extract boasts potent antioxidant properties, with these antioxidants being effective in the brain.

It’s worth noting that Muira Puama has historically been utilized as an aphrodisiac to enhance sexual functions in both men and women (source)(source)(source). Stress, anxiety, and depression are known to have adverse effects on sexuality, often leading to a reduced libido.

As a result, it’s reasonable to assume that Muira Puama’s aphrodisiac properties may be a consequence of its effectiveness in combating stress, anxiety, and depression.

Closing thoughts and verdict

Although the studies on Muira Puama’s antioxidant effects have been conducted on mice, it’s reasonable to speculate that this plant could have similar effects in humans. This assumption becomes even more plausible when considering the plant’s aphrodisiac effects, as stress is a known contributor to sexual disorders.

If you’re facing hair loss due to stress, anxiety, or depression, I suggest considering the inclusion of Muira Puama in your dietary supplement regimen.