Turnera diffusa. variety aphrodisiaca, and other species Damiana   Family: Turneraceae      
PART USED: Leaves. Stem.
TASTE: Bitter, with a fig like flavor. ODOR: Aromatic.
ACTIONS
GROUP: The Endocrine and Reproductive Systems- Reproductive System Tonics
1. Reproductive tonic.
2. Bitter tonic. Tonic.[3] Nerve tonic.
3. Aphrodisiac.[1,3]
4. Thymoleptic.[1]
5. Antidepressant.[1,3]
6. Diuretic.
7. Purgative-mild.[1]
8. Stomachic.[1,3]
INDICATIONS
1. Sexual debility. Spermatorrhea. Testicular atrophy. Bladder catarrh. Incontinence/enuresis. Nephritis. Coital inadequacy.[1]
2. Nervous dyspepsia.[1] Depression.[1] Nervous debility.
3. Atonic constipation.[1]
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS: Anxiety neurosis with a predoinant sexual factor.[1]
COMBINATIONS
- Nerve diseases- use with Oats, Cola, Scutellaria and/or Hops.[1] 
PREPARATIONS   3X /day
Dried leaves  2-4 g,[1] or by infusion[1]  1:20.
Fluid extract (BPC1934) 1:1 in 60% alcohol 2-4 ml.[1,2,3]
Fluid extract 1:2 60%.[5]
Damiana extract (BPC1934) 0.3-0.6 g.[3]
Substitutions: Viable plant and seed material sold as T. diffusa from both private and commercial sources largely turns out to be misidentified Turnera ulmifolia ("False Damiana"), a closely related species. This widespread issue has been noted by the scientific community, and has created much confusion among both amateur and professional horticulturists alike. While T. ulmifolia is similar in appearance, its chemical constituents and ethnobotanical uses are distinctly different. Mature stems of T. diffusa are woody, with small, grayed green leaves 13 to 16 mm long, 4.5 to 5.5 mm wide, obtuse at the apex, and strongly aromatic when crushed. T. ulmifolia is differentiated by herbaceous stems, larger blue-green leaves that are strongly dentate with a pointed apex, and only weakly aromatic.

ORIGIN: Texas and Mexico. Sub-tropical America and Africa.
DESCRIPTION: Leaves; Wedge-shaped, about 1-2.5 cm long, up to 6 mm broad, shortly stalked, with a few serrate teeth and recurved margins.
References
Constituents
Research
The leaves are reportedly antidepressant.[1]
References
[1] Jin, J. (1966) Lloydia 29 (3), 250

The Australian TGA has banned the use of herbs which contain arbutin in 2018. This includes Bearberry and Damiana.
This situation originated back in 2010, when arbutin was added to the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP), as an S4 poison. However, only in May 2018 was this followed up with a website update specifying the legal requirements affecting herbs.
The allowable level of arbutin is set at a low 10 parts per million (ppm.) Uva ursi, in comparison, is about six per cent arbutin, equivalent to 6,000 ppm, six hundred times higher than the allowable threshold. As a herb, it is widely used for tackling urinary tract infections.
No consumer has reported being harmed by arbutin. In addition to the loss of access to at least one of these herbs, some other concerns have been raised surrounding the process. Harm from consuming substances with arbutin is only theoretical. However, it has been labelled as potentually harmful because of its relationship to the chemical hydroquinone.
No consumers have complained about being harmed by herbs as a result of their arbutin content. Uva ursi has been classed as safe in the EU, to give an example. As a result of these decisions, Australia will become the only jurisdiction globally where it is prohibited.
The heavy-handed aspect of this decision has been acknowledged by the TGA’s Poisons Scheduling Committee, which is sympathetic to the damaging effects of decisions. Other issues include the relatively short notice given, and the potential setting of a precedent, where such a scenario could be repeated again, with further herbs removed.
For the decision to reversed, arbutin would have to be removed or downscheduled by the Poisons Scheduling Committee, and any lobbying would need to be tailored to this outcome. Some practitioner peak bodies are working behind the scenes for a better outcome.
For more info: NHAA factsheet, Complementary Medicine Australia
Sign and share the petition at: change.org

Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted males.
Estrada-Reyes R, Ortiz-López P, Gutiérrez-Ortíz J, Martínez-Mota L.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
In folk medicine, Turnera diffusa Wild (Turnera diffusa, Turneraceae) is considered as an aphrodisiac, but its ability to restore copulation in sexually inhibited subjects has not been reported.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
To determine whether Turnera diffusa recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted (SExh) male rats and to identify the main components in an aqueous extract.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
SExh males were treated with Turnera diffusa, 20-80 mg/kg, yohimbine, 2 mg/kg, or vehicle.
RESULTS:
Yohimbine and Turnera diffusa (80 mg/kg) significantly increased the percentage of males achieving one ejaculatory series and resuming a second one. In addition, Turnera diffusa significantly reduced the post-ejaculatory interval. These effects were not associated to an increase in locomotor activity or anxiety-like behaviors. The HPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of caffeine, arbutine, and flavonoids as the main compounds in the active extract.
CONCLUSION:
The results support the use of Turnera diffusa as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine and suggest possible therapeutic properties of Turnera diffusa on sexual dysfunction. The flavonoids present in active extract may participate in its pro-sexual effect, which is analogous to those produced by yohimbine, suggesting a shared mechanism of action.
PMID: 19501274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.032  J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jun 25;123(3):423-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.032. Epub 2009 Mar 31.  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stimulating property of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts on the sexual-behavior of male rats.
Arletti R, Benelli A, Cavazzuti E, Scarpetta G, Bertolini A.
Abstract
Sexually potent and sexually sluggish/impotent male rats were treated orally with different amounts of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata fluid extracts (0.25, 0.50, 1.0 ml/kg). While having no effect on the copulatory behavior of sexually potent rats, both plant extracts--singly or in combination--improved the copulatory performance of sexually sluggish/impotent rats. The highest dose of either extract (1 ml/kg) (as well as the combination of 0.5 ml/kg of each extract) increased the percentage of rats achieving ejaculation and significantly reduced mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies, post-ejaculatory interval and intercopulatory interval. Neither extract affected locomotor activity. These results seem to support the folk reputation of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata as sexual stimulants.
PMID: 10227074  Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1999 Mar;143(1):15-9. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa).
Zhao J, Dasmahapatra AK, Khan SI, Khan IA.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd. Ex Schult) has traditionally been used as an herbal aphrodisiac.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
The study was aimed to investigate the anti-aromatse activity and the estrogenic activity of the constituents isolated from Turnera diffusa.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The methanolic extract and 24 compounds isolated from the leaves of Turnera diffusa were evaluated for aromatase activity by using a tritiated-water release assay and for estrogenic activity by using yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay.
RESULTS:
The methanolic extract demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory activity of the aromatase enzyme with the IC(50) value of 63.1 microg/ml. Among the 24 tested compounds, pinocembrin and acacetin showed the most potent inhibition with IC(50) values of 10.8 and 18.7 microM, respectively. Estrogenic activity was also observed in the extract and three compounds including apigenin 7-glucoside, Z-echinacin and pinocembrin with EC(50) values of 10, 20 and 67 microuM, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS:
The extract of Turnera diffusa and two isolated compounds pinocembrin and acacetin could significantly suppress aromatase activity. Moreover, apigenin 7-glucoside, Z-echinacin and pinocembrin showed estrogenic activity.
PMID: 18948180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.09.016  J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Dec 8;120(3):387-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.09.016. Epub 2008 Sep 26. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cytotoxic activity of the methanolic extract of Turnera diffusa Willd on breast cancer cells.
Avelino-Flores Mdel C, Cruz-López Mdel C, Jiménez-Montejo FE, Reyes-Leyva J.
Abstract
Turnera diffusa Willd, commonly known as Damiana, is employed in traditional medicine as a stimulant, aphrodisiac, and diuretic. Its leaves and stems are used for flavoring and infusion. Damiana is considered to be safe for medicinal use by the FDA. Pharmacological studies have established the hypoglycemic, antiaromatase, prosexual, estrogenic, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity of T. diffusa. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible cytotoxic effect of extracts and organic fractions of this plant on five tumor cell lines (SiHa, C-33, Hep G2, MDA-MB-231, and T-47D) and normal human fibroblasts. The results show that the methanolic extract (TdM) displayed greater activity on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (with an IC50 of 30.67?µg/mL) than on the other cancer cell lines. Four organic fractions of this extract exhibited activity on this cancer cell line. In the most active fraction (F4), two active compounds were isolated, arbutin (1) and apigenin (2). This is the first report of a cytotoxic effect by T. diffusa on cancer cells. The IC50 values suggest that the methanolic extract of T. diffusa has potential as an anticancer therapy.
PMID: 25299247 PMCID: PMC4350145 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2013.0055  J Med Food. 2015 Mar;18(3):299-305. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2013.0055. Epub 2014 Oct 9. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pro-sexual effects of Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) in male rats involves the nitric oxide pathway.
Estrada-Reyes R1, Carro-Juárez M, Martínez-Mota L.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Turnera diffusa Wild has been used in folk medicine by its aphrodisiac and tranquilizing properties. Previously we experimentally showed the aphrodisiac effect of a chemically characterized aqueous extract of Turnera diffusa in male rats. However, the mechanism of action underlying such effects has not been studied.
STUDY AIMS:
As part of our systematic studies of pharmacological properties of Turnera diffusa, we aimed to analyze whether the increased sexual motivation and the augmented sexual performance of sexually sluggish (SL) male rats treated with Turnera diffusa involves the NO pathway. Additionally we analyzed whether such effects were exerted at the level of the brain or the spinal cord. Finally, anxiety levels and ambulatory activity were also evaluated.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
Turnera diffusa (10-40 mg/kg) and sildenafil citrate (10 mg/kg) with or without a nonspecific inhibitor of NO synthase, N?-nitro-L-arginine methyl esther (L-NAME, 12.5 mg/kg) were evaluated in SL rats, in a standard sexual behavior test and in the fictive ejaculation model in spinal cord transected and urethane-anaesthetized SL rats. Anxiety levels or ambulation were assessed in the burying behavior and open-field tests.
RESULTS:
Turnera diffusa and sildenafil (both at 10 mg/kg) facilitated expression of male sexual behavior by shortening mainly ejaculation latency. Treatments also facilitated the number of discharges in the ejaculatory motor pattern as well as the number of ejaculatory motor patterns and its associated penile erections. L-NAME prevented the pro-sexual effects of treatments on both experimental models. Besides, the extract of Turnera diffusa (10 mg/kg) produced an anxiolytic-like effect in male rats without affecting ambulation.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings from the present work support the notion that pro-sexual effect of the aqueous extract of Turnera diffusa in rats involves the participation of NO pathway, mainly at central level. The anxiolytic-like effect of Turnera diffusa is an advantage to its use for improving sexual performance.
PMID: 23298455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.025 J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Mar 7;146(1):164-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.025. Epub 2013 Jan 5. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Apigenin: The Anxiolytic Constituent of Turnera aphrodisiaca.
Suresh Kumar & Anupam Sharma
Abstract
Turnera aphrodisiaca. Ward (Turneraceae) has been traditionally used for the treatment of anxiety neurosis and as aphrodisiac, but no attempts have been made to investigate the plant systematically for its traditional claims. The current investigation was carried out ot isolate the bioactive constituent(s) from T. aphrodisiaca. using bioactivity-guided fractionation. Antianxiety activity-guided fractionation of methanol extract of the plant led to isolation of 5,7,4' -trihydroxy flavone apigenin. Its structure was elucidated by UV and NMR data. Apigenin exhibited significant anxiolytic activity at a dose of 2 mg/kg, p.o., in mice using elevated plus maze model of anxiety. It is concluded that apigenin is responsible for anxiolytic effects of this traditionally used plant.
Pages 84-90 | Accepted 01 Dec 2005, Published online: 07 Oct 2008
Download citation https://doi.org/10.1080/13880200600591758 tandfonline.com

Acute Hypoglycemic and Antidiabetic Effect of Teuhetenone A Isolated from Turnera diffusa
Aída Parra-Naranjo,, Cecilia Delgado-Montemayor, Alejandra Fraga-López, Gabriela Castañeda-Corral, Ricardo Salazar-Aranda, Juan José Acevedo-Fernández and Noemi Waksman,
* Correspondence: nwaksman@gmail.com; Tel.: +52-8183294185
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic degenerative disease that causes long-term complications and represents a serious public health problem. Turnera diffusa (damiana) is a shrub that grows throughout Mexico and is traditionally used for many illnesses including diabetes. Although a large number of plant metabolites are known, there are no reports indicating which of these are responsible for this activity, and this identification was the objective of the present work. Through bioassay-guided fractionation of a methanolic extract obtained from the aerial part of T. diffusa, teuhetenone A was isolated and identified as the main metabolite responsible for the plant’s hypoglycemic activity. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity of this metabolite were determined. Hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activities were evaluated in a murine model of diabetes in vivo, by monitoring glucose levels for six hours and comparing them with levels after administering various controls. Teuhetenone A was not cytotoxic at the tested concentrations, and did not show inhibitory activity in the glucosidase test, and the in vivo assays showed a gradual reduction in glucose levels in normoglycemic and diabetic mice. Considering these results, we suggest that teuhetenone A has potential as an antidiabetic compound, which could be further submitted to preclinical assays.
MDPI Published: 8 April 2017 pdfs.semanticscholar.org