# Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/damiana
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** South American
**Also Known As:** Turnera diffusa, Mexican damiana, Old woman's broom, Hierba del venado, Pastorcita, Mizibcoc, Turnera

## Overview

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a Central American shrub whose flavonoids — notably pinocembrin and acacetin — inhibit aromatase activity, the enzyme responsible for converting androgens into estrogens. These compounds also exhibit cytotoxic effects against cancer cell lines in laboratory settings, though human clinical evidence remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• Anti-aromatase activity demonstrated in vitro through compounds like pinocembrin and acacetin, potentially affecting estrogen synthesis (preliminary evidence only)
• Cytotoxic effects against multiple myeloma cell lines (NCI-H929, U266, MM1S) shown in laboratory studies with flavonoid-rich fractions (in vitro evidence only)
• Traditional use as an aphrodisiac and stomach tonic, though no clinical trials validate these claims
• Estrogenic activity demonstrated in vitro by compounds like apigenin 7-glucoside at EC50 10 μM (laboratory evidence only)
• Traditional use for general vitality enhancement, lacking modern clinical validation

## Mechanism of Action

Pinocembrin and acacetin, flavonoids isolated from Turnera diffusa, competitively inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme aromatase (CYP19A1), thereby reducing the peripheral conversion of androgens such as androstenedione into estrogens. The flavonoid-rich fraction of damiana has also demonstrated cytotoxic activity against multiple myeloma cell lines (NCI-H929, U266, MM1S), likely through induction of apoptotic pathways, though the precise intracellular targets have not been fully characterized. Additional compounds including gonzalitosin I and damianin may contribute to the herb's reported [adaptogen](/ingredients/condition/stress)ic and mild CNS-modulating effects via unclear receptor interactions.

## Clinical Summary

The bulk of evidence supporting damiana's bioactivity comes from in vitro studies, including cell-free aromatase inhibition assays and cytotoxicity screens against human multiple myeloma cell lines, with no controlled human trials confirming these endpoints. One small pilot study examined a proprietary blend containing damiana alongside other herbs for female sexual dysfunction, reporting modest improvements in arousal, but the multi-ingredient formula prevents attribution of effects to damiana alone. Animal studies in rodent models have shown some aphrodisiac-like behavioral effects, but these have not been replicated in adequately powered human randomized controlled trials. Overall, the current evidence base is preliminary and insufficient to make efficacy claims for any specific human health outcome.

## Nutritional Profile

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a low-calorie botanical herb used primarily for its bioactive phytochemicals rather than macronutrient content. Macronutrient data is limited, but dried leaf preparations contain approximately 10-15% total carbohydrates, 5-10% crude fiber, and 8-12% crude protein by dry weight, with minimal fat content (~2-4%). Key bioactive compounds include: flavonoids — acacetin (4',5,7-trimethoxyflavone, ~0.1-0.5% dry weight), pinocembrin, and luteolin; arbutin (a hydroquinone glycoside, ~0.7% dry weight), which also occurs in bearberry; gonzalitosin I (a flavone glycoside); essential oil fraction (~0.5-1.0% dry weight) comprising thymol, α- and β-pinene, p-cymene, and 1,8-cineole; tannins (~3-5% dry weight); resins (~6-7% dry weight); and the bitter glycoside tetraphyllin B (a cyanogenic glycoside, present in trace amounts, raising safety considerations at high doses). Caffeine content is negligible to absent, distinguishing it from yerba mate. Minerals documented include small amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, though quantified values are sparse in the literature. Fat-soluble compounds including the flavonoids may have limited bioavailability in aqueous preparations; alcohol-based tinctures are reported to extract flavonoid and resin fractions more efficiently than water infusions. Volatile oil constituents are best preserved in whole dried leaf or low-heat preparations.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for damiana in any form, as human trials are absent from the scientific literature. Traditional preparations include tea from dried leaves or alcohol extracts, but specific doses lack clinical validation. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Damiana is generally considered well-tolerated at typical herbal doses (2–4 g dried leaf or equivalent extract), with few serious adverse events reported in the literature. Due to its aromatase-inhibiting flavonoids, damiana may theoretically interact with hormone-sensitive conditions or medications including estrogen therapy, aromatase inhibitors used in oncology (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole), and tamoxifen, potentially producing additive or antagonistic effects. It may also have mild hypoglycemic properties, warranting caution in individuals taking insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs. Damiana is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to insufficient safety data, and its historical use as an abortifacient in folk medicine raises additional concern for pregnant individuals.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Turnera diffusa were identified in the research. Available evidence is limited to in vitro studies examining anti-aromatase activity and cytotoxic effects against myeloma cell lines, with no human studies or PMIDs available.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Damiana has been used in Mexican and Global Traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac, stomach tonic, and for general vitality, with historical records spanning indigenous practices in Central America for centuries. Leaves were traditionally consumed as tea or smoked by indigenous peoples.

## Synergistic Combinations

Maca root, Tribulus terrestris, Muira puama, Ginseng, Rhodiola

## Known Interactions

| Substance | Severity | Summary | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muira Puama | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Muira Puama can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/muira-puama |
| Horny Goat Weed | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Horny Goat Weed can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/horny-goat-weed |
| Yohimbe | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Yohimbe can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/yohimbe |
| Dexamethasone | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Dexamethasone can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/dexamethasone |
| Fludrocortisone | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Fludrocortisone can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/fludrocortisone |
| Cabergoline | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Cabergoline can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/cabergoline |
| Bromocriptine | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Bromocriptine can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/bromocriptine |
| Octreotide | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Octreotide can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/octreotide |
| Letrozole | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Letrozole can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/letrozole |
| Anastrozole | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Anastrozole can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/anastrozole |
| Raloxifene | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Raloxifene can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/raloxifene |
| Fluticasone | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Fluticasone can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/fluticasone |
| Tiotropium | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Tiotropium can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/tiotropium |
| Theophylline | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Theophylline can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/theophylline |
| Roflumilast | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Roflumilast can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/roflumilast |
| Benzonatate | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Benzonatate can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/benzonatate |
| Pau d'Arco | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Pau d'Arco can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/pau-darco |
| Andrographis | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Andrographis can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/andrographis |
| Goldenseal | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Goldenseal can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/goldenseal |
| Barberry | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Damiana and Barberry can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/barberry |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does damiana actually block estrogen production?

In vitro studies show that damiana flavonoids pinocembrin and acacetin inhibit aromatase (CYP19A1), the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen. However, these results come from cell-free and cell-culture experiments, and no human clinical trial has confirmed meaningful aromatase inhibition at standard supplemental doses.

### What is the standard damiana dosage for adults?

Traditionally, damiana is used at 2–4 grams of dried leaf per day, often prepared as a tea or encapsulated powder, with some standardized extracts dosed at 400–800 mg daily. No clinically validated dosing protocol exists because rigorous human dose-finding trials have not been conducted, so these figures are derived from historical herbalism and product conventions.

### Can damiana help with sexual function?

Damiana has a long folk-medicine history as an aphrodisiac in Mexico and Central America, and rodent studies show increased sexual behavior frequency at doses equivalent to roughly 80 mg/kg. The only human data comes from a multi-ingredient supplement trial (including ginkgo and arginine), which makes it impossible to isolate damiana's contribution to the reported improvements in female sexual satisfaction.

### Is damiana safe to take with hormone therapy or aromatase inhibitors?

Damiana's flavonoids — particularly acacetin and pinocembrin — have demonstrated aromatase-inhibiting activity in vitro, suggesting a potential pharmacodynamic interaction with pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole or letrozole used in breast cancer treatment. Co-administration could theoretically produce additive hormonal effects or interfere with drug efficacy; anyone on hormone-sensitive medications should consult an oncologist or pharmacist before using damiana.

### What compounds in damiana have anti-cancer properties?

A flavonoid-rich fraction of Turnera diffusa extract showed cytotoxic activity against three multiple myeloma cell lines — NCI-H929, U266, and MM1S — in laboratory studies, with acacetin being one identified active constituent. These findings are strictly preclinical; no clinical trials in cancer patients have been conducted, and damiana should not be considered a cancer treatment or adjunct therapy based on current evidence.

### Is damiana safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Damiana is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and its traditional use as a uterine stimulant, which could pose risks to fetal development or nursing infants. No clinical studies have specifically evaluated damiana's safety in these populations, so pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### Does damiana interact with antidepressants or psychiatric medications?

Limited evidence suggests damiana may have mild mood-supporting properties, but no documented interactions with SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or other psychiatric medications have been reported in clinical literature. However, individuals taking psychiatric medications should consult their healthcare provider before adding damiana, as effects on serotonin or other neurotransmitters cannot be completely ruled out.

### How strong is the clinical evidence for damiana's traditional uses compared to laboratory research?

Most damiana research is limited to in vitro (test-tube) studies and traditional use reports, with very few human clinical trials available to support its efficacy for sexual function or digestive health. While laboratory studies show promising activity against certain cancer cell lines and potential anti-aromatase effects, these findings cannot be directly translated to human benefits without rigorous clinical confirmation.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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