Originating of the Brazilian forests in particular of the areas of Rio Negro and Amazonia, the Muirapuama (PTYCHOPETALUM OLACOIDES) is a shrub of which the roots and the bark are used in traditional medicine of Brazil and Guyana. In French, Muira Puama means "bois de la puissance sexuelle" to not confuse with Richeria Grandis "bois bandé" which is of West-Indian origin. Muira Puama is used since centuries (in the form of extract, of bark and root) by the Indians of Amazonia like powerful nervous tonic, stimulant and aphrodisiac to treat the sexual dysfonction, tiredness and to fight against the stress. Today, in Brazil, Muira Puama is used in many pharmaceutical preparations.

Several scientists studied the chemical composition of the extract of bark and root of this shrub. They identified esters of fatty acids considered as beneficial for the eutonie of the genital apparatus and the central nervous system. The active ingredients of Muira Puama cause a peripheral action vasodilatatrice followed by a adrenergic action. The aphrodisiac effect consists of an increase in the sensitivity of the skin and genitals. Muira Puama improves the problems of weak sexual instincts and erection.