Mucura
Mucura - also known as Petiveria alliacea, Anamu, Guinea Henweed, Guinea Hen Leaf, Garlic Weed, Gully Root, Tipi, Pipi, Apacin (Guatemala), Guine, Feuilles Ave, Herbe Aux Poules, Petevere a Odeur Ail, Mapurite, Apacin, Apacina, Apazote de zorro, Zorrillo, Aveterinaryte, Calauchin, Mucura Hembra, Sacha ajo, Chasser Vermine, Emeruaiuma, Hierba de las Gallinitas, Huevo de Gato, Kojo Root, Kuan, Kudjuruk, Lemtewei, Lemuru, Mal Pouri, Mapurit, Mapurite, Mocura, Mucura-caa, Mucuracáa, Ocano, Payche, Verbena hedionda, Verveine Puante
Mucura is Petiveria alliacea, a flowering herbaceous perennial shrub native to parts of the southern USA, Central America and tropical South America. The leaves and roots smell strongly like garlic. Mucura has been used in herbal medicine for a very wide variety of conditions including snake bite and poisoning, influenza, sexually transmitted diseases, cancer and as an abortifacient. [1] Some of the medicinal effects of Mucura have been studied by science and some encouraging conclusions have been found. [2]
Mucura should not be confused with Mucuna pruriens, a different plant.
Mucura, or Anamu, is one of the herbal ingredients often included in the alcoholic drink Mama Juana from the Dominican Republic - which is advertised as, and believed by many to be, an aphrodisiac. [3] However as the recipe for Mama Juana varies, it's not easy to say which ingredients are the sources of the claims.
Is Mucura an Aphrodisiac?
Most of the sources describing Mucura, or lists of the effects of Mucura extract, make no mention whatsoever of any aphrodisiac qualities ascribed to the plant. Such sources typically state that Iporuru, another plant, is an aphrodisiac; so it's not that they avoid discussing the topic in general.
Mucura - Petiveria alliacea
Leslie Taylor's 2005 book "Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs" mentions in passing that Mucura has been used as an aphrodisiac - however it is possible that this is a reference to the inclusion in Mama Juana. [4]
Conclusions:
It would seem, due to the general lack of literature, that Mucura is not commonly considered an aphrodisiac - although it has received occasional mention as such. I cannot find the original source of this, and many sources seem to capy the same data entry that states Mucura has been used "Elsewhere" in ethnic / herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. Very vague conclusions for Mucura!
Mucura is NOT listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce". [5]
Sources:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petiveria_alliacea
[2] http://www.amazonmedicine.com/Mucura-p-16165.html
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mama_Juana
[4] http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Power-Rainforest-Herbs-Understanding/dp/0757001440
[5] "Herbs of Commerce" (AHPA) (2000 edition) - Michael McGuffin, John T. Kartesz, Albert Y Leung, Arthur O. Tucker.
Suggested further reading - http://www.rain-tree.com/products/anamu-tech-report.htm
Note - the information on this website is not medical advice, is not a substitute for medical consultation, has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease. Please seek advice from a medical professional if you have symptoms, are concerned about your health, or before using supplements or aphrodisiac products.
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