Damiana is said to be harmless and, when smoked, gives a mild euphoria. There are claims but little scientific validation that Damiana is effective for depression, calming anxiety, and even boosting one's sex drive.
My experiments with it are inconclusive. There is some effect but mild is too mild a word to describe the effect. It does do a little something, tho.
The specific consequence comes from small amounts of chemical compounds called cyanogenetic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide. That may well be the same compound they once used in the San Quentin gas chamber to execute criminals.
Since I remain undeceased, we can conclude there isn't much released but the next question is whether the effect is cumulative.
The body has several mechanisms to effectively detoxify cyanide. The majority of cyanide reacts with thiosulfate to produce thiocyanate in reactions catalyzed by sulfur tranferase enzymes such as rhodanese. The thiocyanate is then excreted in the urine over a period of days. Although thiocyanate is approximately seven times less toxic than cyanide, increased thiocyanate concentrations in the body resulting from chronic cyanide exposure can adversely affect the thyroid. (International Cyanide Management Code)
My experiments with it are inconclusive. There is some effect but mild is too mild a word to describe the effect. It does do a little something, tho.
The specific consequence comes from small amounts of chemical compounds called cyanogenetic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide. That may well be the same compound they once used in the San Quentin gas chamber to execute criminals.
Since I remain undeceased, we can conclude there isn't much released but the next question is whether the effect is cumulative.
The body has several mechanisms to effectively detoxify cyanide. The majority of cyanide reacts with thiosulfate to produce thiocyanate in reactions catalyzed by sulfur tranferase enzymes such as rhodanese. The thiocyanate is then excreted in the urine over a period of days. Although thiocyanate is approximately seven times less toxic than cyanide, increased thiocyanate concentrations in the body resulting from chronic cyanide exposure can adversely affect the thyroid. (International Cyanide Management Code)
In plain English, if I smoke Damiana at the rate I smoke reefer, I'm a dead man. The cyanide won't get out of the body fast enough and the effect will accumulate.
Hate to spoil the fun with facts but you need to know before getting deep into stuff like this. My take is that Damiana used at any more than the level of a periodic novelty is specifically toxic and could potentially be lethal if you smoke enough of it. That seems like a lot but it's a stupid bet as any level of toxicity is killing something even if it doesn't go for the big prize and stop your heart.
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