Catuaba

Related Terms

Alkaloids, alkenyl-gamma-lactone, alkyl-gamma-lactones, Anemopaegma arvense, Anemopaegma arvense (Vell.) Stellfeld ex de Souza, Anemopaegma mirandum, angelim-rosa, beta-sitosterol, Bignoniaceae (family), campesterol, caramuru, catagu?, catigua, catigu?, catiguanin A, catiguanin B, catuaba casca, catuabine A, catuabine B, catuabine C, catuabine D, chuchuhuasha, cinchonain Ia, cinchonain Ib, cinchonain Ic, cinchonain Id, epicatechins, Erythroxylaceae (family), Erythroxylum catuaba, Erythroxylum catuaba Arr. Cam., Erythroxylum vacciniifolium, Erythroxylum vacciniifolium Martius, flavan-3-ol type phenylpropanoids, flavialignan, flavonoids, golden trumpet, kandelin A1, omega-phenyl alkanes, omega-phenyl alkanoic acids, omega-phenyl-gamma-lactones, pau de resposta, piratancara, rutin, stigmasterol, tatuaba catagua, Trichilia catigua, Trichilia catigua Adr. Juss., triol alkaloids, tropane alkaloid N-oxide, tropane alkaloids, tropane-1,3-diol, tropanediol.
Combination product examples: Catuama? (extracts from Trichilia catigua (catuaba), Paullinia cupana, Ptychopetalum olacoides, and Zingiber officinale); SlimpleT (achiote leaf, Cassia nomame, chuchuhuasi, citrus bioflavonoids, CocaBlastT, glycomacropeptide (GMP), green tea, guggulsterones, lotus leaf extract); Nerviton? (Anemopaegma mirandum (catuaba), Cola nitida (noz de cola), Passiflora alata (maracuja), Paullinia cupana (guarana), Ptychopetalum olacoides (marapuama), and thiamine chlorhydrate).
Note: Other extracts called catuaba may be prepared from the bark of trees from the Ilex, Micropholis, Phyllanthus, Secondatia, or Tetragastris genera, and from species from the Myrtaceae (family). Since primary literature on a catuaba extract from these plants was not available, they are not included in this monograph.

Background

Catuaba is a term used to describe teas made from the bark of types of Brazilian trees. These trees include Anemopaegma arvense, Anemopaegma mirandum, Erythroxylum vacciniifolium, and Trichilia catigua. Trichilia catigua is a small tree with clusters of yellow flowers.
Catuaba has been used in Brazilian folk medicine as an aphrodisiac or an adaptogen (which protects the body from environmental factors). Catuaba may also improve the nervous system, heart and vein function, and memory. It may also increase energy and reduce anxiety or tiredness. Finally, catuaba may treat sexual dysfunction or cancer.
The Brazilian herbal medicine Catuama?, a combination of extracts from a species of catuaba, guarana, muira puama, and ginger, has been used. However, at this time evidence that supports the use of catuaba for any condition is lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Doses of catuaba are based on traditional uses, expert opinion, and reports in which scientific evidence is lacking. Human trials that show safe or effective doses are lacking.
To promote sex drive, 1-3 cups of a tea made from the bark of the catuaba tree have been taken by mouth daily for a few days or weeks. Doses of 2-3 milliliters of an alcohol tincture of catuaba have been taken by mouth with breakfast and lunch. Capsules containing 450-1,000 milligrams of catuaba have been taken by mouth. Doses containing 1-2 grams of catuaba have been taken by mouth daily.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Catuaba may interact with antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidepressants (especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)), anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral agents, cardiovascular agents (agents that affect the heart), erectile dysfunction agents, and squalene.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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