In herbal medicine catuaba has long been used as a natural remedy especially in traditional Brazilian medicine where it’s popularity is that of being an aphrodisiac plant. Catuaba is usually sourced from the bark of a tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Known under other names such as Caramuru, Golden Trumpet, Chuchuhuasha, Erythroxylum catuaba, Pau De Reposta, Piratancara, and Tatuaba, it is found to offer a diversity of health benefits.
Classified as a stimulant, catuaba is closely related to the coca plant. However, there is no worry because it doesn’t have any of the alkaloids normally found in cocaine. Currently, herbalists as well as some health practitioners use catuaba in the same manner as the native Brazilians. It was Brazil’s native Tupi tribe that discovered drinking tea made from catuaba could create erotic dreams and boost libido. The primary reason for this is most likely because it boosts the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine, which can also make sex feel more enjoyable. As such, catuaba is now one of the most famous Amazonian aphrodisiac plants in the world and is found in many male enhancement formulas.
Current Uses for Catuaba Bark
Catuaba is usually advertised and used as a natural remedy for the following health conditions.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Improves memory
- Controls nervousness
- Boots mood
- Promote weight loss
- Enhance libido
- Improve sexual performance
Health Benefits of Catuaba
Depression
According to a study published in the journal Psychopharmacology in 2005, catuaba may have the ability to act as an antidepressant. Researchers found that, in tests on rats and mice, catuaba may combat depression in part by increasing the release of serotonin and melatonin which are two brain chemicals involved in healthy mood regulation.
Brain Health
A study done with rats and published in Neurochemical Research in 2012 concluded that catuaba may help in ischemia prevention. Ishemia, which is closely associated with stroke, is a health condition marked by insufficient blood flow to the brain. In other experiments, brain tissue samples taken from rats indicated that antioxidants found in catuaba may actually help prevent ischemia by reducing oxidative stress.
Catuaba is neuroprotective and reduces brain damage. For example, catuaba can reduce oxidative stress (models with H2O2, SNP, and 3-NPA) in the hippocampus and prevent hippocampal cells from improperly dying. R
Catuaba, by reducing oxidative stress, has potential in several neurodegenerative concerns:
- Alzheimer’s Disease R
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) R
- Huntington’s Disease R
- Ischemia-reperfusion R R
- Parkinson’s Disease R
Antibacterial – Antiviral – Antifungal and Antiparasitic Properties
Catuaba is said to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, so it is no wonder that it is being studied as a rising preventative treatment for HIV infection. Additionally, cantauba is being used as a central nervous system stimulant for insomnia related to hypertension.
Catuabines exhibit antibacterial properties against the following:
- Bacillus cereus R
- Bacillus subtilis R
- Enterococcus faecalis R
- Escherichia coli R R
- Micrococcus luteus R
- Mycobacterium smegmatis R
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa R
- Staphylococcus aureus R R R
Catuaba exhibits antifungal properties against Candida albicans.R
Catuaba exhibits antiviral properties against:
Catuaba exhibits antiparasitic properties against Trypomastigotes. R
Parkinson’s Disease
A study published in the 2008 journal Brain Research shows that catuaba may be of use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Tests done on human cells showed that catuaba may help fight Parkinson’s by protecting against the degeneration of certain nerve cells. Anemopaegma mirandum is also called Catuaba and has shown in models of Parkinson’s Disease to protect mitochondria cells in the brain against Rotenone. R
Improves Diabetes And Metabolism
Catuaba may be beneficial for those with diabetes. R
In rodent studies, catuaba can reverse Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced body mass loss and reduced food and water intake. R
It can also improve hyperglycemia and other metabolic biomarkers, such as Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST). R
Catuaba has also shown to regenerate the pancreas by increasing the number of pancreatic β-cells and the size of β-cell islets. R
Healthy Libido
As I noted above catuaba supports a healthy libido. Catuaba bark contains three specific alkaloids that is believed to support a healthy libido.
Research associated with animal models shows that catuaba bark may boost erectile strength by widening blood vessels which allows more blood to flow to the penis. Because it increases the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine, catuaba can help to make sex more enjoyable. Catuaba may even have some neurological benefits due to its antioxidant content. It’s been observed to increase the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine, which makes sex more pleasurable.
How to use Catuaba Bark
Catuaba bark can be found at many local supermarkets, drug stores, vitamin stores as well as the internet. It can be found in the form of pills, powders, and liquid extracts. I would highly suggest using only organic catuaba from a high quality source. Catuaba is usually prepared from the bark of Erythroxylum vacciniifolium and Trichilia catigua, two trees that provide about the same benefits. It’s a good idea to make sure at least one of these names is included on the label of the catuaba supplement you purchase.
Catuaba Safety
For some people, catuaba may trigger side effects which include headache, dizziness, and excessive sweating. Always consult a knowledgeable health care provider for information about possible interactions or adverse effects.
Females should not take catuaba as it may have anti-fertility effects (in rodent studies). This does not affect male fertility. R
In Summary
Catuaba bark can offer many health benefits. Some are supported by studies other benefits are anecdotal handed-down by tradition. In the western world it is seemingly becoming more and more popular because of catuaba’s sexual enhancement abilities. Time and more solid research is definitely needed and hopefully will eventually confirm some of the more extensive health benefits of catuaba.
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
Jean Paul Kamdemae, Elekofehinti Olusola Olalekan, WaseemHassan, Ige Joseph Kadec, Ogunbolude Yetunde, Aline Augusti Boligond, Margareth Linde Athayded, Diogo Onofre Souza, João Batista Teixeira Rocha Trichilia catigua (Catuaba) bark extract exerts neuroprotection against oxidative stress induced by different neurotoxic agents in rat hippocampal slices. Accepted 12 July 2013.
Jacqueline Godinho, Rúbia Maria Weffortde Oliveira, Anacharis Babetode Sa-Nakanishi, Cristiano CorreiaBacarin, Claudia Hitomi Huzita, Renata Longhini, João Carlos P.Mello, Celso VataruNakamura, Isolde Santos Previdelli, Matheus Henrique Dal Molin Ribeiro, Humberto Milani. Ethyl-acetate fraction of Trichilia catigua restores long-term retrograde memory and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation after global cerebral ischemia in rats. Behavioural Brain Research.Volume 337, 30 January 2018, Pages 173-182.
Antunes E, Gordo WM, de Oliveira JF, Teixeira CE, Hyslop S, De Nucci G. The relaxation of isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum by the herbal medicine Catuama and its constituents. Phytother Res. 2001 Aug;15(5):416-21.
Kamdem JP, Waczuk EP, Kade IJ, Wagner C, Boligon AA, Athayde ML, Souza DO, Rocha JB. Catuaba (Trichilia catigua) prevents against oxidative damage induced by in vitro ischemia-reperfusion in rat hippocampal slices. Neurochem Res. 2012 Dec;37(12):2826-35. doi: 10.1007/s11064-012-0876-0. Epub 2012 Sep 22.
Campos MM, Fernandes ES, Ferreira J, Santos AR, Calixto JB. Antidepressant-like effects of Trichilia catigua (Catuaba) extract: evidence for dopaminergic-mediated mechanisms. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2005 Oct;182(1):45-53. Epub 2005 Sep 29.
The 16+ Benefits Of Catuaba (Trichilia Catigua And Other Catuabas)
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
