Catuaba, cataguá, catiguá, caramu, chuchuhuasha, pau de repostaru, piratançara, tatuaba, angelim-rosa,
Catuaba is the common name given to a variety of Amazonian trees where the barks are collected and used in Brazilian herbal medicine for sexual dysfunction and as libido enhancer. Erythroxylum vacciniifolium is the more common Catuaba tree. But other trees such as Trichilia catigua, the Juniperus brasiliensis, Eriotherca candolleana and Anemopaegma mirandum are also called Catuaba.
The common sources of more effective catuaga barks are the Erythroxylum vacciniifolium and the Trichilia catigua trees. While catuaga barks from Juniperus brasiliensis, Eriotherca candolleana and Anemopaegma mirandum and considered less potent.
The Erythroxylum vacciniifolium is commonly called the small Catuaba tree by Brazilian gatherers. It can only grow to about 2 to 4 meters in height and has yellow orange flowers bearing dark yellow to orange berry-like inedible fruits.
On the other hand, The Trichilia catigua which grows to over 8 meters tall is commonly called the big catuaba tree. Trichilia catigua has dark green oblong leaves, green to red small round clustered fruits and cream-colored flowers.
Active constituents that are found in Catuaba include the following: alkaloids, tannins, aromatic oils and fatty resins, phytosterols, cyclolignans, sequiterpenes, and flavonoids. The combination of these minerals provide the claimed health benefits of Catuaba although limited scientific research would support these claims.
Catuaba's widely known health benefit is it effect to the male reproductive organ. Catuaba tea has long been used in traditional Brazilian medicine as aphrodisiac and as tonic to stimulate the central nervous system. It was widely believed that an infusion of Catuaba bark contains active constituents that can increase male libido, enhance sexual performance and can cure impotency. Although there are no sufficient clinical studies that can back up this claim, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work.
Other claimed health benefits from Catuaba
Anxiety. A concoction made from the bark of Catuaba has been used by native Americans as a relaxant to combat anxiety and stress.
Boosts energy. The native Americans used Catuaba to rejuvenate their strength and fight exhaustion.
Induces sleep. Catuaba has a soothing effect that is used to promote sleep associated with insomnia.
Anti-depressant property The native Americans has been using Catuaba to fight depression.
Anti-microbial activity. Catuaba has long been used to treat various skin diseases and believed to have anti-microbial property that prevents infection.
Memory enhancer. A decoction of Catuaba is also being used to counter memory loss and forgetfulness.
In a study published in the International Journal of Experimental and Clinical Pathophysiology and Drug Research, 1992, entitled “Effects of Catuaba extracts on microbial and HIV infection” have shown that the pretreatment of mice with hot water and alkaline extracts of Catuaba casca (Erythroxylum Catuaba Arr. Cam.) effectively protected the mice from lethal infection of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The Catuaba extracts significantly inhibited both the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced cytopathic effect and the expression of HIV antigen in HIV-1HTLV-IIIB or HIV-2ROD infected human lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) positive MT-4 cells.
Catuaba tree can be cultivated for its bark. There are few trees found in the wild in Southern Americas particular in Brazil but most likely not easy to find. Best to settle for the commercial preparations that can be bought in supermarkets or health stores.
Catuaba is commercially prepared in powder, capsules, dried wild bark, fluid extracts and in tincture forms. Catuaba products are vailable in most fitness and health stores. Catuaba is also available online via Amazon as listed: Natural Brazilian Catuaba, there are other brands to select from, be sure to select one from a reputable manufacturer and do follow the suggested dosage.
You can add other herbs or honey to improve the efficacy and taste.
Amazon natives traditional drinks Catuaba tea 1 to 3 cups a day to enhance sexual desire.
Commercially marketed Catuaba tincture and capsules are of differing concentrations. Follow the directions as instructed in the labels.
Studies and reports are insufficient to establish Catuaba side effects for adults.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There are no sufficient studies done to determine the safe use of Catuaba herbal medicine during pregnancy and breast feeding. It is best to avoid its use.