CATUABA
(Erythroxylum catuaba)
Erythroxylum catuaba is a vigorous-growing, small tree that produces yellow and orange flowers and small, dark yellow, oval-shaped, inedible fruit. It grows in the northern part of Brazil in Amazonas, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Maranhao, and Alagoas. This catuaba tree belongs to the family Erythroxylaceae, whose principal genus, Erythroxylum, contains several species that are sources of cocaine. Catuaba, however, contains none of the active cocaine alkaloids.
A large amount of confusion exists today regarding the actual species of tree that is harvested in Brazilian forests and sold around the world as "catuaba." Experienced Brazilian harvesters will refer to two species: a "big catuaba" and a "small catuaba." The confusion thickens when relating these trees to approved botanical species names. "Small catuaba" is Erythroxylum catuaba (A. J. Silva ex. Raym.-Hamet - the name was accepted in 1936), which grows 2-4 m tall and sports yellow-to-orange flowers and, in Brazil, is referred to as catuaba. "Big catuaba," in the mahogany family, is Trichilia catigua (A. Juss.), which grows 6-10 m tall, has cream-colored flowers and - in Brazil - is referred to as catiguá and angelim-rosa. Moreover, three other (unapproved) botanical names for catuaba are used incorrectly in herbal commerce today: Juniperus brasiliensis (which is thought to refer to "small catuaba"), and Anemopaegma mirandum and Eriotheca candolleana, which are completely different species altogether. Anemopaegma is a huge tree in the Bignonia family, growing to 40 m tall and called catuaba-verdadeira in Brazil. This species of tree is now harvested and exported out of Brazil by inexperienced or unethical harvestors (resulting in the incorporation in herbal products sold in the U.S. today) as just "catuaba." Erythroxylum catuaba and Trichilia catigua are the preferred Brazilian herbal medicine species, with the longest documented history of use as "big and little catuaba." Both types are used interchangeably in Brazilian herbal medicine systems for the same conditions.
TRIBAL & HERBAL MEDICINE USES
Catuaba has a long history of use in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac.
The Tupi Indians in Brazil first discovered the aphrodisiac qualities
of the plant and over the last few centuries they have composed many
songs praising its wonders and abilities. Indigenous and local peoples
have used catuaba for generations. It is the most famous of all Brazilian
aphrodisiac plants. In the Brazilian state of Minas there is a saying, "Until
a father reaches 60, the son is his; after that, the son is catuaba's!"
In Brazilian herbal medicine today, catuaba is considered a central nervous system stimulant with aphrodisiac properties. A bark decoction is commonly used for sexual impotency, agitation, nervousness, nerve pain and weakness, poor memory or forgetfulness, and sexual weakness. According to Dr. Meira Penna, catuaba "functions as a stimulant of the nervous system, above all when one deals with functional impotence of the male genital organs . . . it is an innocent aphrodisiac, used without any ill effects at all." In Brazil it is regarded as an aphrodisiac with "proven efficacy" and, in addition to treating impotence, it is employed for many types of nervous conditions including insomnia, hypochondria, and pain related to the central nervous system (such as sciatica and neuralgia). In European herbal medicine catuaba is considered an aphrodisiac and a brain and nerve stimulant. A bark tea is used for sexual weakness, impotence, nervous debility, and exhaustion. Herbalists and health practitioners in the United States use catuaba in much the same way: as a tonic for genital function, as a central nervous system stimulant, for sexual impotence, general exhaustion and fatigue, insomnia related to hypertension, agitation, and poor memory. According to Michael van Straten, noted British author and researcher of medicinal plants, catuaba is beneficial to men and women as an aphrodisiac, but "it is in the area of male impotence that the most striking results have been reported" and "there is no evidence of side effects, even after long-term use."
PLANT CHEMICALS
The chemical constituents found in catuaba include alkaloids, tannins, aromatic oils and fatty resins, phytosterols, cyclolignans, sequiterpenes, and flavonoids. One Brazilian researcher documented (in 1958) that catuaba contained the alkaloid yohimbine (but it was unclear which species of tree he was studying). A mixture of flavalignans, including cinchonain (also found in quinine bark), was isolated from the bark of Trichilia catigua and reported to have antibacterial and anticancerous properties.
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES & CLINICAL RESEARCH
Clinical studies on catuaba also have shown results related to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. A 1992 study indicated that an extract of catuaba (Erythoxlyum catuaba) was effective in protecting mice from lethal infections of Escherichia coli and Staphlococcus aureus, in addition to inhibiting HIV significantly. The study found that the pathway of catuaba's anti-HIV activity stemmed (at least partially) from the inhibition of HIV absorption into cells, and suggested that catuaba had potential against opportunistic infections in HIV patients. A U.S. patent was granted (in 2002) to a group of Brazilian researchers for a catuaba bark extract (Trichilia catigua). Its patent refers to animal studies it conducted that reported that it relieved pain and relaxed and dilated blood vessels in rats, rabbits and guinea pigs. A study published in 1997 reported that catuaba bark had significant pain relieving activity in vivo.
CURRENT PRACTICAL USES
To date, no toxicity studies have been done on catuaba - but its long history of use in Brazil has reported no toxicity or ill effects. In fact, according to Dr. Meira Penna, the only side-effects are beneficial - erotic dreams and increased sexual desire! While no clinical research has validated the traditional use of catuaba as an aphrodisiac, it continues to be used widely for its ability to enhance sexual drive and increase libido in both men and women. In the last several years, its popularity has grown in the North American herbal market, with various products (especially libido formulas) now available in health food stores. Catuaba is also showing up in other formulas for depression, stress and nervous disorders. (The jury's still out as to which species is being sold, however!) Interested consumers should seek a reputable manufacturer and product - with a verified plant source and botanical species for the herbal ingredient being sold.
CATUABA PLANT SUMMARY
Main Preparation Method: tincture or infusion
Main Actions (in order):
aphrodisiac, nervine (balances/calms nerves), anti-anxiety, central nervous
system tonic (tones, balances, strengthens the nervous system), antiviral
Main Uses:
as an aphrodisiac and libido stimulant for males and females
to tone, balance, and calm the central nervous system (and for nerve
pain, exhaustion, over stimulation)
for nervousness, emotional stress, and insomnia (related to overactive
neurotransmitters)
as a general tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions)
for poor memory, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:
analgesic (pain-reliever), antibacterial, antiviral, vasodilator, vasorelaxant
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:
anti-anxiety, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens
the heart), central nervous system tonic (tones, balances, strengthens),
nervine (balances/calms nerves), tonic (tones, balances, strengthens)
Cautions: none
Traditional Preparation: Generally in Brazil, a standard infusion (bark
tea) and an alcohol tincture are employed. Recommended usage is reported
to be 1-3 cups of an infusion daily, or 2-3 ml of a standard alcohol
tincture twice daily.
Contraindications: None known.
Drug Interactions: None known.
WORLDWIDE ETHNOMEDICAL USES
Brazil as an aphrodisiac, central nervous system stimulant, and tonic;
for exhaustion, fatigue, forgetfulness, frigidity, genitals, general
pain, hypochondria, impotence, insomnia, nervousness, nerve pain, poor
memory, sexual weakness, sleep, syphilis
Peru for skin cancer
United States as an aphrodisiac, stimulant and tonic; for fatigue, impotency,
insomnia, nervous exhaustion, nervous system weakness, pain, poor memory,
sleep, weakness
Elsewhere for brain, circulation, fatigue, genitals, impotence, low libido,
nervous system
The above text has been quoted from The Healing Power of Rainforest
Herbs by Leslie Taylor, copyrighted © 2005
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted
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A complete Technical Data Report is available for this plant.
† The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained in this plant database file is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant described herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease. Please refer to our Conditions of Use for using this plant database file and web site.
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Referenced Quotes on Catuaba
1. "This nervous system fortifier and male libido enhancer has resulted
in the Tupi Indians of Brazil praising its wonders in many songs. Historical
uses include its use as a male aphrodisiac and a tonic to the male organs.
It is also used for male impotency. It is a strong tonic and fortifier
of the nervous system, capable of giving strength to people with general
fatigue. It helps eliminate restless sleep and insomnia from hypertension,
and has been known to help failing memories."
2. "Catuaba is excellent for the male reproductive organs. It can increase circulation and libido. It is famous as a stimulant to the nervous system and brain. It can be used in cases of impotence."
Discovery Channel Health Article by Chris Kilham
"
Improved Erectile Function Reported
Science on these plants is still modest, but reports in scientific journals
and at conferences have supported their use for sexual enhancement. In
catuaba, a group of three alkaloids dubbed catuabine A, B and C are believed
to enhance sexual function by stimulating the nervous system. In muirapuama,
chemists have identified a group of sterols including beta-sitosterol,
thought to be responsible for the herb's aphrodisiac effects. In one
study using muirapuama, 51 percent of men with erectile problems reported
improvement, and 62 percent experienced an increase in libido.
After our time in Manaus, Bernie and I boated down the Amazon river where we stayed with Ipixuna and Crinicoru indians in floating shacks on the water. While there we ventured into the rain forest with native guides who showed us catuaba and muirapuama trees growing in different places. We also witnessed the harvesting of catuaba bark and its subsequent sale to a local buyer. We learned that most natives use these plants by placing a small handful of their combined barks in a glass of room-temperature water, let the herbs sit overnight, and drink the resulting amber infusion in the morning.
The Shamans
To confirm what we had read about catuaba and muirapuama, and what Antonio
Matas had imparted, Bernie and I set off to interview a couple of elderly
women shamans, both of whom were experts in the preparation and use
of Amazon medicinal plants. Each woman told us that the sexual restorative
virtues of catuaba and muirapuama were significant. One 89-year-old
shaman named Therese echoed Antonio's words when she told us, "Catuaba
and muirapuama together can make people sexually young again."
Throughout history, people have sought to increase libido and improve sexual function through the use of reputed aphrodisiac plants. Catuaba and muirapuama, two common trees growing widely across the Amazon river basin, enjoy centuries of safe, effective use as bona fide aphrodisiacs. "
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Published Third-Party Research on Catuaba
All available third-party research on catuaba can be found at PubMed.
A partial listing of the published research on catuaba is shown below:
Anti-inflammatory, Pain-relieving & Antioxidant Actions:
Tabanca, N., et al. "Flavan-3-ol-phenylpropanoid conjugates from
Anemopaegma arvense and their antioxidant activities." Planta Med.
2007 Aug; 73(10): 1107-11.
Vaz, Z. R., et al. “Analgesic effect of the herbal medicine Catuaba
in thermal and chemical models of nociception in mice.” Phytother.
Res. 1997; 11(2): 101–6.
Barbosa, N. R., et al. “Inhibition of platelet phospholipase A2
activity by catuaba extract suggests anti-inflammatory properties.” Phytother.
Res. 2004; 18(11): 942-4.
Antidepressant Actions:
Campos, M. M., et al. “Antidepressant-like effects of Trichilia
catigua (Catuaba) extract: evidence for dopaminergic-mediated mechanisms.” Psychopharmacology
(Berl). 2005; 182(1): 45-53.
Cytotoxic & Antimicrobial Actions:
Valverde, G., et al. "Effects of the extract of Anemopaegma mirandum
(Catuaba) on Rotenone-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastomas SH-SY5Y
cells." Brain Res. 2008 Mar; 1198: 188-96.
Uchino, T., et al. “Potent protecting effects of Catuaba (Anemopaegma
mirandum) extracts against hydroperoxide-induced cytotoxicity.” Toxicol.
In Vitro. 2004 Jun; 18(3): 255-63.
Pizzolatti, M. G., et al. “Two epimeric flavalignans from Trichilia
catigua (Meliaceae) with antimicrobial activity.” Z. Naturforsch
2002; 57(5–6): 483–88.
Satoh, M., et al. “Cytotoxic constituents from Erythroxylum catuaba.
Isolation and cytotoxic activities of cinchonain.” Natural Med.
2000; 54(2): 97–100.
Manabe, H., et al. “Effects of catuaba extracts on microbial and
HIV infection.” In Vivo 1992; 6(2): 161–65.
Constituents Identified:
Queiroz, E., et al. "Two new tropane alkaloids from the bark of
Erythroxylum vacciniifolium Mart. (Erythroxylaceae)." Nat. Prod.
Commun. 2009; 4(10): 1337-40.
Daolio, C., et al. "Classification of commercial Catuaba samples
by NMR, HPLC and chemometrics." Phytochem. Anal. 2008 May; 19(3):
218-28.
Tabanca, N., et al. "Flavan-3-ol-phenylpropanoid conjugates from
Anemopaegma arvense and their antioxidant activities." Planta Med.
2007 Aug; 73(10): 1107-11.
Beltrame, F. L.,et al. "A validated higher-performance liquid chromatography
method for quantification of cinchonain Ib in bark and phytopharmaceuticals
of Trichilia catigua used as Catuaba." J. Chromatogr. A. 2006; 1119(1-2):
257-63.
Rolim, A., et al. "Total flavonoids quantification from O/W emulsion
with extract of Brazilian plants." Int. J. Pharm. 2006 Feb 3; 308(1-2):
107-14.
Zanolari, B., et al. "Methylpyrrole tropane alkaloids from the bark
of Erythroxylum vacciniifolium." J. Nat. Prod. 2005; 68(8): 1153-8.
Kletter, C., et al. "Morphological, chemical and functional analysis
of catuaba preparations." Planta Med. 2004; 70(10): 993-1000.
Zanolari, B., et al. "On-line identification of tropane alkaloids
from Erythroxylum vacciniifolium by liquid chromatography-UV detection-multiple
mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-nuclear magnetic resonance
spectrometry." J. Chromatogr. A. 2003 Dec; 1020(1): 75-89.
Zanolari, B., et al. "Tropane alkaloids from the bark of Erythroxylum
vacciniifolium." J. Nat. Prod. 2003; 66(4): 497-502.
Graf, E., et al. "Alkaloids from Erythroxylum vacciniifolium Martius,
II: The structures of catuabine A, B, and C." Arch. Pharm. 1978
Feb; 311(2): 139-52.
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CATUABA
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