Catuaba Bark (Trichilia catigua): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does catuaba bark work as an aphrodisiac?

Catuaba bark contains yohimbine-related alkaloids, including catuabines A, B, and C, which support dopamine neurotransmission in the brain. This dopaminergic mechanism is believed to enhance libido and male sexual function. The bark also contains tannins and walthins that may contribute to its nerve tonic properties. While traditional use in Brazilian medicine spans centuries, clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level C).

Can I take catuaba bark with MAOIs or antidepressants?

Catuaba bark should be strictly avoided if you are taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). The alkaloids in catuaba may interact dangerously with MAOIs, potentially causing hypertensive episodes. Those taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as the dopaminergic effects may interfere with medication action. Always disclose all supplements to your prescribing physician.

What is the recommended dosage of catuaba bark extract?

The typical adult dosage for catuaba bark is 1 gram of standardized extract or 5ml of tincture taken twice daily. This recommendation is based on traditional use and practitioner experience rather than large-scale clinical trials (Evidence Level C). Liquid extracts and tinctures are often preferred for better absorption. Start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance, and do not exceed recommended amounts without professional guidance.

Is catuaba bark safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Catuaba bark is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding and should be avoided entirely. The alkaloids present in the bark, including yohimbine-related compounds, may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. There is insufficient safety data for use during lactation. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should not use catuaba bark without explicit approval from a qualified healthcare provider.

What are the main benefits of catuaba bark for men?

Catuaba bark is primarily used in Brazilian herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac and for supporting male sexual function and libido. Traditional uses also include enhancing memory and cognitive function, reducing fatigue, and acting as a general nerve tonic. Evidence for these applications is primarily traditional and based on preliminary research (Evidence Level C). More rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm these benefits definitively.

What are the side effects of taking catuaba bark?

Common side effects of catuaba bark include insomnia, agitation, and elevated blood pressure. These effects are attributed to the stimulating alkaloids present in the bark. Individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular conditions should avoid catuaba due to potential blood pressure increases. Discontinue use if you experience restlessness, rapid heartbeat, or sleep disturbances. Consult a healthcare provider if side effects persist or worsen.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Trichilia catigua, known as catuaba, is a Brazilian plant used in folk medicine for fatigue, stress, impotence, and memory deficits [PMID:29866157, PMID:21801825].

Contexte

Trichilia catigua A. Juss. (Meliaceae) is a tree species widely distributed in Brazil, primarily utilized for its bark in medicinal preparations [PMID:29866157, PMID:31813285].

Usages traditionnels

Used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of fatigue, stress, impotence, memory deficit, skin diseases, and sexual infections [PMID:29866157, PMID:37338788].

Composés actifs

The bark contains flavalignans (such as cinchonain Ib), flavan-3-ols, and flavonoids [PMID:29866157, PMID:16360665, PMID:39711139]. Limonoids have also been identified in the aril [PMID:36572526].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include antioxidant activity, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), and modulation of the dopaminergic system [PMID:28970152, PMID:15991001]. It also demonstrates the ability to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation [PMID:29660468, PMID:30089249].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DDepression

Acute and subchronic administration of extracts produced antidepressant-like effects in rodent models [PMID:15991001, PMID:22728168]

Preuve DCerebral Ischemia/Cognitive Impairment

Ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF) protected against cognitive impairments, reduced oxidative stress, and prevented hippocampal cell death in mice and rats [PMID:26099636, PMID:28919157, PMID:36682600]

Preuve DColitis

EAF improved healing and reduced oxidative stress in TNBS-induced colitis in rats [PMID:30089249]

Preuve DType 1 Diabetes

EAF attenuated body mass loss and improved hyperglycemia and biochemical parameters (ALP, ALT, AST) in STZ-induced diabetic rats [PMID:28662504]

Preuve DHerpes Simplex (HSV-1/HSV-2)

Bark extracts showed in vitro antiviral activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2, including acyclovir-resistant strains [PMID:37338788, PMID:25941883]

Preuve DH. pylori and Candida glabrata

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Exposure to crude extract in adult female rats impaired fertility, specifically increasing pre- and post-implantation loss [PMID:25792016].

Grossesse et allaitement

Crude extract administration during pregnancy and lactation in rats impaired maternal fertility [PMID:25792016].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is based entirely on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D). While promising results for neuroprotection and antidepressant effects are noted in rodents, no human clinical trials are provided.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 29866157 (2018) — Antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antifatigue effects of Trichilia catigua (catuaba). · BMC complementary and alternative medicine
2.PMID: 28970152 (2018) — In vitro multimodal-effect of Trichilia catigua A. Juss. (Meliaceae) bark aqueous extract in CNS targets. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 15991001 (2005) — Antidepressant-like effects of Trichilia catigua (Catuaba) extract: evidence for dopaminergic-mediated mechanisms. · Psychopharmacology
4.PMID: 37338788 (2023) — Topical formulations containing Trichilia catigua extract as therapeutic options for a genital and an acyclovir-resistant strain of herpes recurrent infection. · Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]
5.PMID: 36682600 (2023) — Delayed administration of Trichilia catigua A. Juss. Ethyl-acetate fraction after cerebral ischemia prevents spatial memory deficits, decreases oxidative stress, and impacts neural plasticity in rats.

Catuaba Bark

Sources et citations

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