Catuaba Stem Bark Extract
Also known as: Catuaba, Catuaba Stem Bark Extract, Trichilia catigua
Overview
Catuaba stem bark extract is derived from the bark of *Trichilia catigua*, a tree native to Brazil, belonging to the Meliaceae family. Traditionally, it has been utilized in Brazilian folk medicine for a range of conditions including fatigue, stress, sexual dysfunction (specifically impotence), and memory deficits, and is also considered an adaptogen. The bark is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavalignans, flavan-3-ols, flavonoids, and tropane alkaloids, including catuabine D. Research suggests the extract possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and neuroprotective properties. However, a significant challenge with commercial Catuaba products is the wide variability in quality and composition, with many samples found to be adulterated or mislabeled, raising concerns about both efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Catuaba stem bark extract has demonstrated several potential benefits in preclinical studies. Its significant antioxidant activity, attributed to flavonoids and phenylpropanoids, has been shown through free radical scavenging. In vitro studies indicate anticholinesterase activity, suggesting potential cognitive benefits by enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. Rodent models have shown antifatigue and adaptogen-like effects, with doses of 25–300 mg/kg orally reducing fatigue and stress responses. The extract also exhibits antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive bacteria like *Bacillus cereus* and *Staphylococcus aureus*, and virucidal activity against poliovirus type 1 in cell cultures. Furthermore, antidepressant effects have been observed in animal models, where hydroalcoholic extracts (200–400 mg/kg) decreased immobility time in forced swimming tests, comparable to fluoxetine. While traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, in vitro studies on rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue did not show direct effects on smooth muscle relaxation, indicating limited direct evidence for erectile function enhancement. Some studies also suggest antiarrhythmic potential, with extracts reversing ventricular fibrillation in isolated rabbit hearts.
How it works
The mechanisms of action for Catuaba stem bark extract are multifaceted. Its antioxidant effects are primarily due to the presence of flavonoids, flavalignans, and phenylpropanoids, which effectively scavenge free radicals. The observed anticholinesterase activity may lead to enhanced cholinergic neurotransmission, potentially contributing to improved memory and cognitive functions. Antimicrobial and antiviral properties are likely mediated by flavolignans, such as cinchonains Ia and Ib, which have shown bactericidal activity. While tropane alkaloids like catuabine D are present, their specific pharmacological roles, particularly regarding sexual function, remain unclear, with no direct effect on penile tissue demonstrated in vitro. The antidepressant effects are thought to involve modulation of central nervous system pathways, though the precise molecular targets and mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated.
Side effects
Catuaba extracts generally appear to have a favorable safety profile in animal studies at the doses tested, with no significant adverse effects or toxicity reported in preclinical research. However, human safety data are extremely limited, as there are no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have systematically documented side effects or drug interactions. This lack of human clinical data means that potential adverse reactions, their severity, frequency, and specific risk factors, are not well understood. A significant concern regarding the safety and efficacy of Catuaba products stems from the high variability and potential for adulteration in commercial supplements. Studies have found that many commercial products are mislabeled or contain different plant species, which could lead to unpredictable effects or interactions. Therefore, while animal studies suggest a relatively safe profile, caution is advised due to the absence of robust human safety data and the prevalent issues with product quality and authenticity. Specific drug interactions and contraindications have not been established due to insufficient research.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for Catuaba stem bark extract in humans is not well established due to a lack of rigorous clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized hydroalcoholic extracts at doses ranging from 25–300 mg/kg orally to observe effects such as antifatigue and antidepressant activity. However, extrapolating these animal dosages directly to humans is not straightforward. Traditional use doses are highly variable and lack standardization, making it difficult to provide a consistent recommendation. Furthermore, the bioavailability and optimal formulation details of Catuaba extracts are not well characterized, which can significantly impact efficacy. There are no defined upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption, and the absence of clinical data means that specific timing considerations or different dosages for various purposes cannot be reliably advised. Consumers should be aware that product variability and potential adulteration further complicate dosage recommendations and safety.
FAQs
Does catuaba improve sexual performance?
Current scientific evidence does not directly support Catuaba's ability to enhance erectile function. In vitro studies on penile tissue showed no direct effect on smooth muscle relaxation. Any perceived benefits might be indirect or placebo-related.
Is catuaba safe for human consumption?
Preclinical animal studies suggest a favorable safety profile at tested doses. However, human safety data are insufficient due to a lack of high-quality clinical trials, making it difficult to definitively assess its safety in humans.
How quickly can one expect to see benefits from Catuaba?
Animal studies indicate that effects, such as antifatigue and antidepressant actions, typically appear after repeated dosing. The time course for potential benefits in humans is currently unknown due to insufficient clinical research.
Are all commercial Catuaba supplements the same?
No, there is significant variability among commercial Catuaba products. Many have been found to be adulterated or mislabeled, containing different plant species or inconsistent concentrations of active compounds, which affects their quality and potential efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5987406/ – This preclinical study investigated hydroalcoholic extracts of *Trichilia catigua* in mice and rats. It demonstrated significant antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antifatigue effects, with dose-dependent improvements in stress and memory models. The study provides high-quality preclinical evidence for several pharmacological activities but lacks human data.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/rbfar/a/JRzyHnkgkhh7WL9b4bq64ch/?lang=en – This literature review summarized various studies on *Trichilia catigua*, highlighting its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiarrhythmic properties. It also discussed the isolation of active flavolignans. While a comprehensive review, it is a narrative summary and not a meta-analysis, supporting the pharmacological potential but calling for further validation.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15490329/ – This study analyzed 14 commercial Catuaba samples, revealing that over 50% were adulterated. It found no in vitro effect on corpus cavernosum tissue, challenging its traditional use as an aphrodisiac, and identified tropane alkaloids. The research provides high-quality chemical analysis but has limited clinical relevance regarding efficacy.
- https://www.izvir-zdravja.si/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Catuaba-Ethnobotanical-review.pdf – This ethnobotanical review, which includes some in vivo data, discussed the antidepressant activity of Catuaba in forced swim tests and its antimicrobial effects. It supports some traditional uses but emphasizes the need for further validation through human clinical trials, as most evidence is preclinical.