What Is Catuaba?

A long-used natural remedy for a variety of ailments such as sexual dysfunction and nervousness, catuaba is a brew of tree bark found in the Brazilian rainforest. A 1998 study published in the Journal of the American Medicine Association found that many patients turn to alternative medicines such as catuaba in an effort to add a more holistic approach towards their own health care. For those who use this approach, from Brazilian rainforest inhabitants and beyond, catuaba infusions continue to be a viable health booster.

Geography

• Catuaba trees grow in Northern Brazil in the midst of the Amazon rainforest, as well as in the areas of Bahia, Para, Pernambuco and Alagoas. In these regions of Brazil, the tree and the mixture made from its bark are also known as Tatuaba, Pau de Reposta and Chuchuhuasha.

History

• The first documented use of catuaba dates back three centuries to the indigenous Tupi tribe of Brazil, who first discovered the plant's potential as an aphrodisiac. They were so awed by catuaba's seemingly magical abilities that the Tupi created several songs praising it. From that point on, both Indian tribes and everyday Brazilians have used catuaba as an aphrodisiac, and in more recent decades, as a central nervous system stimulant to help cure nervousness, memory problems and nerve pain.

Function

• Bark from catuaba trees is used to make an infusion that is designed for use as an aphrodisiac and stimulant to the nervous system. Though there are no solid scientific studies to vouch for catuaba's effectiveness as an aphrodisiac, users report that it not only works in this capacity but also as a remedy for erectile dysfunction and other sexual shortcomings. As a stimulant to the nervous system, some doctors say catuaba does have an effect, helping to calm nerves as well as pain due to nerve problems.

Plant Sources

• The term catuaba is a name given to infusions and extracts of the bark of several different trees found in Brazil. Originally, catuaba was said to come from the Erythoxylum catuaba, a small yet rapidly-growing tree with inedible yellow fruit and orange or yellow flowers. Yet today, catuaba is most commonly derived from two different native Brazilian trees; Trichilia catigua and Erythroxylum vacciniifolium.

Potential

• A Japanese study conducted by Manabe et al in 1992 demonstrated that catuaba extracts aided in preventing harmful bacterial infections as well as HIV infection in rodents. Ongoing studies are re-examining the plant's potential as a protective element against deadly infections.