- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Forests of Brazil, especially the Atlantic Forest and Amazon. Bark of species including Trichilia catigua and Erythroxylum catuaba
South America · Herb · № 162
Anemopaegma arvense / Erythroxylum catuaba
Herb · South America
Catuaba
Anemopaegma arvense / Erythroxylum catuaba
Sold in Brazil as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. There is no good clinical research; products vary because several different trees are called 'catuaba'.
Safety notes
Products are often unstandardised or adulterated. Avoid in pregnancy; use caution with heart complaints.
Preparation
The bark as decoction or tincture, often in alcoholic drinks. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The name comes from Tupi. The Tupi and other Indigenous peoples of Brazil used bark extracts as a tonic; it is praised in Brazilian folk songs. Ody describes it as a Brazilian tonic.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Aphrodisiac (for impotence), stimulates the nervous system, invigorating tonic, possibly antidepressant.
Preparation and amount
Capsules 1 g morning and evening; traditionally as a decoction with cane-sugar spirit or stevia.