Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUses of CatuabaSide Effects of CatuabaPrecautionsHow Much to TakeTaking Too MuchInteractionsStorageSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses of Catuaba
Side Effects of Catuaba
Precautions
How Much to Take
Taking Too Much
Interactions
Storage
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & What to Look For
Catuabais an herbal supplement believed to have beneficialanti-inflammatory,antidepressant, neuroprotective, andantioxidantproperties. It’s been studied for benefits related to brain health, infections, and fatigue. Potential benefits are most likely due to substances in catuaba such asflavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. The supplement is derived from the bark of trees found mostly in Central and South America.
Research on catuaba is limited with few human trials, and many catuaba health claims remain unfounded.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
In folk medicine, catuaba is commonly used to treatfatigue,stress, andmemory loss.Some research has found catuaba to have antimicrobial, antiviral, antidepressant, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties.
Most studies on catuaba have been performed in a lab (in vitro) or on animal models. Research must be completed on humans to confirm many of the health claims for catuaba.
Research is most robust for the following conditions:
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids, saponinsAlternate name(s): Catigua, catigua vermelho, catuama, pauervilha, catuaba-do-norteLegal status:Legal and available over the counter (OTC) in the United StatesSuggested dose:No suggested dose due to poor scientific evidenceSafety considerations:Safety is unknown; side effects are possible
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids, saponinsAlternate name(s): Catigua, catigua vermelho, catuama, pauervilha, catuaba-do-norteLegal status:Legal and available over the counter (OTC) in the United StatesSuggested dose:No suggested dose due to poor scientific evidenceSafety considerations:Safety is unknown; side effects are possible
Brain Health
According to preliminary research, catuaba may improve the health of yourbrain.
Experimental studies have shown that catuaba protects animal brains from oxidative stress (excessfree radicals). This led researchers of one study to pretreat the brains of rats with catuaba before being subjected to neurotoxic substances. The researchers learned that antioxidants found in catuaba were able to protect brain cells from damage.
There is also some evidence that catuaba may improve symptoms ofmemory loss. However, research on catuaba’s effects on memory is dated and new research is scarce.
In one study from 2011, mice were given an extract of catuaba before receiving behavioral tests. The tests showed that catuaba improved memory in the mice. Researchers believed these effects were due to antioxidants found in catuaba.
Despite the promising findings, the study provides what might be best considered a sketch for future research. Furthermore, as with all animal studies, results cannot automatically be assumed to apply to humans.
Antimicrobial Effects
Various studies have suggested that catuaba exerts potent antimicrobial properties.
Catuaba has been shown to inhibit bacterial growth from such strains asStaphylococcusaureus(S. aureus) andEscherichia coli(E. coli), among others. Researchers believe that substances in catuaba arebactericidal, meaning they can kill bacteria.
As promising as the findings are, it has yet to be established how effective or safe catuaba may be in treating activeinfections.
At present, it should not be considered a viable candidate for treating any infection. Further research is needed.
Fatigue
In traditional medicine, catuaba is sometimes used to treat fatigue. Yet, there is no strong evidence to support this practice.
One animal study looked at the effect of catuaba on fatigue in mice forced to exercise on a treadmill. The administration of catuaba was found to have no effect on how long it took the mice to become fatigued. However, mice given the highest dose of catuaba had increased activity levels, suggesting that catuaba may somewhat reduce recovery time after exercise.
Few other studies have examined the relationship between catuaba and fatigue, and none have been performed in humans. More research is needed before catuaba can be recommended for fatigue.
What Are the Side Effects of Catuaba?
Not enough data are available on the safety of catuaba.
As a result, it is not fully understand what the possible side effects of using catuaba are. Regardless, side effects may be possible.
Common Side Effects
Side effectsof catuaba are not well-documented in any studies or reviews.
According to one review, only a few studies have examined catuaba’s potential side effects. The review discusses one study in which topical (applied to the skin) catuaba showed no side effects in rabbits after 14 days of treatment.
Yet, in another study, giving 1,000 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of catuaba to mice caused death just hours after administration.
Severe Side Effects
No severe side effects have been reported for catuaba. However, that does not mean severe side effects are not possible when using catuaba.
More research is needed on the safety of catuaba. To lower your risk of potential side effects, only use catuaba as directed and never take more than recommended.
It’s important to take precautions when using any supplement. When it comes to catuaba, some people may need to take more precautions than others.
A 2015 study in theJournal of Ethnopharmacologyreported that catuaba caused impaired implantation, an important step of early pregnancy, in female rats.
Although this has not been corroborated in human studies, people who are pregnant orhoping to become pregnantshould avoid using catuaba out of an abundance of caution.
Other sensitive groups, including children and people who are breastfeeding, should also avoid catuaba. This is because safety studies have not been performed on these populations.
Anyone with a medical condition or takingprescription medicationsshould talk with ahealthcare providerbefore using catuaba. Supplements like catuaba may interact with various medications.
Due to the potential risk of impaired fertility, catuaba should not be used in people who are pregnant or intend to get pregnant.Furthermore, the safety of catuaba in children and nursing people has not been established.
Due to the potential risk of impaired fertility, catuaba should not be used in people who are pregnant or intend to get pregnant.
Furthermore, the safety of catuaba in children and nursing people has not been established.
Dosage: How Much Catuaba Should I Take?
There are no guidelines for the appropriatedosageof catuaba. This is due to an overall lack of research on catuaba and its effects on humans.
Dosing information listed on the product label of supplements is according to the drug manufacturer only. Supplements may vary in their formulation, leading to differences in dosing among brands.
In the case of catuaba, a safe dosage has not yet been established.
As a rule of thumb, never exceed the dose listed on the product label. Talk with a healthcare provider about how to determine the right catuaba dose for you.
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Catuaba?
Toxicology reports on catuaba are lacking. Based on current reports, though, catuaba is not considered toxic to humans. There are no reported cases of catuabaoverdose.
However, there is some concern as a result of past animal research indicating that catuaba may be embryotoxic (toxic to anembryo).
In comparison, a 2016 review on catuaba discussed different toxicology studies on the herbal remedy. For the most part, however, the review found that catuaba did not cause toxic effects in animal studies.
Nonetheless, toxicology studies on catuaba have not been performed on humans. This means the overall safety of catuaba has yet to be determined. To prevent potential adverse events or toxicity, only use catuaba as directed, and never exceed a dose.
It is unknown whether catuaba interacts with medications, supplements, or food. Despite this, interactions may still exist.
No studies have been performed to determine whether catuaba negatively interacts with other substances. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it’s extremely difficult to identify any and all potential interactions of herbs like catuaba.
Be sure to talk with a healthcare provider before starting catuaba, especially if you are taking othermedications,herbs, orsupplements.
It is important that you read and understand the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Review all supplement labels with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Catuaba
Store catuaba supplements in a cool, dry place and keep them out of direct sunlight and extremetemperatures.
Liquid extracts don’t typically require refrigeration. But you should always follow any storage directions specified on the product label.
Keep catuaba supplements out of reach of small children and pets. To ensure quality, discard the catuaba once it passes itsexpiration date.
Other supplements and herbs may work similarly to catuaba. These include:
Other herbs and supplements may work similarly to catuaba. Talk with a healthcare provider about which may be best for you.
Catuaba is thought to be safe to take in supplement form. However, proper safety studies have not been performed on catuaba. A few studies have found catuaba to have no toxic effects, but these were performed in animals instead of humans.To prevent any potential side effects or toxicity, only use catuaba as directed and never take more than you should.Learn MoreWhat Is Vitamin Toxicity?
Catuaba is thought to be safe to take in supplement form. However, proper safety studies have not been performed on catuaba. A few studies have found catuaba to have no toxic effects, but these were performed in animals instead of humans.To prevent any potential side effects or toxicity, only use catuaba as directed and never take more than you should.
Catuaba is thought to be safe to take in supplement form. However, proper safety studies have not been performed on catuaba. A few studies have found catuaba to have no toxic effects, but these were performed in animals instead of humans.
To prevent any potential side effects or toxicity, only use catuaba as directed and never take more than you should.
Learn MoreWhat Is Vitamin Toxicity?
Due to a lack of human research, it is unknown how long catuaba supplements take to work. Long-term human trials on catuaba do not exist. Moreover, the lack of research means it is not known if catuaba can truly treat any medical condition,Learn MoreDon’t Rely on Amazon for Legitimate Supplements, Study Finds
Due to a lack of human research, it is unknown how long catuaba supplements take to work. Long-term human trials on catuaba do not exist. Moreover, the lack of research means it is not known if catuaba can truly treat any medical condition,
Learn MoreDon’t Rely on Amazon for Legitimate Supplements, Study Finds
In alternative medicine, catuaba is used to treat conditions like fatigue,stress, memory loss, andimpotence.
Sources of Catuaba & What to Look For
Catuaba is an herbal remedy that is found in a variety of supplement forms.
Supplements and herbs should never replace or delay standard medical care for any health condition. Also, a well-balanced diet can typically provide all the nutrients your body needs for health.
Food Sources of Catuaba
Catuaba is not naturally found in any foods, nor is it commonly used as an ingredient in recipes.
Some people use dried catuaba bark to make hot tea. For the most part, catuaba is used as a dietary supplement only.
Catuaba Supplements
Catuaba supplements come in various forms, including capsules, powder, liquid extracts, and dried herbs.
Sometimes, supplement brands combine catuaba with other herbs or ingredients. Be sure to read the nutrition label and ingredient list so you know what you are getting.
You should also check the label to see if the supplement fits your diet. Many catuaba supplements are naturallyveganand gluten-free, and some are organic.
It should be noted that the supplements that end up on grocery store shelves or online are not necessarily the same ones that are tested in scientific studies.
It’s also important to keep in mind that dietary supplements are largely unregulated in the United States. Nutrition labels on supplements are not required to be approved. This means that some supplement labels may contain incorrect information and/or false medical claims.
Summary
Catuaba is an herbal remedy made from the bark of various plants and trees native to South America and Central America. The most common plant used to make catuaba supplements isTrichilia catigua.
Few research studies have been performed on catuaba, which means scientific evidence supporting the health claims of catuaba isseverelylacking.
More research is required before catuaba can be recommended as a safe and effective supplement. Talk with a healthcare provider if you have more questions about catuaba.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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