Erythroxylum catuaba (Catuaba)

Latin name: Erythroxylum catuaba

Common name: Catuaba

Other names: Catuaba, cataguá, chuchuhuasha, tatuaba, pau de reposta, caramuru, piratançara, angelim-rosa, catiguá

What it is: Catuaba is a small tree that produces yellow and orange flowers and small, dark yellow, oval-shaped, inedible fruit

Habitat: north of Brazil , the Amazon, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia , Maranhao, and Alagoas

Parts used: bark

Constituents: alkaloids, tannins, aromatic oils and fatty resins, phytosterols, cyclolignans, sequiterpenes, flavonoids, and steroids

History/Traditional use: the Tupi Indians first discovered the qualities of the Catuaba plant, composing many songs praising the wonders of Catuaba, as it was long been used as a male aphrodisiac and tonic to the male organs

Actions/Uses: Catuaba is used as an aphrodisiac that increases sexual interest as well as sexual dreams for both men and women. Sold in health food stores in the West even though it is unclear what exact species of the plant are used. Can also prevent re-infection of E.Coli as it normalizes prostate function. In Japan , studies have shown that the herb can be used to prevent infections of E.Coli and Staphylococcus aureus in people suffering from HIV.

Preparation method: infusion, tincture

Side Effects: none known

Interactions: none known

Animal Studies: confirmed reports of vasodilating, vasorelaxant, and analgesic effect in rats, rabbits and guinea pigs

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