The Brazilian rainforest tree catuaba is traditionally used to boost libido. In fact, Brazilian herbal medicine utilizes catuaba bark as a central nervous system stimulant for poor memory and nervousness as well as its aphrodisiac properties, according to "Natural Sex Boosters," author Ray Sahelian. Catuaba belongs to the same plant family as coca, from which cocaine is derived, but doesn't have coca's narcotic alkaloids. Catuaba has phytosterols, tannins, alkaloids and other substances that can produce effects. Before you jump on the catuaba bandwagon, however, be aware that no human studies back its traditional uses.
Stronger Erections
Catuaba is traditionally used to strengthen erections, according to "Prescription for Herbal Healing," by Phyllis A. Balch. Sahelian reports this effect in his book, detailed via personal tests of the herb. However, science lacks to back this use, and the mechanism for the bark's aphrodisiac properties is not well understood, advises Sahelian, a nationally-known medical writer and physician from Los Angeles, California.
Anti-HIV and Anti-Bacterial Effects
Japanese researchers found anti-bacterial as well as anti-HIV effects in mice who were given Catuaba, reports Greek journal "In Vivo." Catuaba may help prevent opportunistic infection, meaning infection due to the weakened state caused by HIV, in people, concludes lead researcher H. Manabe. However, no human trials on this effect are published, according to Sahelian.
Cell-Protecting Effects
Catuaba may have cell-protecting effects that can combat the neurodegenerative disorder known as Parkinson's disease, according to a March 10, 2008 study published in the journal "Brain Research." People with Parkinson's experience a progressive degeneration of certain neurons, which leads to a series of symptoms that can induce programmed cell death, according to lead study author D. Valverde G De Andrade. While catuaba extracts produced cell-protecting effects in Valverde G De Andrade's laboratory study, further research is needed to see if results can be applied to humans.
References
- Pubmed.gov: "In Vivo;" Effects of Catuaba extracts on microbial and HIV infection; H. Manabe; March to April 1992
- PubMed.gov: "Brain Research;" Effects of the extract of Anemopaegma mirandum (Catuaba) on Rotenone-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastomas SH-SY5Y cells; D. Valverde G De Andrade; March 10, 2008
- Ray Sahelian: Catuaba Bark
- "Natural Sex Boosters;" Ray Sahelian; 2003
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing;" Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
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