Catauba

Botanical

What is it

Catuaba (commonly spelled catuaba; this label uses 'catauba') refers to the bark of several Brazilian tree species (Erythroxylum vaccinifolium, Trichilia catigua) traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and nervous system tonic.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Libido/sexual function (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use claims; no controlled human trials support efficacy.

Mood support

Mixed Evidence

Animal studies of T. catigua are suggestive; human evidence is lacking.

How it works

Different 'catuaba' species contain different active constituents. T. catigua bark contains tannins and flavalignans that have shown antidepressant-like effects and weak monoamine modulation in animal studies. E. vaccinifolium contains tropane alkaloids. Human clinical evidence for aphrodisiac or mood effects is essentially absent; marketing claims rely on ethnobotanical traditions.

Dosage

No RDA. Traditional doses are 1-2 g of dried bark as a tea or 2-4 mL of tincture daily.

When and how to take it

No timing baseline established.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Bark powder

Most common form.

Traditional preparation.

Safety

Quality and species identification are major concerns; products vary considerably. Tropane alkaloid content (in some species) raises theoretical safety concerns. Short-term traditional use appears tolerated.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and lactation: avoid. People on psychiatric medications should consult a clinician. Cardiovascular conditions: avoid.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with antidepressants and CNS stimulants. Not well characterized.

Frequently asked questions

Does catuaba work as an aphrodisiac?⌄

No well-designed clinical trial supports this claim.

Is it safe?⌄

Quality and species identification are inconsistent. Short-term use at small doses appears tolerated.

References

Catauba on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Catauba (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.