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Overview: Catuaba is a supplement made from the bark of certain trees that grow in Brazil. People often take catuaba as an aphrodisiac to boost sex drive and to help with sexual problems. It is also taken to help with mood, memory, tiredness, and general wellness. The benefits of catuaba for any use are not well defined. It seems to be well tolerated, but it has not been well studied. Before taking catuaba, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is catuaba used for?

Catuaba (Trichilia catigua or Erythroxylum vacciniifolium) is made from the bark of certain trees that are native to Brazil. It has a long history of traditional use, mostly as an aphrodisiac. Evidence in humans is limited, and the benefits for any use are not well defined. It is commonly used for the following reasons.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed catuaba for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does catuaba work (mechanism of action)?

Catuaba comes from the bark of trees that grow in Brazil. The name is used for more than one plant. Most catuaba products are made from Trichilia catigua or Erythroxylum vacciniifolium, but other plants are sometimes sold as catuaba too. It is often sold as a single ingredient, and it is also found in combination products that mix it with other herbs.

Catuaba bark naturally contains many chemicals. Bark from Trichilia catigua contains chemicals called flavan-3-ols (which are a type of flavonoid), including one called cinchonain Ib. Bark from Erythroxylum vacciniifolium contains a group of chemicals called tropane alkaloids. In laboratory and animal research, some of these chemicals appear to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Some animal research also suggests catuaba may act on brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior, such as dopamine and serotonin. It may also affect an enzyme called monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), which helps break down these brain chemicals. It is not known if these effects happen in people.

The benefits of catuaba are not well defined. Most of what is known comes from laboratory and animal research and traditional use. Evidence in humans is limited.

Herbal products, such as catuaba, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific catuaba product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store catuaba?

You should store catuaba according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of catuaba?

Catuaba seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of catuaba?

While less common, the most serious side effects of catuaba are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Catuaba may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking catuaba and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use catuaba?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take catuaba.

  • Catigua
  • Catuaba
  • Catuaba bark
  • Chuchuhuasha
  • Erythroxylum catuaba
  • Erythroxylum vacciniifolium
  • Trichilia catigua
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific catuaba products they stock.

What should I know about catuaba before using it?

Catuaba is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Catuaba is available in many forms. Common forms include capsules, tablets, dried bark, teas, and liquid extracts (tinctures). It is also sold in combination products that mix it with other herbs. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Catuaba may be made from different plants. For example, catuaba products can come from Trichilia catigua, Erythroxylum vacciniifolium, or other plants. Each of these plants contains different chemicals that may have different effects on the body.

Some catuaba products contain chemicals called tropane alkaloids. Tropane alkaloids are a type of natural plant chemical that can affect the nervous system. They are found in many plants, including some of those sold as catuaba. An independent analysis found that some catuaba products tested contained tropane alkaloids, and many products did not contain the plant species listed on the label. This means the type and amount of chemicals in a given catuaba product may be unpredictable. Read the product label to confirm which plant was used, and talk to your health care provider before using catuaba, especially if you take other medicines.

Many dietary supplements that are marketed for sexual performance have been found to contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals. Some catuaba products have been found to contain prescription medicines that are not listed on the label. These prescription medicines can cause serious side effects and can also interact with other medicines. Use caution when buying a catuaba product because it may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.

Some animal research suggests catuaba may lower fertility in females. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

Keep catuaba out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as catuaba, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific catuaba product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested catuaba products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using catuaba?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if catuaba is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Trouble getting pregnant or plans to become pregnant
  • An allergy to catuaba or the plants it is made from

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how catuaba could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if catuaba passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does catuaba interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between catuaba and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect catuaba.

Does catuaba interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking catuaba.

  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), such as duloxetine or venlafaxine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease

The interactions between catuaba and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with catuaba is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking catuaba with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much catuaba?

If you or someone else has used too much catuaba, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Catuaba is commonly available as capsules, tablets, dried bark, teas, and liquid extracts (tinctures). It is also found in combination products. Because the name catuaba is used for more than one plant and some catuaba bark naturally contains active chemicals called tropane alkaloids, read the product label closely to confirm which plant was used.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use catuaba safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.