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Catuaba (Trichilia catigua)

Trichilia catigua A. Juss. (Meliaceae)
Evidence Level
Limited
3 Clinical Trials
6 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Bark extract of Trichilia catigua (Meliaceae family) — a Brazilian Amazon medicinal tree. Critical species note: 'catuaba' is a common name applied to multiple unrelated plant species; T. catigua (Big Catuaba) is the primary medicinal species, but adulterations with Erythroxylum catuaba, Anemopaegma arvense, and Heteropterys tomentosa are common. Sourcing verification matters. Traditional Brazilian use for fatigue, depression, anxiety, male sexual dysfunction, and memory deficits. Preclinical work has established a dopamine-mediated antidepressant-like mechanism, but human clinical trials remain limited — most evidence is preclinical or traditional.

Studied Dose Tincture: 30-60 drops 2-3×/day. Capsule: 500-1,000 mg standardized bark 1-2×/day. Total: 500-1,500 mg/day.
Active Compound Flavalignans (cinchonain Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb), flavan-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin), proanthocyanidins, omega-phenyl alkanes/alkanoic acids, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, omega-phenyl-gamma-lactones, alkyl-gamma-lactones.

Benefits

Dopamine-mediated antidepressant-like mechanism

Antidepressant-like effects in mice and rats in the forced swimming model via a dopamine-mediated mechanism: concentration-dependent inhibition of dopamine uptake plus increased dopamine release from rat brain synaptosomes (serotonin effects secondary). Distinguishes mechanistically from typical SSRI antidepressants — potentially relevant for depression with anhedonia or motivation deficits.

Supported by Trial 1

Catuama® combination preclinical evidence

Catuama® is a Brazilian commercial combination of T. catigua + Paullinia cupana (guaraná) + Zingiber officinale (ginger) + Ptychopetalum olacoides (muirapuama). Pharmacological and neurochemical evidence in preclinical models, plus NO-mediated vascular relaxation (EC50 ~1,073 micrograms/mL). Combination context — isolated T. catigua contribution cannot be cleanly separated from the formula.

Supported by Trial 2

Antifatigue and memory effects (preclinical)

Preclinical studies report antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antifatigue effects in animal models. Mechanistic basis for the traditional 'energy and memory' indications, though human clinical translation remains limited.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Antidepressant clinical trial recruiting

A Brazilian clinical trial in depressive episode patients is currently recruiting. Emerging clinical evidence; outcome data not yet available. The first dedicated human depression trial would substantially update the evidence picture if positive.

Supported by Trial 3

Aphrodisiac and sexual function (traditional + preclinical)

Ethnopharmacological reviews catalog 74 Brazilian plants used for sexual dysfunction; T. catigua is among 14 with pharmacological confirmation in preclinical models. Mechanisms include NO-mediated vascular relaxation and preclinical PDE5 inhibition. Human ED-specific clinical trials are lacking.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective (preclinical)

Multiple preclinical studies report anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, plus neuroprotective signals in animal models. Polyphenol-matrix antioxidant activity (flavalignans + flavan-3-ols + proanthocyanidins) is the proposed underlying mechanism.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Dopamine reuptake inhibition + release increase (primary mechanism)

Studies have demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of dopamine uptake plus increased dopamine release from rat brain synaptosomes. The primary antidepressant-relevant mechanism — distinguishes from SSRIs by acting on the dopamine system rather than serotonin. May be relevant for depression with prominent anhedonia, low motivation, or fatigue.

2

Serotonin reuptake inhibition (secondary)

Secondary serotonin reuptake inhibition has also been documented. Less prominent than the dopamine effect; raises theoretical interaction concern with SSRI/SNRI antidepressants (additive serotonergic activity).

3

Anticholinesterase activity (memory mechanism)

Preclinical anticholinesterase activity supports the traditional memory-enhancing claims via preserved synaptic acetylcholine. Same enzyme target as donepezil, though effect size is preclinical and modest.

4

NO-mediated vascular relaxation

Catuama® combination demonstrated NO-mediated vascular relaxation (EC50 ~1,073 μg/mL). Mechanistic basis for both cardiovascular and sexual function applications via the nitric oxide pathway.

5

Antioxidant via polyphenol matrix

Flavalignans (cinchonain Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb), flavan-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin), and proanthocyanidins together provide a broad antioxidant matrix. Cinchonain flavalignans are the most distinctive compound class for T. catigua.

6

PDE5 inhibition (preclinical sexual function)

Preclinical PDE5 inhibition activity — the same target as sildenafil. Animal-model finding; human ED translation has not been demonstrated in dedicated trials.

Clinical trials

1
T. catigua Antidepressant Mechanism

Clinical evidence on Catuaba (Trichilia catigua) for the indications and outcomes described.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Campos MM et al. 2005 (Psychopharmacology, doi:10.1007/s00213-005-0052-1). Antidepressant-like effects in mice and rats in the forced swimming model. In vitro: concentration-dependent inhibition of dopamine uptake plus increased dopamine release from rat brain synaptosomes; serotonin effects secondary. Foundational preclinical mechanism work — defines the dopamine-focused antidepressant rationale.

2
Catuama® Combination Preclinical Studies

Clinical evidence on Catuaba (Trichilia catigua) for the indications and outcomes described.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Catuama® (T. catigua + Paullinia cupana + Zingiber officinale + Ptychopetalum olacoides) — Brazilian commercial combination. Pharmacological and neurochemical evidence including NO-mediated vascular relaxation (EC50 ~1,073 μg/mL). Combination-context evidence; isolated T. catigua contribution cannot be cleanly separated.

3
NCT02532660 LABCAT TCJUSS — Depression Clinical Trial (Recruiting)

NCT02532660 LABCAT TCJUSS — Brazilian clinical trial in depressive episode patients, currently recruiting.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

NCT02532660 LABCAT TCJUSS — Brazilian clinical trial in depressive episode patients, currently recruiting. Emerging clinical evidence; outcome data not yet available. First dedicated human depression trial — would substantially update evidence picture if positive.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated at typical doses based on traditional use.
Mild GI upset (occasional).
Theoretical mild stimulant effects (energy ingredient).
Pregnancy/lactation: avoid (limited safety data).
Bleeding disorders: avoid (theoretical antiplatelet effects + NCT02532660 exclusion criterion).
Hyperthyroidism: caution (NCT02532660 exclusion).
Long-term safety: extensive Brazilian traditional use but limited modern clinical trial data.
Adulteration risk: multiple species sold as 'catuaba' — choose Trichilia catigua specifically; verify species identification.

Important Drug interactions

Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs): theoretical serotonergic + dopaminergic additive effects — caution; consult psychiatrist.
Stimulants: theoretical additive effects.
Anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs): theoretical antiplatelet effects — monitor.
PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil): theoretical additive vasodilatory effects.
Most medications: limited interaction data — caution due to dopamine/serotonin mechanisms.
ACE inhibitors + ARBs: theoretical additive vasodilatory effects (Catuama vascular relaxation mechanism).

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Frequently asked questions about Catuaba (Trichilia catigua)

What is catuaba used for?

Catuaba is a Brazilian tree bark used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and tonic for libido, energy, and mood. It is one of the most popular traditional libido herbs in Brazil, often combined with muira puama.

Does catuaba help libido?

It is traditionally used to support libido, sexual function, and energy, and is sometimes used for mood and as a mild nervous-system tonic. Human evidence is largely traditional and anecdotal.

How much catuaba should I take?

It is used as a tea, tincture, or capsule; follow product labeling. It is often combined with other tonic herbs.

Is catuaba safe?

It is generally tolerated in traditional amounts. Because rigorous safety data is limited, use as directed, and those on medication or with medical conditions should check with a doctor. Pregnant women should avoid it.

What is Catuaba?

Bark extract of Trichilia catigua (Meliaceae family) — a Brazilian Amazon medicinal tree. Critical species note: 'catuaba' is a common name applied to multiple unrelated plant species; T.

What is the recommended dosage of Catuaba?

The clinically studied dose is Tincture: 30-60 drops 2-3×/day. Capsule: 500-1,000 mg standardized bark 1-2×/day. Total: 500-1,500 mg/day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Catuaba safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Catuaba is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated at typical doses based on traditional use. Mild GI upset (occasional). It may also interact with some medications. Catuaba is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Catuaba interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs): theoretical serotonergic + dopaminergic additive effects — caution; consult psychiatrist. Stimulants: theoretical additive effects. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Catuaba?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Catuaba as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Campos MM, Fernandes ES, Ferreira J, Santos AR, Calixto JB Antidepressant-like effects of Trichilia catigua (Catuaba) extract: evidence for dopaminergic-mediated mechanisms Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2005;182(1):45-53. doi:10.1007/s00213-005-0052-1.PubMedUsed to support: Preclinical study in rodents showing T. catigua bark extract produces antidepressant-like effects via dopaminergic pathways (forced swim test); provides mechanism basis for dopamine-mediated antidepressant benefit.
  2. Martins NO, de Brito IM, Araújo SS, Negri G, Carlini EA, Mendes FR Antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antifatigue effects of Trichilia catigua (catuaba) BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018;18(1):172. doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2222-9.PubMedUsed to support: Preclinical study (rodents + in vitro) demonstrating antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antifatigue properties of T. catigua extract, supporting antifatigue and memory benefit claims.
  3. Oliveira CH, Moraes ME, Moraes MO, Bezerra FA, Abib E, De Nucci G Clinical toxicology study of an herbal medicinal extract of Paullinia cupana, Trichilia catigua, Ptychopetalum olacoides and Zingiber officinale (Catuama) in healthy volunteers Phytother Res. 2005;19(1):54-7. doi:10.1002/ptr.1484.PubMedUsed to support: Human clinical safety study: chronic administration of Catuama (containing T. catigua) to healthy volunteers showed no severe adverse effects and no pathological blood chemistry changes, supporting human tolerability of T. catigua-containing preparations.