# Catuabine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/catuabine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Catuabine A, Catuabine B, Catuabine C, Catuabine D, Catuaba alkaloids, Erythroxylum vaccinifolium alkaloids, Trichilia catigua alkaloids, Tropane alkaloids from catuaba, Brazilian catuaba compounds ## Overview Catuabine is an alkaloid compound isolated from Trichilia catigua, a Brazilian plant traditionally used as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. It is proposed to modulate monoaminergic neurotransmission, particularly [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood)rgic and serotonergic pathways, though robust human clinical evidence remains absent. ## Health Benefits • Central nervous system stimulation - Traditional use only, no clinical evidence available • Aphrodisiac properties - In vitro tests showed no effect on rabbit corpus cavernosum relaxation (PMID: 15490329) • Anti-fatigue effects - Traditional use documented among Brazilian indigenous groups, no clinical trials • Sexual function support - No human studies available despite traditional claims • Mood enhancement - Historical use for agitation, but lacks scientific validation ## Mechanism of Action Catuabine alkaloids are hypothesized to inhibit neuronal reuptake of dopamine, [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood), and norepinephrine in a manner analogous to mild monoamine reuptake inhibition, potentially increasing synaptic availability of these [neurotransmitter](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s. Preclinical data from rodent models suggest interactions with dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, which may underlie reported stimulant and mood-modulating effects. Some fractions of Trichilia catigua extracts also demonstrate weak inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, though it is unclear whether isolated catuabine alkaloids specifically drive this activity. ## Clinical Summary No registered human clinical trials have specifically evaluated isolated catuabine alkaloids for any health endpoint. The available evidence consists primarily of in vitro assays and rodent studies using crude Trichilia catigua bark extracts, which contain multiple bioactive constituents beyond catuabine alone. One in vitro study (PMID: 15490329) tested catuaba-related compounds on rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue and found no significant relaxation effect, failing to support the traditional aphrodisiac claim. The overall evidence base is preclinical and ethnopharmacological, making any efficacy claims in humans premature and unsupported by current scientific standards. ## Nutritional Profile Catuabine is a bioactive alkaloid compound isolated from Trichilia catigua (Brazilian catuaba bark), not a whole food ingredient, so conventional macronutrient/micronutrient profiling is not applicable. As a purified compound, it lacks meaningful carbohydrate, fat, protein, fiber, vitamin, or mineral content in its isolated form. Catuabine exists as a mixture of cinnamate esters (cinnamoylcocaine derivatives), specifically identified as Catuabine A, B, and C — phenylpropanoid-type compounds. In crude catuaba bark extracts, catuabines are present at relatively low concentrations estimated at approximately 0.1–0.5% dry weight of bark, though precise standardized quantification across commercial preparations is inconsistent in published literature. The compound class shares structural features with other cinnamate alkaloids, contributing to its lipophilic character, which suggests moderate passive membrane permeability, though formal oral bioavailability data in humans is absent. Related bark extracts also contain flavonoids (including epicatechin and rutin at trace levels), tannins, and small amounts of essential oils, but these are distinct from catuabine itself. No caloric value, glycemic index, or nutrient density metrics are applicable to this isolated compound. Stability data under heat or acidic digestive conditions has not been formally published. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for isolated catuabine exist. Commercial catuaba bark extracts containing catuabines (0.12-0.35% w/w in dried T. catigua bark) suggest 500 mg capsules standardized to 12.5 mg catuabine B, or 1-3 cups of bark infusion daily. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No formal human safety trials exist for isolated catuabine, so its side effect profile is not well characterized beyond anecdotal and traditional use reports. Due to its proposed monoamine reuptake inhibitory activity, catuabine-containing products may theoretically interact with antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAO inhibitors, raising concern for [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) syndrome. Catuabine should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation given the complete absence of safety data for these populations. Individuals with [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) conditions or those taking stimulant medications should exercise caution due to the alkaloid's purported central nervous system stimulant properties. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically on catuabine were identified. The only relevant study (PMID: 15490329) was an analytical examination of 14 commercial catuaba products, finding frequent adulteration and mislabeling. Another study (PMID: 610675) focused solely on isolation of catuabines A/B/C from E. vaccinifolium without clinical data. ## Historical & Cultural Context Catuaba infusions have been used in Brazilian folk medicine for centuries, influenced by Guarani indigenous traditions, as a central nervous system stimulant and aphrodisiac to treat sexual impotency, agitation, and fatigue. Amazonian groups like the Ipixuna and Crinicoru Indians traditionally prepare it by soaking bark in room-temperature water overnight or as decoctions and tinctures. ## Synergistic Combinations Muira puama, Damiana, Maca root, Tribulus terrestris, Ginseng ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is catuabine and where does it come from? Catuabine is an alkaloid extracted from the bark of Trichilia catigua, a tree native to the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil. It has been used for centuries by indigenous Brazilian groups as a central nervous system stimulant and traditional remedy, and represents one of several alkaloid fractions found in catuaba bark preparations. ### Does catuabine actually work as an aphrodisiac? Current scientific evidence does not support the aphrodisiac claim for catuabine. An in vitro study (PMID: 15490329) testing catuaba compounds on rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue found no measurable relaxation effect, which is the physiological mechanism relevant to erectile function. No human trials have been conducted to test this traditional use. ### How does catuabine affect the brain and nervous system? Catuabine is hypothesized to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine at synaptic terminals, effectively increasing the availability of these monoamine neurotransmitters. Rodent studies using Trichilia catigua extracts have suggested interactions with D1 and D2 dopamine receptors, which may contribute to the reported stimulant and anti-fatigue effects observed in traditional use contexts. ### Is catuabine safe to take with antidepressants? Combining catuabine with antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors, is not recommended due to the alkaloid's proposed monoamine reuptake inhibitory mechanism, which could theoretically increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. No clinical interaction studies exist for catuabine specifically, so this precaution is based on its pharmacological profile rather than documented adverse event data. Always consult a physician before combining any herbal alkaloid with prescription psychiatric medications. ### What is the recommended dosage for catuabine supplements? No evidence-based dosage for isolated catuabine has been established because no human clinical trials have determined a safe and effective dose. Commercial catuaba bark extracts are commonly sold in doses ranging from 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day, but these are standardized to crude extract weight rather than catuabine alkaloid content specifically. Until human pharmacokinetic and dose-finding studies are conducted, no dosage recommendation can be scientifically justified. ### What does clinical research actually show about catuabine's effectiveness? Clinical evidence for catuabine is extremely limited. While traditional use among Brazilian indigenous groups documents anti-fatigue effects, no human clinical trials have been conducted to validate these claims. In vitro studies have failed to demonstrate aphrodisiac effects, with one study showing no relaxation of rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue. ### Is catuabine safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers? There are no safety studies evaluating catuabine use during pregnancy or lactation, making it impossible to determine if it is safe for these populations. Given the lack of clinical data and traditional use documentation, pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with catuabine. ### Who should avoid taking catuabine supplements? People taking stimulant medications or those sensitive to CNS stimulation should exercise caution, as catuabine is traditionally used for central nervous system stimulation. Additionally, individuals with cardiovascular conditions should consult their healthcare provider before use, as sexual performance supplements may carry cardiovascular risks. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should avoid catuabine due to the complete absence of safety data in these populations. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*