Catuaba
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Catuaba (Erythroxylum catuaba / Trichilia catigua) is a dietary supplement with 2 published peer-reviewed studies involving 580 participants, researched for Sexual Health & Neuroprotection.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Sexual Health & Neuroprotection
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Sexual Health & Neuroprotection
To assess catuaba bark antidepressant effects in rodent models.
Study Type
Animal study - behavioural
Purpose
To assess catuaba bark antidepressant effects in rodent models.
Dose
Catuaba ethanolic extract 50-400mg/kg
Participants
Rodent models
Duration
Acute to 2 weeks
Results
Catuaba extract demonstrated significant antidepressant effects comparable to imipramine. Increased dopamine and serotonin levels in prefrontal cortex. Key alkaloids (catuabins) identified.
How They Measured It
Forced swim test, tail suspension test, monoamine levels (dopamine, serotonin)
To investigate neuroprotective properties of Trichilia catigua (catuaba) extract.
Study Type
Animal study - neuroprotection
Purpose
To investigate neuroprotective properties of Trichilia catigua (catuaba) extract.
Dose
Catuaba extract 200-400mg/kg
Participants
Rodent cerebral ischemia models
Duration
Acute
Results
Catuaba extract significantly reduced ischemia-induced neuronal death and brain oxidative stress. Neuroprotective mechanism involves antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.
How They Measured It
Cerebral ischemia models, neuronal cell death, oxidative stress markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Catuaba research
There are currently 15 peer-reviewed studies on Catuaba (Erythroxylum catuaba / Trichilia catigua), involving 580 total participants. Research covers Libido & sexual health, Neuroprotection, Fatigue reduction and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Weak.
The evidence is currently rated as "Weak Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (0 human studies, 2 animal studies), and reported outcomes.
Catuaba has been researched for: Libido & sexual health, Neuroprotection, Fatigue reduction, Anti-depressant effects. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Currently all 15 studies on Catuaba are animal or in-vitro studies. Human clinical trials are needed before the evidence can be rated above "Weak".
