Catuabais an herbal supplement believed to have beneficialanti-inflammatory,antidepressant, neuroprotective, andantioxidantproperties.
It’s been studied for benefits related to brain health, infections, and fatigue.
Potential benefits are most likely due to substances in catuaba such asflavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
The supplement is derived from the bark of trees found mostly in Central and South America.
Research on catuaba is limited with few human trials, and many catuaba health claims remain unfounded.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Catuaba is believed by some to treat or prevent a wide range of unrelated medical conditions.
To date, however, research investigating the effectiveness of catuaba in treating any health condition is very limited.
Most studies on catuaba have been performed in a lab (in vitro) or on animal models.
Research must be completed on humans to confirm many of the health claims for catuaba.
Experimental studies have shown that catuaba protects animal brains from oxidative stress (excessfree radicals).
The researchers learned that antioxidants found in catuaba were able to protect brain cells from damage.
There is also some evidence that catuaba may improve symptoms ofmemory loss.
However, research on catuaba’s effects on memory is dated and new research is scarce.
In one study from 2011, mice were given an extract of catuaba before receiving behavioral tests.
The tests showed that catuaba improved memory in the mice.
Researchers believed these effects were due to antioxidants found in catuaba.
Despite the promising findings, the study provides what might be best considered a sketch for future research.
Furthermore, as with all animal studies, results cannot automatically be assumed to apply to humans.
Antimicrobial Effects
Various studies have suggested that catuaba exerts potent antimicrobial properties.
Researchers believe that substances in catuaba arebactericidal, meaning they can kill bacteria.
At present, it should not be considered a viable candidate for treating any infection.
Further research is needed.
Fatigue
In traditional medicine, catuaba is sometimes used to treat fatigue.
Yet, there is no strong evidence to support this practice.
One animal study looked at the effect of catuaba on fatigue in mice forced to exercise on a treadmill.
Few other studies have examined the relationship between catuaba and fatigue, and none have been performed in humans.
More research is needed before catuaba can be recommended for fatigue.
What Are the Side Effects of Catuaba?
Not enough data are available on the safety of catuaba.
As a result, it is not fully understand what the possible side effects of using catuaba are.
Regardless, side effects may be possible.
Common Side Effects
Side effectsof catuaba are not well-documented in any studies or reviews.
According to one review, only a few studies have examined catuaba’s potential side effects.
Severe Side Effects
No severe side effects have been reported for catuaba.
However, that does not mean severe side effects are not possible when using catuaba.
More research is needed on the safety of catuaba.
Precautions
It’s important to take precautions when using any supplement.
When it comes to catuaba, some people may need to take more precautions than others.
Other sensitive groups, including children and people who are breastfeeding, should also avoid catuaba.
This is because safety studies have not been performed on these populations.
Anyone with a medical condition or takingprescription medicationsshould talk with ahealthcare providerbefore using catuaba.
Supplements like catuaba may interact with various medications.
Furthermore, the safety of catuaba in children and nursing people has not been established.
Dosage: How Much Catuaba Should I Take?
There are no guidelines for the appropriatedosageof catuaba.
This is due to an overall lack of research on catuaba and its effects on humans.
Dosing information listed on the product label of supplements is according to the drug manufacturer only.
Supplements may vary in their formulation, leading to differences in dosing among brands.
In the case of catuaba, a safe dosage has not yet been established.
As a rule of thumb, never exceed the dose listed on the product label.
Talk with a healthcare provider about how to determine the right catuaba dose for you.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Catuaba?
Toxicology reports on catuaba are lacking.
Based on current reports, though, catuaba is not considered toxic to humans.
There are no reported cases of catuabaoverdose.
In comparison, a 2016 review on catuaba discussed different toxicology studies on the herbal remedy.
Nonetheless, toxicology studies on catuaba have not been performed on humans.
This means the overall safety of catuaba has yet to be determined.
To prevent potential adverse events or toxicity, only use catuaba as directed, and never exceed a dose.
Interactions
It is unknown whether catuaba interacts with medications, supplements, or food.
Despite this, interactions may still exist.
No studies have been performed to determine whether catuaba negatively interacts with other substances.
Liquid extracts don’t typically require refrigeration.
But you should always follow any storage directions specified on the product label.
Keep catuaba supplements out of reach of small children and pets.
To ensure quality, discard the catuaba once it passes itsexpiration date.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements and herbs may work similarly to catuaba.
These include:
Other herbs and supplements may work similarly to catuaba.
Talk with a healthcare provider about which may be best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Catuaba is thought to be safe to take in supplement form.
However, proper safety studies have not been performed on catuaba.
Due to a lack of human research, it is unknown how long catuaba supplements take to work.
Long-term human trials on catuaba do not exist.
However, many of these uses are not well-supported by scientific evidence.
As a result, research is needed on the potential uses of catuaba.
Supplements and herbs should never replace or delay standard medical care for any health condition.
Also, a well-balanced diet can typically provide all the nutrients your body needs for health.
Some people use dried catuaba bark to make hot tea.
For the most part, catuaba is used as a dietary supplement only.
Sometimes, supplement brands combine catuaba with other herbs or ingredients.
Be sure to read the nutrition label and ingredient list so you know what you are getting.
You should also check the label to see if the supplement fits your diet.
Many catuaba supplements are naturallyveganand gluten-free, and some are organic.
It’s also important to keep in mind that dietary supplements are largely unregulated in the United States.
Nutrition labels on supplements are not required to be approved.
This means that some supplement labels may contain incorrect information and/or false medical claims.
These include USP, NSF International, and ConsumerLab.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
The most common plant used to make catuaba supplements isTrichilia catigua.
More research is required before catuaba can be recommended as a safe and effective supplement.
Talk with a healthcare provider if you have more questions about catuaba.
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