Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Catuaba Bark Extract: Take That Natural Approach

By Marvin Graham

Alternative healing methods were once the mainstream health treatments when people utilized the properties of various herbs. People are once again enjoying the benefits of many long revered herbs.

Catuaba bark is one of several herbs that contains many beneficial compounds that can be helpful to a number of health conditions. Catuaba bark refers to the bark of the Catuaba tree, which grows in the rainforests of Brazil.

The catuaba tree is a small tree with orange and yellow flowers. It produces an oval-shape fruit that is not edible. The catuaba tree belongs to the genus erythroxylum, which contains several species from which cocaine is derived.

Clinical studies on catuaba also have shown results related to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. A 1992 study indicated that an extract of catuaba (Erythoxlyum catuaba) was effective in protecting mice from lethal infections of Escherichia coli and Staphlococcus aureus, in addition to inhibiting HIV significantly.

The Tupi Indians are credited with the discovery of catuaba as an aphrodisiac. Indigenous people have used the herb for many generations and attest to its effectiveness. Although catuaba bark is an effective aphrodisiac increasing sexual desire in both male and female, it is primarily used to enhance erection in males.

According to Dr. Meira Penna, catuaba "functions as a stimulant of the nervous system, above all when one deals with functional impotence of the male genital organs . . . it is an innocent aphrodisiac, used without any ill effects at all." In Brazil it is regarded as an aphrodisiac with "proven efficacy" and, in addition to treating impotence, it is employed for many types of nervous conditions including insomnia, hypochondria, and pain related to the central nervous system (such as sciatica and neuralgia).

To date, no toxicity studies have been done on catuaba - but its long history of use in Brazil has reported no toxicity or ill effects. In fact, according to Dr. Meira Penna, the only side-effects are beneficial - erotic dreams and increased sexual desire! While no clinical research has validated the traditional use of catuaba as an aphrodisiac, it continues to be used widely for its ability to enhance sexual drive and increase libido in both men and women.

Catuaba is often taken as a general tonic since it is believed that it acts as a central nervous system stimulant and increases energy levels. Although such beliefs may be true, there is yet no scientific evidence to substantiate such claims. - 14130

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