Catuaba bark extract is one of the key ingredients that make VigRX Plus and VigRX Oil work.
But what is it? What are its uses? Are there any side effects? We’ll go over these questions and other details about this component herb.
In some parts of the world, especially in South America, notably Brazil, Catuaba is used as a local folk cure.
The Legendary Aphrodisiac
Catuaba is more than just a folk cure. It is believed to be quite legendary in both Peru and Brazil.
The Tupi Indians even composed songs about this herb. They have been using it for centuries, and they also praise its wonderful effects.
The locals back then believed that Catuaba bark extract had helped them gain enormous genitals. Of course, extra-large genitalia also meant becoming better when it came to sex.
Legend has it that the Tupi Indians were also known by another name—the elephant men, which is, of course, a reference to their larger penises.
Of course, Catuaba bark extract does more than give you better libido or provide you with a massive size increase. Even in the folk medical practice of Brazil, practitioners believed that Catuaba bark extracts could improve brain function.
They observed that it helps reduce fatigue, reduce anxiety, improve energy and stamina, and enables you to get a better memory.
It is only now that we are beginning to test this medicinal herb in laboratories—it’s kind of ironic since the locals of South America have been enjoying its benefits for many centuries.
Other Names
Catuaba is known by different names, such as:
- Catiguá
- Piratançara
- Cataguá
- Caramuru
- Chuchuhuasha
Parts of the Herb Used as Medicine
Note that not all the parts of this herb are used as medicine. Only the roots and also the bark is used to produce medicinal extracts.
Primary Ingredient
The official VigRX Plus website lists Catuaba bark extract as one of its ingredients, along with others such as saw palmetto, and hawthorn berry, among others.
The info on their page states that Catuaba extract encourages better sleep, reduces fatigue, and eliminates nervousness. It contains necessary alkaloids such as vitamins A, B, and C and also Catuabine.
Catuaba extract is also one of the ingredients in VigRX Oil and VigRX Plus.
In the next section, we will go deeper into the science involved.
Traditional Benefits and Uses
Catuaba is related to the coca plant, but the big difference is that it doesn’t contain the same alkaloids that you can find in cocaine. In Brazil, Catuaba is classified as a kind of stimulant.
Local folk medicine practitioners believe that Catuaba bark extract is beneficial for both the blood and also the heart. They think that it helps to give balance to the body’s functions. Other than that, they also believe it to be a powerful tonic.
Health Benefits
The following are the health benefits of Catuaba bark extract that have been verified by actual medical studies. In places where actual medical studies have not fully confirmed the claimed benefits, the recommended or suggested benefits have been mentioned below.
- As an Aphrodisiac
The actual clinical studies about the effectiveness of Catuaba bark extract as an aphrodisiac are scarce at the moment. What we have only are recommendations of herbalists from Europe, suggesting the aphrodisiac properties of this herb (1).
As an aphrodisiac, Catuaba bark extract can be considered as something to be quite potent. It contains three alkaloids that are believed to support and enhance male libido.
One of these alkaloids is called Yohimbe, which is a compound that is believed to stimulate libido in both women and men. How do these alkaloids increase libido? They function by stimulating the human nervous system.
- Counteracts Fatigue
As stated earlier, there are other uses of Catuaba other than improving male performance in bed. It’s not just for treating impotence; it is also used for other conditions as well, which include fatigue.
According to one study, Catuaba extracts have been found to have a lot of medicinal properties. Studies suggest that it can help boost memory, work as an antidepressant, and serve as protection against ischemia.
One study concludes it is suggested that Catuaba bark extract has the potential to be used as a medication to reduce fatigue (2, 3).
- Antioxidant Effects
Studies also suggest that Catuaba bark extract contains powerful antioxidants.
However, note that these studies have been performed on rats and other lab animals. No human trials have been conducted thus far.
That means more clinical trials are required. However, what the current results show is already quite promising (3).
- Reduces Anxiety
One of the active chemical compounds that can be extracted from Catuaba is called Catuabine. It is also one of the alkaloids that can be found in this herb.
This compound effectively reduces anxiety and helps one to relax (3). It is also fast-acting since you will feel its effects only after an hour of taking the extract.
This same extract can also be used as a natural sleeping aid.
- Antidepressant
Some studies suggest that Catuaba bark extract has dopaminergic actions (4). That means it makes your body produce more dopamine. Studies indicate that the extracts from this herb can be used as an antidepressant.
Apart from the dopamine-induced effects of this herb, it is also suggested, according to studies, that taking Catuaba extracts in the long term doesn’t have any side effects like an increase in serotonin uptake. This makes it a better option as a long-term solution when it comes to treating depression.
- Protection Against Brain-Related Disorders
One study suggests that Catuaba bark extract has anti-inflammatory effects. In that study, it was found that the extract had a neuroprotective impact; in short, it protected the brains of the test subjects (i.e., rats) from oxidative damage.
The results suggest that this herbal extract can be used for preventing brain-related disorders.
How Is It Administered?
You can use one teaspoon of Catuaba bark extract and add it to your favorite smoothie. Add some honey or your preferred sweetener when you add it to your smoothie.
Another way to add Catuaba bark extract to your diet is to take the prescribed dosage of VigRX Plus. You get all the benefits of Catuaba bark extract and all the other herbs contained in its powerful formula.