trichilia catigua

*Trichilia catigua* is a plant native to Brazil, traditionally used in folk medicine as a tonic to treat fatigue, stress, impotence, and memory deficits[1][2][4][5]. The bark is a key component in herbal preparations (notably "catuaba") and is rich in flavalignans, flavan-3-ols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins[2][3]. Preclinical studies indicate that hydroalcoholic extracts of *Trichilia catigua* exhibit antinociceptive (pain-reducing), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory, and neuroprotective effects[1][2][3]. The primary mechanisms identified involve activation of the dopaminergic system, partial modulation of opioid pathways, and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase[1][3]. Human clinical data are lacking, and most evidence comes from animal models and in vitro studies[2][5].

Other names

catuaba