Catuaba is a bark from *Erythroxylum catuaba* and related trees native to the Amazon. Brazilian folk medicine has used it for generations as a general tonic and for nervous system support. Modern science has yet to confirm these traditional uses. Very little high-quality clinical research exists, and its effects remain poorly understood.
People commonly take catuaba as a liquid extract or powder. No standard dose is established, and herbal product strength varies widely. You should avoid catuaba if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition because reliable safety data is missing.