Anemopaegma arvense (Vell.) Stellfeld ex De Souza

Abstract

The Anemopaegma arvense (Vell.) Stellfeld ex De Souza, synonym Anemopaegma mirandum (Cham.) DC, is a small shrub widely distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado, but currently considered an endangered species. It is popularly known as catuaba, tatuaba, verga-tesa, among other names, and is used as an aphrodisiac and a tonic for nervous debility and memory loss. The usually employed part is the root, although the aerial parts are also used. The adulteration of A. arvense crude drug is frequent and this has led to the implementation of several quality-control studies. The species contains triterpenes, flavonoids, proanthocyanins, and phenylpropanoid-substituted epicatechins, for which antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytoprotective effects have been reported. Pre-clinical toxicological studies were performed with an herbal medicine containing both A. arvense and other species and the formulation was considered safe. However, there are no studies validating its popular use as an aphrodisiac.