Trichilia catigua

Trichilia catigua

The Great catuaba (Trichilia catigua A.Juss.) is an arboreal species belonging to the Meliaceae family.

Systematics –
From a systematic point of view it belongs to:
Eukaryota Domain,
Kingdom Plantae,
Magnoliophyta Division,
Magnoliopsida class,
Subclass Rosidae,
Sapindales Order,
Meliaceae family,
Genus Trichilia,
T. catigua species.
The terms are synonymous:
– Moschoxylum affine (A.Juss.) A.Juss.;
– Moschoxylum catigua (A.Juss.) A.Juss.;
– Trichilia affinis A.Juss.;
– Trichilia alba Rojas;
– Trichilia catigua var. affinis (A.Juss. ex A.St.-Hil.) C.DC.;
– Trichilia catigua var. glabrior C.DC.;
– Trichilia catigua var. longifoliola C.DC.;
– Trichilia catigua var. pallens C.DC.;
– Trichilia catigua var. parviflora Juss.;
– Trichilia catigua var. pilosior C.DC.;
– Trichilia flaviflora C.DC.;
– Trichilia polyclada C.DC..

Etymology –
The term Trichilia comes from the Greek word tricho which means in three parts referring to the fruits that often have three valves.
The specific catigua epithet is of uncertain etymology but most likely derives from the vernacular name of the species in the Portuguese language.

Geographic Distribution and Habitat –
Trichilia catigua is a plant native to South America, present in Argentina, Paraguay, southern, central and eastern Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.
Its habitat is that of seasonal deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, where it prefers humid and alluvial soils and slopes, at altitudes between 200 and 600 meters in some areas such as in Brazil but also at higher altitudes.

Description –
Trichilia catigua is a small evergreen tree characterized by an elongated and dense crown; this plant can reach a height of 3 – 6 meters.
The trunk can reach a diameter of 15 – 20 cm.
The leaves are alternate, pinnate without stipules and with syncarpium.
It is a dioecious plant with apparently bisexual (but actually very covertly monosexual) flowers, collected.

Cultivation –
Trichilia catigua is a tree that is sometimes harvested in nature for local use. This small tree has an elegant shape and can be inserted along the roadsides and under the service lines.
This plant is typical of subtropical and tropical areas, found at altitudes from sea level up to 1,100 meters.
It prefers a location in partial shade and moist, well-drained soils.
Newly planted young trees are slow to establish and grow, and both male and female forms must be cultivated to bear fruit.
Propagation occurs by seed; this has a short vitality and therefore should be sown as soon as it is ripe. sowing must be done in a nursery seedbed in a semi-shady position. Germination rates are generally low, with the seed sprouting within 70 to 80 days.

Customs and Traditions –
Trichilia catigua is a plant used in folk medicine and shamanism as an aphrodisiac and stimulant.
In Brazilian biodiversity, “catuaba” is commonly used as a tonic to treat fatigue, stress, impotence, memory deficits and digestive disorders. Studies show antibacterial, trypanocidal, antioxidant, antiarrhythmic, antidepressant, memory enhancement, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity, as well as phytocosmetic activity in the treatment of cellulite and anti-aging. The Brazilian plants known and used as catuaba are represented by more than twenty different species; however, the most common plant in Brazil as “catuaba” is the species Trichilia catigua A. Juss.
This plant can be widely used in herbal and / or phytocosmetic medicine as well as has future prospects for commercial exploitation and indications for future studies.
The principles found in Trichilia catigua are Cinchonaina Ib which is a flavonolignano, present in the bark.
The bark of this plant, in small doses, is a bitter tonic, in larger doses it is purgative.
An infusion is used externally as a cure for rheumatism and dropsy.
Among other uses, it should be remembered that a pale red dye is obtained from the bark.
The heartwood is straw yellow in color. The wood has a fine texture, straight grain, moderately heavy, flexible, very resistant to decomposing organisms.
Wood, due to its small size, is little used, but it is used to make bows while it is used as fuel.

Preparation Method –
Trichilia catigua, as mentioned, is an important plant in the medicinal and therapeutic field.
The bark of this plant is used which, in small doses, is a bitter tonic, while in larger doses it becomes a purgative.
An infusion is also obtained which is used externally as a cure for rheumatism and dropsy.

Guido Bissanti

Sources
– Acta Plantarum – Flora of the Italian Regions.
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
– GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
– Useful Tropical Plants Database.
– Conti F., Abbate G., Alessandrini A., Blasi C. (ed.), 2005. An annotated checklist of the Italian vascular flora, Palombi Editore.
– Pignatti S., 1982. Flora of Italy, Edagricole, Bologna.
– Treben M., 2000. Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy, Advice and experiences with medicinal herbs, Ennsthaler Editore.
Photo source:
– https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/119348206/original.jpeg
– https://swbiodiversity.org/imglib/h_seinet/seinet/ASU/ASU_Plants/ASU0083/ASU0083545_lg.jpg

Warning: Pharmaceutical applications and alimurgical uses are indicated for informational purposes only, they do not represent in any way a medical prescription; therefore no responsibility is taken for their use for curative, aesthetic or food purposes.