Uncaria guianensis
Uncaria guianensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Uncaria guianensis is a significant medicinal plant whose therapeutic potential is primarily derived from its bark and leaf components. Researchers frequently utilize various preparations, including hydro-alcoholic extracts from the bark (UGB) and leaves (UGL), as well as specialized Ug AIV formulations. The plant contains key chemical compounds like mitraphylline, which contribute to its diverse biological activities. These include potent antioxidant, antiviral, (-)-chronotropic, and 11B-HSD-inhibitor properties. Consequently, it is widely studied for its ability to combat conditions such as inflammation, arthritis, cancer, and endometriosis.
- Synonyms
- Nauclea Aculeata · Nauclea Guianensis · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Common Names
Uncaria guianensis is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In English-speaking regions, it is most frequently referred to as cat's claw or cat's-claw. The species also carries the name guyanankynsiliaani, reflecting its specific regional identity. In Spanish-speaking areas, it is widely known by the traditional name uña de gato. Furthermore, its botanical reach extends to China, where it is identified as 亞馬遜鉤藤.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Uncaria guianensis is a botanical species known to be associated with several different taxonomic synonyms in scientific literature. It is frequently identified by the names Nauclea aculeata and Nauclea guianensis in various historical records. Researchers also encounter this plant listed under the synonym Ourouparia guianensis during taxonomic studies. Additionally, the name Uncaria aculeata is often used interchangeably to describe the same organism. Finally, it is recognized by the synonym Uncaria spinosa, reflecting the complex naming conventions used to categorize this plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Uncaria guianensis is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. This species belongs to the class Equisetopsida and is classified under the order Gentianales. Within this botanical hierarchy, it is a representative of the genus Uncaria. Furthermore, it is a specialized plant that falls under the family Rubiaceae. Through these scientific classifications, its unique place in the natural world is clearly defined.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Uncaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Uncaria guianensis is a plant with an expansive natural distribution throughout much of South America. It is widely found across various regions of Brazil, including the Northeast, the West-Central areas, and throughout the northern territories. Its presence extends into Northern South America, specifically spanning the landscapes of French Guiana. Beyond the mainland, the species also makes its way into the Caribbean, where it can be found in Trinidad and Tobago. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Uncaria guianensis grows in a shrubby form that allows it to navigate its environment effectively. This species maintains an obligatory climbing habit, relying on other structures to ascend toward the light.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Uncaria guianensis is a medicinal Amazonian plant that demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its diverse biological activities. Scientific investigations have confirmed that this species possesses potent antioxidant properties, effectively quenching free radicals in in vitro studies. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable antiviral activity, specifically showing the ability to reduce viral antigens and inhibit replication in Dengue virus-2 infections. These combined effects suggest that the species can help protect cells while simultaneously modulating immune responses. Consequently, Uncaria guianensis serves as a promising candidate for the future development of herbal treatments for various inflammatory and viral conditions.
Compounds
Uncaria guianensis is a plant native to the Amazon that has long been utilized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies exploring the chemical diversity of this species have specifically focused on the presence of the alkaloid mitraphylline. While the population located in Assis Brasil, Acre, demonstrated the highest average content of mitraphylline at 0.60 mg/g, the compound was notably absent in most other studied individuals. Because of this inconsistent distribution, researchers question whether mitraphylline and isomitraphylline can be reliably used as chemical markers for the species. Ultimately, these findings highlight the need for further investigation into the genetic basis of alkaloid accumulation to support conservation efforts.
Conditions
Uncaria guianensis serves as a medicinal plant capable of treating diabetes and various forms of inflammation. Research indicates that its extracts are effective in treating DENV infection, specifically providing antiviral benefits against the Dengue virus-2 infection. Additionally, the plant demonstrates significant antioxidant properties by its ability to treat DPPH radicals through free radical scavenging. These diverse therapeutic applications highlight the plant's potential in managing both metabolic and infectious conditions.
Preparations
Uncaria guianensis is prepared as bark to isolate quinovic acid glycosides and evaluate various medicinal properties. This plant is also prepared as a hydroethanolic extract to study its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour effects through bio-guided fractionation. From these processes, the sub-fraction Ug AIV is prepared to specifically inhibit inflammatory mediators and reduce tumour growth. Furthermore, Uncaria guianensis is prepared as hydro-alcoholic extracts from bark (UGB) and leaves (UGL) to investigate antiviral and immunomodulatory activities. These distinct preparations, such as UGB and UGL, allow researchers to compare chemical profiles and observe differences in cytokine reduction.
Parts used
Uncaria guianensis is a medicinal plant that offers various therapeutic potentials through the use of its different anatomical parts. Research indicates that aqueous extracts derived from the leaf are effective in inducing specific growth factors in endometriotic lesion cells. Furthermore, the plant's root serves as a critical component in studies evaluating its impact on stromal cells and cellular viability. Scientific investigations also highlight that leaf extracts possess significant immunomodulatory properties, specifically in reducing the secretion of interleukin-6. By utilizing both the leaf and root, researchers continue to explore the diverse pharmacological applications of this versatile species.