Uncaria guianensis
Uncaria guianensis, commonly known as Cat's Claw, is a powerful woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned in traditional medicine, it contains unique oxindole alkaloids. These bioactive compounds offer significant anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making this medicinal plant a vital resource for supporting overall health and wellness.
- Scientific name: Uncaria guianensis
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. Specifically, Uncaria guianensis is identified by the genus Uncaria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Uncaria | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, Uncaria guianensis, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions in South America. It can be found growing throughout the northern parts of the continent, including Venezuela. Its range also extends through the Guianas, specifically in Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Additionally, this species is located within the Caribbean region, specifically on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Together, these locations highlight its presence within the tropical landscapes of northern South America and its nearby islands.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Trinidad-Tobago | WCVP |
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
Chemicals
Uncaria guianensis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ABE, ALE, ARE, isomitraphylline, kaempferitrin.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ABE | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ALE | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ARE | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isomitraphylline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferitrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mitraphylline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Uncaria guianensis has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Uncaria guianensis has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, Dengue fever, arthritis, endometriosis, gastritis.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Dengue fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| endometriosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| osteoarthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| osteoarthritis of the knee | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| peptic ulcer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |