Uncaria hirsuta

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ourouparia formosana
• Ourouparia hirsuta
• Neonauclea formosana
• Uncaria uraiensis
• Nauclea formosana
• Uncaria kawakamii
• Ourouparia kawakamii
• Uncaria formosana
• Ourouparia enormis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Gentianales and the family Rubiaceae. Finally, it is identified under the genus Uncaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to several specific regions across East Asia. Within mainland China, its presence is primarily recorded in the South-Central areas. It can also be found growing throughout the Southeast portions of China. Additionally, the species is widely distributed across the island of Taiwan. These locations define the primary geographical range for Uncaria hirsuta.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Uncaria hirsuta is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground, typically on woody stems. Within this category, it exhibits specific life form traits consistent with a phanerophyte, allowing it to persist through unfavorable seasons by protecting its vital reproductive and vegetative buds in elevated, woody structures. As a climbing woody vine, its developmental strategy focuses on upward vertical growth to access light within its forest habitat, utilizing its structural longevity to establish a permanent presence in the ecosystem. This phanerophyte status ensures that its survival mechanisms are integrated into its perennial woody architecture, facilitating a long-term life cycle.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Uncaria hirsuta is characterized by its growth habit as an obligatory climber, utilizing specialized structures to ascend toward sunlight. It functions as an independent organism, meaning it is not a parasite, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than growing as an epiphyte. Structurally, the plant exhibits a woody nature, developing tough, lignified stems that provide the necessary support and strength for its climbing lifestyle within its natural habitat.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Uncaria hirsuta has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROGENIC ACID, Corynoxeine, Flavonoids, Hirsuteine, Hirsutine.

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Journal of food and drug analysis

Corynoxeine

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hirsuteine

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Hirsutine

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Isocorynoxeine

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Rhynchophylline

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Steroids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Terpenoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Uncaria hirsuta has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Neuroprotective, Antiapoptotic, Antioxidant.

Neuroprotective

1. Journal of food and drug analysis
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antiapoptotic

1. Journal of food and drug analysis

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Uncaria hirsuta has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, migraine, neurodegenerative diseases.

Cancer

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cardiovascular diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hypertension

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Migraine

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Neurodegenerative diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology