Uncaria laevigata
Uncaria laevigata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
scientifically known as Uncaria laevigata, is a prominent species of cat's claw native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned for its potent medicinal properties, this woody vine is widely used in traditional herbalism to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote joint health through its unique bioactive alkaloids.
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Stem Barks
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Nauclea Laevigata · Uruparia Laevigata
Names
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Uncaria laevigataSynonyms
- Nauclea laevigata
- Uruparia laevigata
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Uncaria laevigata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Gentianaales and the family Rubiaceae. It is further categorized under 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 exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. In China, its presence is noted within the South-Central and Southeast territories. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in Assam and throughout Bangladesh. Additionally, the species extends into the Indo-China region, specifically within Laos. Collectively, these locations highlight the tropical and subtropical habitats where the plant thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Uncaria laevigata and commonly referred to as Cat's Claw, derives its primary medicinal value from its stem barks. These woody tissues are harvested to extract bioactive alkaloids that are widely utilized in traditional and modern herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Because the therapeutic compounds are concentrated within the protective outer layers of the climbing vine, the quality and processing of the stem barks are essential for ensuring the efficacy of the resulting extracts.| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem barks | Fitoterapia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Uncaria laevigata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ursolic acid.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Ursolic acid | Fitoterapia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ethanolic extract of the stem barks | Fitoterapia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |