Uncaria macrophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nauclea silhetana
• Uncaria sessilifolia
• Uruparia macrophylla

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Uncaria macrophylla, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Gentianaales. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family and falls under the genus Uncaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical range across several specific regions in Asia. Within China, its distribution includes the South-Central areas as well as the southeastern provinces. It can also be found growing on the island of Hainan. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species is documented in the state of Assam. Additionally, its presence extends into the neighboring country of Bangladesh.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Uncaria macrophylla is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically functioning as a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte within its native tropical rainforest ecosystems. As a woody climbing vine, its life cycle is defined by its ability to reach significant heights through structural support, positioning its photosynthetic organs well above the ground level to maximize light interception in competitive canopy environments. This life form allows the plant to navigate the complex vertical strata of the forest, utilizing its perennial woody stems to establish a long-term presence. Its developmental strategy involves a robust vegetative growth phase followed by reproductive cycles that depend on the stability of its tropical habitat, maintaining its perennial status through the continuous growth of its lignified tissues.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Uncaria macrophylla is characterized by its growth habit as a woody liana, functioning as an obligatory climber that utilizes surrounding structures for support. Although it exhibits characteristics of a shrub in its structural composition, its primary life form is that of a climbing vine. The plant is an independent organism, meaning it does not function as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being an epiphyte. Its physical structure is distinctly woody, providing the necessary rigidity and strength required for its liana growth form.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

other

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Uncaria macrophylla has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Uncaria macrophylla has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Isorhynchophylline, Ursolic acid, BETA-SITOSTEROL, Corynoxine, Corynoxine B.

Isorhynchophylline

1. PloS one
2. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Ursolic acid

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Corynoxine

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Corynoxine B

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Daucosterin

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Epicatechin

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Geissoschizine methyl ether

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Indole alkaloid

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Activities

Uncaria macrophylla has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Neuroprotective.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Neuroprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Uncaria macrophylla has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer, cardiovascular diseases, migraine, neurodegenerative diseases, tumor.

Cancer

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Cardiovascular diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Migraine

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Neurodegenerative diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tumor

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Uncaria macrophylla has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include 90% alcohol-water extract of the stem bark, stem bark.

90% alcohol-water extract of the stem bark

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Stem bark

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)