Uncaria sinensis
Uncaria sinensis, commonly known as Cat's Claw, is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned in traditional medicine, it contains bioactive oxindole alkaloids. These compounds offer potent anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, making it a widely studied botanical for treating arthritis, infections, and supporting overall systemic health.
- Scientific name: Uncaria sinensis
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Gentianaales and placed in the family Rubiaceae. Its scientific classification concludes with 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 widespread geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within the vast territory of China, it can be found growing in the South-Central areas. Its presence also extends into the North-Central parts of the country. Additionally, the species is well-established throughout the Southeast regions of China. Finally, its natural habitat reaches into the Indo-China peninsula, specifically within Vietnam.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Chemicals
Uncaria sinensis has 21 reported phytochemicals identified across 27 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, caffeic acid, epicatechin, geissoschizine methyl ether, isorhynchophylline.
- Total chemicals
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 27
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catechin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| geissoschizine methyl ether | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isorhynchophylline | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| corynantheine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| corynoxeine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| corynoxine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| corynoxine B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epigallocatechin gallate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Uncaria sinensis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Uncaria sinensis has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include vascular dementia, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hemolysis, migraine.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| vascular dementia | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemolysis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| migraine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neurodegenerative diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |