Uncaria
Uncaria
Uncaria is a genus of plants traditionally used in various herbal medicine practices, particularly in Southeast Asia and South America. The traditional uses of Uncaria are not well-documented, though it has been employed for its purported medicinal properties. Scientific evidence suggests that extracts from Uncaria species, such as Uncaria gambir and Uncaria rhynchophylla, exhibit antimalarial activity with strictosamide and 3α-dihydrocadambine showing notable CDC25B phosphatase inhibition and vasodilatory effects respectively. Additionally, URA (Uncaria Rhynchophylla Alkaloids) from Uncaria rhynchophylla have demonstrated neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress and modulating gene expressions in both C. elegans and PC12 cells. The immunomodulatory effects of Imoviral® supplementation indicate early transient upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β, with limited changes in other immune genes compared to control groups. Safety records for Uncaria show no major issues reported; however, due to the lack of extensive clinical trials, caution is advised. There are currently no recorded drug interactions associated with Uncaria use.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Epi-A showed potent in vitro and good in vivo antimalarial activity without significant toxicity.
- The study identified strictosamide and 3α-dihydrocadambine from Uncaria gambir, showing notable CDC25B phosphatase inhibition and vasodilatory activity, respectively.
- Imoviral® supplementation led to early transient upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β, with limited changes in other immune genes compared to control groups.
- URAs from Uncaria rhynchophylla exhibited neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and modulating related gene expressions in both C. elegans and PC12 cells.
Frequently asked questions
What is Uncaria?
Uncaria (Uncaria) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Uncaria?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Uncaria; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Epi-A showed potent in vitro and good in vivo antimalarial activity without significant toxicity.
How strong is the evidence for Uncaria?
The strongest finding for Uncaria carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Uncaria safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Uncaria in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Uncaria interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Uncaria in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Uncaria?
Uncaria is also known as: Ункария.
Is Uncaria a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Evaluation of Imoviral® effects on early immune response in Sparus aurata challenged with Vibrio anguillarum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chemical components from Uncaria gambir (W.Hunter) Roxb. and their preliminary bioactivities in CDC25B phosphatase inhibition and vasodilatory activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Neuroprotective effects of Uncaria rhynchophylla alkaloid extracts against amyloid-β toxicity via regulation of oxidative stress pathways. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Exploring the antimalarial potential of (+)-2,2'-epicytoskyrin A: in vitro and in vivo studies of a bioactive metabolite from endophytic fungus Diaporthe sp. GNBP-10. literature abstract metadata