bio.wikisort.org - Plant

Uncaria tomentosa is a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America. It is known as cat's claw or uña de gato in Spanish because of its claw-shaped thorns.[1][2] The plant root bark is used in herbalism for a variety of ailments, and is sold as a dietary supplement.[2][3][4] There is no clinical evidence that cat's claw is effective for treating any human disease.[2][4]

Uncaria tomentosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Rubiaceae
Genus:	Uncaria
Species:	U. tomentosa
Binomial name
Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC.[1]

Description

Uncaria tomentosa is a liana deriving its name from hook-like thorns that resemble the claws of a cat.[2] U. tomentosa can grow to a length of up to 30 m (100 ft), climbing by means of these thorns.[1] The leaves are elliptic with a smooth edge, and grow in opposing pairs. Cat's claw is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, with its habitat being restricted primarily to the tropical areas of South and Central America.[1]

Taxonomy

There are two species of cat's claw commonly used in North America and Europe, Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis, having different properties and uses.[2] The two are frequently confused but U. tomentosa is the more commonly used in traditional medicine.[5][6] U. tomentosa is further divided into two chemotypes that remain under preliminary research for their properties and compounds.[7] There are other plants which are known as cat's claw (or uña de gato) in Mexico and Latin America; however, they are entirely different plant species, belonging to neither the genus Uncaria, nor to the family Rubiaceae.[6]

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals in Uncaria tomentosa root bark include oxindole and indole alkaloids, glycosides, organic acids, proanthocyanidins, sterols, and triterpenes, glycosides, tannins, polyphenols, catechins, rhynchophylline, and beta-sitosterol.[2][6][8]

Traditional medicine

Cat's claw bark has been used as a traditional medicine in South American countries over centuries for its supposed health benefits, and is a common herbal supplement.[2][4][6] As of 2021, there is no high-quality clinical evidence that it has any benefit in treating human diseases.[2][4]

Interactions

Cat's claw has extensive interactions with numerous prescription drugs.[2] Its safety over long-term use or during pregnancy has not been scientifically determined.[2][4]

Adverse effects

Individuals allergic to plants in the family Rubiaceae and different species of Uncaria may be more likely to have adverse reactions to cat's claw.[2] Allergic reactions can include itching, rash, and skin inflammation.[2] Gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, headache, impaired kidney and hormonal effects, and neuropathy are other possible effects.[2][4]

People requiring anticoagulation, blood pressure, or immune therapy should not use cat's claw.[2][4]

See also

• List of ineffective cancer treatments

References

External links

• Media related to Uncaria tomentosa at Wikimedia Commons
• Uncaria tomentosa List of Chemicals (Dr. Duke's Databases)

На других языках

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- [en] Uncaria tomentosa

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[ru] Ункария опушённая

Ункария опушённая (лат. Uncaria tomentosa), (исп. uña de gato, англ. Cat's Claw — кошачий коготь) — древовидная лиана семейства Мареновые (Rubiaceae), произрастающая в тропических лесах Южной и Центральной Америки, по берегам и в предгорье Амазонки в Перу.

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