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Uncaria rhynchophylla (Rubiaceae)

Botanical Information

Family: Rubiaceae
Common Names: Gou Teng, Cat’s Claw Vine, Gambir Plant
Parts Used: Stems with hooks (Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis)

Description

Uncaria rhynchophylla, commonly known as Gou Teng or Cat’s Claw Vine, is a woody climbing vine native to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. It has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to calm the liver, reduce high blood pressure, and treat neurological disorders. The hooked stems are particularly valued for their neuroprotective, antispasmodic, and sedative properties, making them useful in treating hypertension, dizziness, headaches, tremors, and seizures.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for liver heat, internal wind, and hypertension-related symptoms.
  • Traditionally applied to reduce fevers, alleviate dizziness, and relieve muscle spasms.
  • Considered a neuroprotective herb, often used to support stroke recovery and cognitive function.
  • Used to calm the mind and support sleep in cases of anxiety and restlessness.

Constituents

  • Alkaloids (Rhynchophylline, Isorhynchophylline)
  • Flavonoids
  • Tannins
  • Terpenoids
  • Catechins

Actions

  • Hypotensive (Lowers blood pressure)
  • Neuroprotective
  • Antispasmodic
  • Sedative
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant

Medicinal Uses

  1. Hypertension & Cardiovascular Support
    • Lowers high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing inflammation.
    • Traditionally used for dizziness, headaches, and hypertension-related symptoms.
  2. Neurological & Cognitive Health
    • Neuroprotective effects help prevent and recover from stroke.
    • Used to reduce seizures, tremors, and muscle spasms, making it helpful for conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
    • Supports memory and cognitive function in aging individuals.
  3. Calming the Nervous System
    • Used in TCM for anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disorders.
    • Traditionally combined with other herbs to reduce emotional tension and support relaxation.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory & Immune Support
    • Contains flavonoids and alkaloids that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
    • May help regulate the immune system, making it useful in autoimmune disorders.

Preparation and Dosage

Decoction (Tea from Stems with Hooks):

  • 3-10 grams of dried stem in 2 cups of water.
  • Simmer for 15-20 minutes, drink once or twice daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml taken up to twice daily.

Powder (Capsules or Mix-in):

  • 1-2 grams daily in capsules or mixed in warm water.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Not recommended due to its effects on blood circulation and nervous system function.
  • Low Blood Pressure: Should be used cautiously by individuals with hypotension.
  • Sedative Effects: May enhance drowsiness when taken with sedatives or blood pressure medications.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

  • Liver and Heart Meridian herb.
  • Clears Liver Heat and Wind, making it useful for hypertension, headaches, and tremors.
  • Calms the Shen (spirit) and supports mental tranquility.

Combinations

  • For Hypertension: Combine with Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) and Gastrodia (Tian Ma).
  • For Neurological Disorders: Use with Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monnieri.
  • For Anxiety & Sleep Support: Pair with Ziziphus jujuba (Suan Zao Ren) and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).
  • For Stroke Recovery: Combine with Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica).

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting:
    • Stems with hooks are gathered when mature and dried for medicinal use.
  • Drying:
    • Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
  • Storage:
    • Keep dried material in airtight containers, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Modern Research

  • Studies confirm Uncaria rhynchophylla’s ability to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and protect neurological function.
  • Research suggests that its alkaloid content (Rhynchophylline) plays a key role in its anti-hypertensive and neuroprotective effects.
  • Some studies indicate its potential in reducing epileptic seizures and improving cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusion

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a valuable traditional herb for neurological health, blood pressure regulation, and nervous system support. Its hypotensive and neuroprotective properties make it an excellent choice for hypertension, stroke recovery, and anxiety relief. However, caution is needed with low blood pressure or sedative medications.