Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC.: A Review on Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities

Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Amany Magdy Beshbishy, Lamiaa Wasef, Yaser H. A. Elewa, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Ayman E. Taha, Adham Abdullah Al-Sagheer, Hari Prasad Devkota, Vincenzo Tufarelli
2020 Applied Sciences  
Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC. (Family: Rubiaceae), commonly known as cat's claw, is a tropical medicinal vine originating at the Amazon rainforest and other areas of South and Central America. It has been traditionally used to treat asthma, abscesses, fever, urinary tract infections, viral infections, and wounds and found to be effective as an immune system rejuvenator, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent. U. tomentosa is rich in many phytoconstituents such as
more » ... ndole and indole alkaloids, glycosides, organic acids, proanthocyanidins, sterols, and triterpenes. Biological activities of U. tomentosa have been examined against various microorganisms and parasites, including pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and Plasmodium, Babesia and Theileria parasites. Several formulations of cat's claw (e.g., tinctures, decoctions, capsules, extracts, and teas) are recently available in the market. The current review covers the chemical constituents, biological activities, pharmacokinetics, and toxic properties of U. tomentosa extracts.
doi:10.3390/app10082668 fatcat:e34viljfxrbrpo66lhd6u7mfea