Clinical References on Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Wurm M, et al.
Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa induce human endothelial cells to release a
lymphocyte-proliferation-regulating factor.
Planta Med. 1998 Dec;64(8):701-4.
(Abstract Available)
Sandoval-Chacon M, et al.
Antiinflammatory actions of cat's claw: the role of NF-kappaB.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1998 Dec;12(12):1279-89.
(Abstract Available)
Sheng Y, et al.
Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in human tumor cells treated with extracts of Uncaria tomentosa.
Anticancer Res. 1998 Sep-Oct;18(5A):3363-8.
(Abstract Available)
Santa Maria A, et al.
Evaluation of the toxicity of Uncaria tomentosa by bioassays in vitro.
J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Aug;57(3):183-7.
(Abstract Available)
Senatore, A. et al., [Phytochemical and biological study of Uncaria tomentosa] Bollettino Societa di Biologia Sperimentale 65 (1989): 517-520.
(Abstract Available)
Aquino, R. et al., "Plant Metabolites. Structure and In Vitro
Antiviral Activity of Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa
and Guettarda platypoda," Journal of Natural Products 4 52 (1989):
679-685.
(Abstract Available)
Aquino R., et.al., "New Polyhydroxylated Triterpenes from Uncaria
tomentosa Journal of Natural Products, (1990), pp 559-564
(Abstract Available)
Aquino, R. et al., "Plant Metabolites. New Compounds and Anti-
Inflammatory Activity of Uncaria tomentosa," Journal of Natural
Products, 54 (1991): 453-459.
(Abstract Available)
Rizzi, R. et al., "Mutagenic and Antimutagenic Activities of Uncaria
tomentosa and its Extracts," Journal of Ethnopharmacology 38 (1993):
63-77.
(Abstract Available)
Salazar EL, et al.
Depletion of specific binding sites for estrogen receptor by Uncaria tomentosa.
Proc West Pharmacol Soc. 1998;41:123-4.
Cerri, R. et al., "New Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria
tomentosa," Journal of Natural Products, 51 (1988): 257-261.
Yepez, A. M. et al., "Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria
guianensis," Phytochemistry 30 (1991): 1635-1637.
Montenegro De Matta, S. et al., "Alkaloids and Procyanidins of an
Uncaria sp. from Peru," Il Farmaco Ed. Sc. 31 (1976): 527-535.
Ocampo T., Palmiro, ed., Uncaria tomentosa, Aspectos Etnomedicos,
Medicos, Farmacologicos, Botanicos, Agronomics, Comerciales, Legales,
Antropologicos, Sociales y Politicos (Lima, Peru: Instituto de
Desarrollo Rural Peruano (IDDERP), 1994), 74 pp.
Egg, Augustin Schuler, "Investigacion y Trabajos de Campo Sobre lo una
de gato en Pozuzo," Dedpertar Pozucino no. 5, July 1995: 53-54.
Fazzi, Marco A. Costa, Evaluation de la Uncaria tomentosa (Una de
Gato) en lan Prevencion de Ulceras Gastricas de Stress Producidas
Experimentalmente en Rats (Dissertation of the Faculty of Medicine,
University Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru, 1989).
Yasukawa, K. et al., "Effect of Chemical Constituents from Plants on
12-0-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-Induced Inflammation in Mice,"
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 37 (1989): 1071-1073. (Studied
the anti-inflammatory activity of ursolic and oleanolic acids found in
the root bark)
Recio, M. C. et al., "Structural Requirements for the
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Natural Triterpenoids," Planta Medica
61, no. 2 (1995): 182-185. (Studied the anti-inflammatory activity of
ursolic and oleanolic acids found in the root bark)
Stuppner, H. et al., "A Differential Sensitivity of Oxindole Alkaloids
to Normal and Leukemic Cell Lines," Planta Medica 59, suppl. (1993):
A583.
Peluso, G. et al., "Effetto Antiproliferativo su Cellule Tumorali di
Estrattie Metaboliti da Uncaria tomentosa. Studi in vitro Sulla Loro
Azione DNA Polimerasi," 11 Congreso Italo-Peruano de Etnomedicina
Andina, Lima, Peru, October 27-30, 1993: 21-22.
Rizzi, R. et al., "Mutagenic and Antimutagenic Activities of Uncaria
tomentosa and its Extracts, " 1st Colloque European
D'Ethnopharmacologie, Metz, France, March 22-24, 1990, abstract.
Rizzi, R. et al., "Bacterial Cytotoxicity, Mutagenicity and
Antimutagenicity of Uncaria tomentosa and its Extracts. Antimutagenic
Activity of Uncaria omentosa Bulb in Humans," lst Colloque European
D'Ethnopharmacologie, Metz, France, March 22-24, 1990, abstract.
Arroyo, J. et al., "Avances en la Evaluacion Farmacologica de los
Extractos de Uncaria guianensis," in II Congreso Italo-Peruano de
Etnomedicina Andina, Lima, Peru, October 27-30, 1993 (Lima, Peru:
Sociedad Italo-Andina de Etnomedicina): 24-25.
Kreutzkamp, B., Niedermolekulare Inhalstoffe mit Immunstimulierenden
Eigenschaften aus Uncaria tomentosa, Okoubaka aubrevillei und anderen
Drogen (Dissertation of the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy of
Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, May 1984).
Stuppner, H. et al., "HPLC Analysis of the Main Oxindole Alkaloids
from Uncaria tomentosa," Chromatographia 34, no. 11/12 (1992):
597-600.
Wagner, H. et al., "Die Alkaloide von Uncaria tomentosa und ihre
Phagozytose-steigernde Wirkung, " Planta Medica 51 (1985): 419-423.
Keplinger, H., "Oxindole Alkaloids Having Properties Stimulating the
Immunologic System and Preparation Containing Same," United States
Patent 5,302,61 1, April 12, 1994.
Laus, G. and D. Keplinger, "Separation of Sterioisomeric Oxindole
Alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa by High Performance Liquid
Chromatography," Journal of Chromatography A 662 (1994): 243-249.
Lavault, M. et al., "Alcaloides de L'Uncaria guianensis," Planta
Medica 47 (1983): 244-245.
Cicerea, N. C., "Contribucion al Quimico de una especie de Uncaria
II," Revista de Quimica 9 (1995): 66.
Hemingway, S. R. and J. D. Phillipson, "Alkaloids from S. American
Species of Uncaria (Rubiaceae), " Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
26, suppl. (1974): 113P.
Ozaki, Y. and M. Harada, "Site of the Ganglion Blocking Action of
Gardneramine and Hirsutine in the Dog Urinary Bladder in Situ
Preparation," Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 33 (1983): 463-471.
Ozaki, Y. et al., "Pharmacological Studies on Uncaria and Amsonia
Alkaloids," Japanese Journal of Pharmacology (suppl.) 30 (1980): 137P.
Ozaki, Y., "Pharmacological Studies of Indole Alkaloids Obtained from
Domestic Plants, Uncaria rynchophylla Miq. and Amsonia elliptica Roem
et Schult," Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi no.1 (1994): 17-26.
Yano, S. et al., "Ca2, Channel Blocking Effects of Hirsutine, an
Indole Alkaloid from Uncaria Genus, in the Isolated Rat Aorta," Planta
Medica 57 (1991): 403-405.
Liu, J. and A. Mori, "Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging
Activities of Gastrodia elata Bl. and Uncaria rynchophylla (Miq..)
Jacks," Neuropharmacology 31 (1992): 1287-1298.
Chen, C, et al., "Inhibitory effect of rhynchophylline on platelet
aggregation and thrombosis," Acta Pharmacologica, (March 1992)
Balandrin, M. F. et al., "Natural Plant Chemicals: Sources of
Industrial and Medicinal Materials," Science 228 (June, 1985):
1154-1160.
De Ugaz, 0. L., "Revision del Genero Uncaria. Uncaria tomentosa y
Uncaria
guianensis: Las `Una de Gato'," Revista de Quimica 9. no 1 (1995):
49-61.
Gotuzzo, E. et al., "En Marcha Seria Investigacion: Una de Gato y
Pacientes con el VIH," De Ciencia y Tecnologia no. 34 (October, 1993).
Inchaustegui Gonzales, Roberto, Estudio Preliminar Sobre CAS y SIDA
Utilizando Plantas Medicinales, Anos 1989-1994, Hospital IPSS,
Iquitos, Peru (Iquitos, Peru: Hospital del Instituto Peruano de
Seguridad Social Iquitos Comite ETS-SIDA, February 1993), 24 pp.
Keplinger, U.M, "Einfluss von Krallendornextract auf Retrovirale
Infektioned," Zurcher AIDS Kongress, Zurich, Switzerland, October 16
and 17, 1992, program and abstracts.
Keplinger, U. M., "Therapy of HIV-Infected Individuals in the
Pathological Categories CDC Al and CDC B2 with a Preparation
Containing IMM-207," IV. 0sterreicbiicher AIDS-Kongress, Vienna,
Austria, September 17 and 18, 1993, abstracts: 45.
Urbina, Humberto Ruiz, Experiencias con el Empleor de la Plantas
'Uncaria tomentosa' o `Una de Gato' en Clinica Veterinaria de Perros
y Gatos, Lima, Peru, May, 1994, 11 pp.
Urbina, Humberto Ruiz, "Usos Medicinales de la Planta Peruana `Una de
Gato'," report presented at the "Una de Gato" First International
Congress, Geneva, May 30-31, 1994, 9 pp.
"Una de Gato" sera Mundialmente Reconocida como Medicina en Ginebra:
Campas y Ashaninkas beben Infusion de Liana Para Curar Determinados
Males," Diario La Republica, April 12, 1994: 12.
Krallendorn, Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC Root Extract.-
Information for Physicians, and Dispensing Chemists, 3rd revised
edition (Volders, Austria: Immodal Pharmaka GmbH, September 1995), 20
pp.
Raymond-Hamet, M., "Sur l'Alcaloide Principal d'une Rubiacee des
Regions Tropicales de l'Amerique de Sud: l'Ourouparia guianensis
Aubelt," Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Seances de l'Academie des
Sciences 235 (1952): 547-550.
Rutter, Richard A., Catologo de Plantas Utiles de la Amazonia Peruana
(Pucallpa, Peru: Ministerio de Educacion, Instituto Linguistico de
Verano, 1990).
Carrillo, Cesar Adolfo Zavala, Taxonomia, distribucion eco-geografica
y status del Genero Uncaria Schreb. (Una de gato), en el Peru, Thesis,
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru, 1995.
De Feo, V., "Medicinal and Magical Plants in the Northern Peruvian
Andes," Fitoterapia 63 (1992): 417-440.
"Biologically Active Natural Products," Annual Proceedings of the
Phytochemical Society of Europe, Ecole de Pharmacie, University of
Lausanne, Switzerland and the Department of Plant Sciences, University
of Lancaster, UK 1987
Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa induce human
endothelial cells to release a lymphocyte-proliferation-regulating factor.
Planta Med 1998 Dec;64(8):701-4
Wurm M, Kacani L, Laus G, Keplinger K, Dierich MP
Institut fur Hygiene, Leopold-Franzens-Universitat Innsbruck, Austria.
Abstract
In the present study we show that pentacyclic but not tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC.
(Rubiaceae) induced EA.hy926 endothelial cells to release some yet to be determined factor(s) into the supernatant; this factor
was shown to significantly enhance proliferation of normal human resting or weakly activated B and T lymphocytes. In contrast,
proliferation of normal human lymphoblasts and of both the human lymphoblastoid B cell line Raji and the human lymphoblastoid
T cell line Jurkat was inhibited significantly while cell viability was not affected. Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids dose-dependently
reduce the activity of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids on human endothelial cells.
Evaluation of the toxicity of Uncaria tomentosa by bioassays in vitro.
J Ethnopharmacol 1997 Aug;57(3):183-7
Santa Maria A, Lopez A, Diaz MM, Alban J, Galan de Mera A, Vicente Orellana JA, Pozuelo JM
Departamento de Toxicologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract
Aqueous extracts of Uncaria tomentosa (Willdenow ex Roemer and Schultes) DC. (Rubiaceae) ('Una de gato'), were analyzed
for the presence of toxic compounds in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) and bacterial cells (Photobacterium phosphoreum).
Toxicity was evaluated by four systems: Neutral red assay (NR), total protein content (KB), tetrazolium assay (MTT) and
Microtox test. The extracts of U. tomentosa did not show toxicity in vitro at the concentrations tested. Testing in vitro could be
a valuable tool for evaluating toxicity of medicinal plants.
Antiinflammatory actions of cat's claw: the role of NF-kappaB.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998 Dec;12(12):1279-89
Sandoval-Chacon M, Thompson JH, Zhang XJ, Liu X, Mannick EE, Sadowska-Krowicka H, Charbonnet RM, Clark DA, Miller MJ
LSU Medical Center, Department of Paediatrics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Uncaria tomentosa is a vine commonly known as cat's claw or 'una de gato' (UG) and is used in traditional
Peruvian medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health problems, particularly digestive complaints and arthritis.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the proposed anti-inflammatory properties of cat's claw. Specifically: (i)
does a bark extract of cat's claw protect against oxidant-induced stress in vitro, and (ii) to determine if UG modifies
transcriptionally regulated events. METHODS: Cell death was determined in two cell lines, RAW 264.7 and HT29 in response
to peroxynitrite (PN, 300 microM). Gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in HT29 cells, direct effects on
nitric oxide and peroxynitrite levels, and activation of NF-kappaB in RAW 264.7 cells as influenced by UG were assessed.
Chronic intestinal inflammation was induced in rats with indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg), with UG administered orally in the drinking
water (5 mg/mL). RESULTS: The administration of UG (100 microg/mL) attenuated (P < 0.05) peroxynitrite-induced
apoptosis in HT29 (epithelial) and RAW 264.7 cells (macrophage). Cat's claw inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS
gene expression, nitrite formation, cell death and inhibited the activation of NF-kappaB. Cat's claw markedly attenuated
indomethacin-enteritis as evident by reduced myeloperoxidase activity, morphometric damage and liver metallothionein
expression. CONCLUSIONS: Cat's claw protects cells against oxidative stress and negated the activation of NF-kappaB.
These studies provide a mechanistic evidence for the widely held belief that cat's claw is an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in human tumor cells
treated with extracts of Uncaria tomentosa.
Anticancer Res 1998 Sep-Oct;18(5A):3363-8
Sheng Y, Pero RW, Amiri A, Bryngelsson C
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Lund, Sweden. Yezhou.Sheng@wblab.lu.se
Abstract
Growth inhibitory activities of novel water extracts of Uncaria tomentosa (C-Med-100) were examined in vitro using two
human leukemic cell lines (K562 and HL60) and one human EBV-transformed B lymphoma cell line (Raji). The proliferative
capacities of HL60 and Raji cells were strongly suppressed in the presence of the C-Med-100 while K562 was more resistant
to the inhibition. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effect was confirmed using the clonogenic assay, which showed a very close
correlation between C-Med-100 concentration and the surviving fraction. The suppressive effect of Uncaria tomentosa extracts
on tumor cell growth appears to be mediated through induction of apoptosis which was demonstrated by characteristic
morphological changes, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation after agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA fragmentation
quantification. C-Med-100 induced a delayed type of apoptosis becoming most dose-dependently prominent after 48 hours of
exposure. Both DNA single and double strand breaks were increased 24 hours after C-Med-100 treatment, which suggested a
well-established linkage between the DNA damage and apoptosis. The induction of DNA strand breaks coupled to apoptosis
may explain the growth inhibition of the tumor cells by Uncaria tomentosa extracts. These results provide the first direct
evidence for the antitumor properties of Uncaria tomentosa extracts to be via a mechanism of selective induction of apoptosis.
[Phytochemical and biological study of Uncaria tomentosa]
Senatore A; Cataldo A; Iaccarino FP; Elberti MG
Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper, 65: 6, 1989 Jun, 517-20
Abstract
The investigation on steroidic fraction of Uncaria tomentosa, commonly called Una de gato, showed the presence of beta-sitosterol (60%), stigmasterol, and campesterol. The percentage of sterols have been carried out by GLC. The spectroscopic data 1H-NMR and MS of the three compounds are also reported, with the beta-sitosterol as the main sterol. Preliminary pharmacological investigations prove a moderate antiinflammatory activity.
Plant metabolites. Structure and in vitro antiviral activity of quinovic acid glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa and Guettarda platypoda.
Aquino R; De Simone F; Pizza C; Conti C; Stein ML
Dipartimento di Chimica delle Sostanze Naturali, Universitį di Napoli, Italy.
J Nat Prod, 52: 4, 1989 Jul-Aug, 679-85
Abstract
A reinvestigation of the bark of Uncaria tomentosa afforded, in addition to the major quinovic acid glycosides 1-3, three further glycosides 4-6. The structures were elucidated by spectral and chemical studies. Furthermore, a series of antiviral tests were performed on all these glycosides and on the related glycosides 7-9, previously isolated from Guettarda platypoda.
New polyhydroxylated triterpenes from Uncaria tomentosa.
Aquino R; De Simone F; Vincieri FF; Pizza C; Gacs-Baitz E
Dipartimento di Chimica delle Sostanze Naturali, Universitą degli Studi di Napoli, Italy.
J Nat Prod, 53: 3, 1990 May-Jun, 559-64
Abstract
Three novel polyhydroxylated triterpenes have been isolated from Uncaria tomentosa. Their structures were established as 1, 2, and 3 by detailed spectral studies including 1H-13C correlations via long range couplings using the INAPT pulse sequence, nOeds, and 2D 1H-13C direct chemical shift correlation (HETCOR) nmr techniques.
Plant metabolites. New compounds and anti-inflammatory activity of Uncaria tomentosa.
Aquino R; De Feo V; De Simone F; Pizza C; Cirino G
Dipartimento di Chimica delle Sostanze Naturali, Universitą degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Italy.
J Nat Prod, 54: 2, 1991 Mar-Apr, 453-9
Abstract
Bioassay-directed fractionation of the anti-inflammatory extracts of Uncaria tomentosa, using the carrageenan-induced edema in rat paw, has led to the isolation of a new quinovic acid glycoside 7 as one of the active principles. Furthermore, a new triterpene 8 was isolated as its methyl ester. The structures were elucidated by spectral and chemical studies.
Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its extracts.
Rizzi R; Re F; Bianchi A; De Feo V; de Simone F; Bianchi L; Stivala LA
Departmento di Farmacologia, Chemioterapia e Tossicologia Medica, Universitą degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
J Ethnopharmacol, 38: 1, 1993 Jan, 63-77
Abstract
Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of extracts and chromatographic fractions of Uncaria tomentosa bark are reported. The plant extracts and fractions show no mutagenic effect in different strains of Salmonella typhimurium with and without metabolic activation. However, the plant extracts and fractions show a protective antimutagenic effect in vitro against photomutagenesis induced by 8-methoxy-psoralen (8-MOP) plus UVA in S. typhimurium TA 102. A decoction of U. tomentosa ingested daily for 15 days by a smoker decreased the mutagenicity induced in S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 by the subject's urine.
The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. The information contained in this web file is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plants described herein are not
intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease and no medical claims are made.
Please refer to our Conditions of Use for using this web file and web site.
© Copyrighted 1996
to present. Raintree Nutrition, Inc., Carson City, NV 89701. All rights reserved.
Please read the Conditions of Use, Copyright Statement and our Privacy Policy for this web page and web site.