Uncaria sinensis

Uncaria sinensis

Uncaria sinensis, also known as Gouteng or Uncaria, is a traditional Chinese medicine plant. Its use in folk and herbal traditions primarily focuses on treating various ailments such as rheumatism, hypertension, and mental disorders; however, specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific studies have identified potential hepatotoxic components like cadambine, rhynchophylline, corynoxeine, isocorynoxeine, strictosamide, and mitraphylline that may affect the IL-17 signaling pathway, but the evidence is still limited in scope. Additionally, metabolomics strategies have effectively discriminated between five Uncaria species, aiding their authentication. Jodeungsan, a preparation from Uncaria sinensis, has shown neuroprotective and antineuroinflammatory effects through its components in cell models; however, specific contributions of individual compounds are not clearly defined. The water extract of Uncaria sinensis suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption without affecting osteoclast survival, suggesting potential benefits for bone health. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded to date.

At a glance
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

  • Jodeungsan exhibited neuroprotective and antineuroinflammatory effects through its components in cell models, though specific doses are not provided. D PMID
  • The study found that Uncaria sinensis exhibits various pharmacological properties including neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial effects, but does not provide specific health outcomes. D PMID
  • The study identified potential hepatotoxic components (cadambine, rhynchophylline, corynoxeine, isocorynoxeine, strictosamide, and mitraphylline) in Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis that may affect the IL-17 signaling pathway. D PMID
  • The metabolomics strategy effectively discriminated between five Uncaria species, aiding in their authentication. D PMID
  • Water extract of Uncaria sinensis suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption without affecting osteoclast survival. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Uncaria sinensis?

Uncaria sinensis (Uncaria sinensis) 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 sinensis?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Uncaria sinensis; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Jodeungsan exhibited neuroprotective and antineuroinflammatory effects through its components in cell models, though specific doses are not provided.

How strong is the evidence for Uncaria sinensis?

The strongest finding for Uncaria sinensis carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Uncaria sinensis safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Uncaria sinensis in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Uncaria sinensis interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Uncaria sinensis in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Uncaria sinensis 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

  1. T2 Water extract of Uncaria sinensis suppresses RANKL-induced bone loss by attenuating osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Quantitative Analysis and Biological Efficacies regarding the Neuroprotective and Antineuroinflammatory Actions of the Herbal Formula Jodeungsan in HT22 Hippocampal Cells and BV-2 Microglia. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 A metabolomics strategy for authentication of plant medicines with multiple botanical origins, a case study of Uncariae Rammulus Cum Uncis. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Rapid screening of hepatotoxic components in Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis based on "component-target-pathway" network. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Advanced researches of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of medical Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis. literature abstract metadata