Auswahl der Literatur zu botanischen Untersuchungen
der Uncaria tomentosa (Willd) DC. 

Titel:

Uncaria tomentosa: A Review

Autor(en):

Syrimis A

Quelle:

The British Journal of Phytotherapy. 1998; 5(1):29-31.

Abstract:

This review aims to bring together historical information and current studies of Uncaria tomentosa. Ethnobotanical studies show that this plant has been in use for hundreds of years. Recent interest in immune stimulants has generated significant scientific inquiry into Uncaria tomentosa. Uncaria tomentosa is indigenous to Peru and specifically to the high Amazonian basin in the valleys of the Perene and Paucarrambo rivers and in the neighboring highlands of Cerre de la Sal and the Gran Pajonal. Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis are both commonly known as uña de gato in Spanish or 'cat's claw'. A perennial vine growing over 100 feet in length, cat's claw attaches with claw-like appendages to the trunks of trees in Peruvian rain forests. Native Indian tribes of the region have used Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis by preparing a decoction from the bark and root. Although both species have similar properties, the general consensus is that Uncaria tomentosa is the more active of the two. This is based on clinical evaluation and the experience of Peruvian physicians. Studies conducted since the 1970s in Peru, Austria, Germany, England, Hungary and Italy suggest that Uncaria tomentosa may be beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of immune system related conditions. These include cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, all forms of herpes, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal disorders, and HIV infection. Indeed, Uncaria tomentosa's broad therapeutic application suggests it is a worthy addition to the list of drugs used to treat the immune system.

Titel:

Karyosystematics of Uncaria tomentosa and U. guianensis (Rubiaceae-Cinchoneae)

Autor(en):

Teppner H, Keplinger K, Wetsching W

Quelle:

Phyton (Austria). 1984; 24(1):125-134.

Abstract:

The karyology of the Uncaria species of the New World, U. guianensis and U. tomentosa, has been investigated. Both species show 2n = 44 chromosomes. In U. guianensis the chromosomes are larger and the nuclei contain more of heterochromatin than in U. tomentosa. According to some morphological characteristics the two species are not believed to be closely related.

Titel:

Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) D.C.: Cat's Claw, Uña de Gato, or Saventaro

Autor(en):

Reinhard K-H

Quelle:

J Altern Complement Med 1999 Apr;5(2):143-51

Abstract:

Recently, Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) D.C. has become known as a healing plant with an ethnomedicinal background. There have been several reports on its constituents, in particular, oxindole alkaloids. It was found that 2 chemotypes of Uncaria tomentosa with different alkaloid patterns occur in nature. The roots of one type contain pentacyclic oxindoles and the other contains tetracyclic oxindoles. This difference should be considered when the plant is to be used for medicinal applications. Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids act on the central nervous system, whereas pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids affect the cellular immune system. Recent studies have shown that the tetracyclic alkaloids exert antagonistic effects on the action of the pentacyclic alkaloids. Mixtures of these 2 types of drugs are therefore unsuitable for medicinal uses.

Titel:

Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) Dc.: Two Natural Modifications

Autor(en):

Keplinger K, Wurm M, Laus G

Quelle:

Presented at the 2nd International Congress on Phytomedicine, Munich, Germany – September 11-14, 1996.

Abstract:

Uncaria tomentosa (WILLD.) DC is indigenous to the tropical rain forests of northern South America. In recent years it has become known as a traditional medicinal plant of the Peruvian Ashaninka natives. There is considerable confusion about the alkaloidal constituents of this species in the literature. This confusion is also reflected in the composition of several commercial preparations of the drug. According to our own investigations two chemically different modifications of U. tomentosa occur. Individual plants contain isomeric pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids and in the leaves the precursor indole alkaloids, while in other plants tetracyclic oxindoles along with small amounts of indoles predominate. Seventeen alkaloids have been detected in different parts of the plant so far. This has to be considered when plant extracts are screened for pharmacological activity. Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids have been found to exhibit activity on the central nervous system. In contrast, pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids possess immuno-modulating properties. The uncontrolled use of mixtures of the two modifications for therapeutical purposes may lead to unexpected side-effects. Therefore we propose to distinguish the two variants as U. tomentosa mod. tetr. or mod. pent., respectively, when pharmacological activities are referred to.