U. elliptica U. gambir U. guianensis U. macrophylla U. procumbens = Harpagophytum procumbens U. rhynchophylla U. sinensis U. tomentosa Ref: ARS-GRIN (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Uncaria) 2002-06-01
Uncaria is a genus of plants known colloquially as "Gambier", "Cat's Claw" or "Uña de Gato", which are found in Asia, Africa, and South America. There are about 34 species. Malaysian Gambier (U. gambir) is a large tropical vine with typical rubiaceous leaves, which are opposite and about 10 cm long. At the base of the leaves is a cat-like claw, so the South American U. tomentosa is called Uña de Gato. There is also a Chinese species, U. sinensis. The flowers also originate at the base of the leaves; each pair of leaves may have a pair of globular inflorescences.
Gambier is used in Malaysia for chewing with areca and betel, for tanning, and for dyeing. Cat's claw and the Chinese species are used medicinally. Cat's claw has two varieties depending on whether the alkaloids have four rings or five; the five-ring alkaloid variety is medicinal and is called "savéntaro" by the Asháninka.
In Lojban: http://www.lojban.org/wiki/index.php/gambire
Uncaria species in Peru, it was suggested (de Matta, et al.) that catechin in the root bark may be responsible for the effect.
Uncaria tomentosa and other herbs in treating 14 types of accurately diagnosed cancer in 700 patients.â€Â The suggestion to be taken by the unsuspecting reader is that it was this herb that was responsible for the undefined successes.
Uncaria vines are native to Japan, China, Vietnam, and the Malaysian peninsula.
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