Cat's-claw / gou teng (钩藤)

Uncaria rhynchophylla

Chinese

Photo credit: keisotyo

Safety information

Toxicity: Low at traditional doses; should be decocted briefly.

Contraindications: TCM caution where no wind/heat pattern; pregnancy data limited.

Interactions: Possible additive hypotensive effect; CNS-active alkaloids -> caution with sedatives/antihypertensives.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy data limited.

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

in formula (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin) · hooked stem/twigs

Part used: hooked stem/twigs

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

decoction (added late — heat-sensitive alkaloids) · hooked stem/twigs

Part used: hooked stem/twigs

Traditional use: extinguishes wind, calms the liver, clears heat; convulsions, childhood febrile fits, hypertension-type dizziness/headache, eclampsia

Proposed mechanism: indole/oxindole alkaloids (rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline) — antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective

Dosage note (descriptive only): decoct briefly

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Hypertension Vertigo / dizziness Headache febrile fits convulsions

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Chinese

Sources (2)

[E11] rhynchophylline antihypertensive/neuroprotective study
[E10] Uncaria rhynchophylla CNS pharmacology review

All sources →