Overview of the efficacy and functions of Uncaria

Uncaria is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. Its dry hooked stems and branches are mainly used as medicine.Calming the liver, calming wind, clearing away heat and calming convulsionsIt is often used to treat high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, and infantile convulsions. Its core effects include regulating the central nervous system, dilating blood vessels, anti-arrhythmia, etc., while its secondary effects include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, etc. Modern research has also found that its active ingredient rhynchophylline has a certain auxiliary effect on cardiovascular diseases. The traditional applications, pharmacological mechanisms and precautions will be described in detail below.

Traditional applications and main diseases

Uncaria is recorded in traditional Chinese medicine classics as an important medicine for "quenching wind and relieving spasm" and is particularly good at relievingHyperactivity of liver yangCauses dizziness. For example, "Compendium of Materia Medica" mentions that Uncaria "can cure cold and heat in children, and treat epilepsy in children". It is mostly used clinically for headaches and irritability symptoms in patients with hypertension. Its compatibility with Gastrodia elata and Cassia can enhance the effect of calming the liver, and for children with febrile convulsions, it is often used with cicada slough and zombie silkworm to clear away heat and calm convulsions. It should be noted that its medicinal properties are relatively cool and should be used with caution by those with spleen and stomach deficiency.

Analysis of modern pharmacological effects

Studies have shown that rhynchophylline, the active component of Uncaria biunculus, canInhibit sympathetic nervous excitement, reducing peripheral vascular resistance by blocking calcium ion channels, thereby exerting a hypotensive effect. Animal experiments show that its extract can prolong myocardial action potential and reduce the incidence of arrhythmia (see table). In addition, its flavonoids have mild anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging abilities, but the effect is weaker than professional antioxidants.

Precautions and contraindications for use

Uncaria needDialectical use, overdose may cause bradycardia or gastrointestinal discomfort. Pregnant women and patients with hypotension should avoid taking it, and blood pressure should be monitored when used in combination with Western antihypertensive drugs. It is recommended to add it later when boiling (add it 10 minutes after boiling) to retain the volatile components. Daily health care cannot replace drug treatment. If symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention.

Summary and scientific understanding

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Uncariacalm wind and dredge collateralsIts value has been verified by some modern studies, but its auxiliary role needs to be viewed rationally. Clinical use should be combined with physical constitution and disease course, and strictly follow doctor's instructions. In the future, more high-quality research is needed to clarify its dose-effect relationship and long-term safety, so as to provide a basis for the modern application of traditional medicinal materials.

Citing sources

1. Compilation Committee of "Chinese Materia Medica". Chinese Materia Medica (Volume 6). Shanghai Science and Technology Press, 1999.
2. Li Shizhen. Compendium of Materia Medica (Annotated Edition). People's Medical Publishing House, 2005.
3. National Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (Part I). China Medical Science and Technology Press, 2020.