Uncaria sinensis

The dried thorn hooks of Uncaria sinensis, U rhynchophylla, and U. kawakamii (Rubiaceae) are known as Cho-Toh-Koh in the Chinese herbal medicine system in Japan, and have been used as a sedative for a long time. An ethanol extract of this crude drug provides a temporary hypotensive response in the rabbit (150mg/kg), with an increase in breathing rate and a decrease in arterial blood flow [1]. 

The hooks of Uncaria sinensis, a Chinese vine tree closely resembling U, rhyn-chophylla, are used as a drug to treat infant convulsions, as an antispasmodic, and as a tranquilizer. Recently, it was found that the hypotensive principles of Uncaria hooks are indole-alkaloid glucosides, 3a-dihydrocadambine and 3)ff-isodihydro-cadambine (42). Along with these glucosides, cadambine has been also obtained from the hooks. 

Uncaria hirsuta Havil U. rhynchophylla Miq. (Syn. Nauclea sinensis Oliv.) Gou Teng (Gambir) (stem) Rhynchophylline, corynoxeine, iso-rhynchophylline, isocorynoxeine, corynantheine, hirsutine, hirsuteine.33 A sedative, anticonvulsive, lower blood pressure, it has a triphasic effect. Treat childhood epilepsy. 

Nauclea rhynchophylla Miq., N. sinensis Oliv., Uncaria hirsuta Havil, U. rhynchophylla Miq. 

Nauclea rhynchophylla, N. sinensis, Uncaria hirsuta, U. rhynchophylla... 

This is also identified as Chotoko in Japanese traditional medicine. It is composed of several Uncaria spp. including U. rhynchophylla, U. macrophylla, U. sinensis, and U. sessilifructus however, U. rhynchophylla is a major component. Gou-teng is commonly used for its sedative, antispasmodic, analgesic, anticonvulsive, hypertensive, antiepileptic, and antiviral properties [12]. The cmde drug is used to relieve headaches and dizziness caused by hypertension and infantile nervous disorders. Recent studies have evaluated that the active ingredients of Gou-teng are the alkaloids of U. rhynchophylla [12]. 

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