Uncaria tomentosa (Ut) is a Rubiaceae widely used in Peru's traditional medicine. It is mainly known by the vernacular name of Cat's claw due to its morphological aspects and is found in tropical low mountain forests of Central and South America. A decoction of Ut bark, root and leaves is used traditionally for different health problems, including arthritis, weakness, viral infections, skin disorders, abscesses, allergies, asthma, cancer, fevers, gastric ulcers, haemorrhages, inflammations, menstrual irregularity, rheumatism, urinary tract inflammation and wounds, among others, which gave rise to scientific and commercial interest. The present paper reviews research progress relating to the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ut, and some promising research routes are also discussed. We highlight the centrality of its different biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antiviral, and antinociceptive, among others. Recently, studies of the health effects of this plant suggest that novel nutraceuticals can be obtained from it and applied as a preventive or prophylaxis strategy before the start of conventional drug therapy, especially for patients who are not prone to conventional pharmacological approaches to diseases. The present work emphasizes the current pharmacological properties of Uncaria tomentosa, evidencing its therapeutic benefits and encouraging further research on this medicinal plant.
Keywords: Uncaria tomentosa; alkaloids; ethnobotany; pharmacology; phenolic compounds; phytochemistry; triterpenes.