Uncaria tomentosa: medicinal value and current status in Peru

Abstract

Uncaria tomentosa represents one of the plants of the Peruvian Amazon with great potential in traditional medicine, whose bark has been used in a variety of popular therapeutic preparations. Over the years, its use has intensified due to the discoveries and different applications of the extracts of this plant. For this reason, the objective of this article was to highlight the importance of U. tomentosa in the treatment and inflammation of different diseases, as well as its context in Peru. In
the bibliographic search, keywords such as “Amazonian plant”, “uncaria tomentosa” or “cat’s claw” were used; thus, it was obtained that this plant is of therapeutic use when extracts are obtained from the leaf, stem or bark; with a greater predominance of the latter. Likewise, it has been discovered that it has important properties as an antioxidant, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Its use is very varied, from consumption (infusion or wine) to application (gel cream), although the first form is the most used by local populations. Therefore, based on the latest work and study trials being carried out nationally and internationally, it is concluded that U. tomentosa promises to be a species with medical potential for the treatment of diseases, benefiting human societies due to its low cost and easy access.