Uncaria Tomentosa Bark Powder, commonly known as cat’s claw, is derived from the ground bark of the Uncaria Tomentosa plant, which grows in the Amazon rainforest. It is known for its immunostimulant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This powder is used in both cosmetic products and dietary supplements to support the immune system, improve skin health, and fight signs of skin aging.

Chemical Composition and Structure

This powder is rich in active compounds such as oxindole alkaloids, polyphenols, glycosides, and tannins, which give the extract its antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. These components work together to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Physical Properties

It appears as a fine, light brown powder that can be mixed with other ingredients for cosmetic formulations or dietary supplements. The powder is water or alcohol-soluble and easily incorporated into skincare preparations and wellness products.

Production Process

Uncaria Tomentosa Bark Powder is produced by drying and finely grinding the bark of the plant. This process preserves the active compounds, ensuring that the powder retains its therapeutic properties. The powder can be used as is or further extracted for inclusion in various formulations.

• Harvesting the Bark: The bark of Uncaria tomentosa is sustainably harvested from mature plants. It is important to follow responsible harvesting practices to preserve the species.

• Drying: After harvesting, the bark is cleaned and subjected to a drying process to remove moisture. This step is crucial for preserving the active properties of the bark and preventing degradation.

• Milling: The dried bark is then ground into a fine powder using mills or grinders. This process allows for a uniform consistency and enhances the bioavailability of the active compounds.

• Filtration: The resulting powder may be sifted to remove larger particles and achieve a finer powder, if necessary.

• Quality Control and Packaging: Uncaria tomentosa bark powder undergoes quality control checks to verify its purity, composition, and compliance with standards. After analysis, it is packaged for distribution and use in dietary supplements and cosmetic products.

Applications

• Skincare: Used in masks, scrubs, and other topical treatments for its soothing and antioxidant properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage and reduces inflammation.

INCI Functions:

Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

• Dietary Supplements: The powder is commonly used in supplements to boost the immune system and support the body in fighting inflammation and infections.

• Anti-aging Products: Due to its regenerative properties, it is employed in anti-aging products to stimulate cell regeneration and improve skin elasticity.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safety in Use
Uncaria Tomentosa Bark Powder is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and supplements. However, moderate use is advised for individuals with autoimmune conditions or those taking immunosuppressants, as it may stimulate the immune response. It is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to Uncaria Tomentosa Bark Powder are rare but may occur in individuals sensitive to plants from the Rubiaceae family. A patch test is recommended for topical use, and a healthcare professional should be consulted before internal use.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
It is widely used in cosmetic products and dietary supplements and is considered safe for long-term use.

Environmental Considerations
As Uncaria Tomentosa is native to the Amazon, sustainable harvesting practices are important to avoid deforestation and protect the local ecosystem. Sustainable practices ensure the conservation of natural resources and the balance of the ecosystem.

Regulatory Status
Uncaria Tomentosa Bark Powder is approved for use in cosmetics and dietary supplements by major regulatory authorities, including the European Union and the FDA in the United States.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Keplinger K, Laus G, Wurm M, Dierich MP, Teppner H. Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC.--ethnomedicinal use and new pharmacological, toxicological and botanical results. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Jan;64(1):23-34. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(98)00096-8. 

Abstract. The medicinal system of the Asháninka Indians in Perú is portrayed. Three categories of medical disorders and healers are recognized. A human is viewed to consist of a physical and a spiritual being who communicate with each other by means of a regulating element. The significance of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC. (Rubiaceae), locally known as unã de gato, in traditional medicine is emphasized by its exclusive use by priests to influence this regulation. Pharmacological and toxicological results obtained with extracts or isolated compounds are summarized. Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids stimulate endothelial cells in vitro to produce a lymphocyte-proliferation-regulating factor. Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids act as antagonists. A significant normalization of lymphocyte percentage was observed in vivo although total leucocyte numbers did not change.

Della Valle V. Uncaria tomentosa. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2017 Dec;152(6):651-657. doi: 10.23736/S0392-0488.17.05712-1. 

Abstract. Uncaria tomentosa (U. tomentosa) or uña de gato, a species of vine of Rubiaceae family, was used from centuries in various medical conditions. Although there are no randomized controlled trials or published human outcome studies, some conditions reportedly improved by U. tomentosa include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, prostatitis, viral illnesses and cancer (acting as a non-specific immunomodulantign agent) and it may also have potential as an immunomodulating adaptogen in cellular aging. The understanding of some specific mechanisms of molecular action leads to the demonstration of various anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating and protective effects. These results bring the strong hypothesis that U. tomentosa could be effective in the topical treatment of dermatological manifestation, namely rosacea.

Araujo LCC, Feitosa KB, Murata GM, Furigo IC, Teixeira SA, Lucena CF, Ribeiro LM, Muscará MN, Costa SKP, Donato J Jr, Bordin S, Curi R, Carvalho CRO. Uncaria tomentosa improves insulin sensitivity and inflammation in experimental NAFLD. Sci Rep. 2018 Jul 20;8(1):11013. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-29044-y. 

Abstract. We investigated the effect of the crude herbal extract from Uncaria tomentosa (UT) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in two models of obesity: high fat diet (HFD) and genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. Both obese mouse models were insulin resistant and exhibited an abundance of lipid droplets in the hepatocytes and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver, while only the HFD group had collagen deposition in the perivascular space of the liver. UT treatment significantly reduced liver steatosis and inflammation in both obese mouse models. Furthermore, serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 was reduced by 25% in the HFD mice treated with UT. Overall, UT treated animals exhibited higher insulin sensitivity as compared to vehicle administration. In conclusion, Uncaria tomentosa extract improved glucose homeostasis and reverted NAFLD to a benign hepatic steatosis condition and these effects were associated with the attenuation of liver inflammation in obese mice.

Yepes-Pérez AF, Herrera-Calderon O, Quintero-Saumeth J. Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw): a promising herbal medicine against SARS-CoV-2/ACE-2 junction and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein based on molecular modeling. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2022 Mar;40(5):2227-2243. doi: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1837676. 

Abstract. COVID-19 is a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Currently, there is no effective treatment and vaccines seem to be the solution in the future. Virtual screening of potential drugs against the S protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has provided small molecular compounds with a high binding affinity. Unfortunately, most of these drugs do not attach with the binding interface of the receptor-binding domain (RBD)-angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) complex in host cells. Molecular modeling was carried out to evaluate the potential antiviral properties of the components of the medicinal herb Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) focusing on the binding interface of the RBD-ACE-2 and the viral spike protein. The in silico approach starts with protein-ligand docking of 26 Cat's claw key components followed by molecular dynamics simulations and re-docked calculations. Finally, we carried out drug-likeness calculations for the most qualified cat's claw components. The structural bioinformatics approaches led to the identification of several bioactive compounds of U. tomentosa with potential therapeutic effect by dual strong interaction with interface of the RBD-ACE-2 and the ACE-2 binding site on SARS-CoV-2 RBD viral spike. In addition, in silico drug-likeness indices for these components were calculated and showed good predicted therapeutic profiles of these phytochemicals found in U. tomentosa (cat's claw). Our findings suggest the potential effectiveness of cat's claw as complementary and/or alternative medicine for COVID-19 treatment.

Zari A, Alfarteesh H, Buckner C, Lafrenie R. Treatment with Uncaria tomentosa Promotes Apoptosis in B16-BL6 Mouse Melanoma Cells and Inhibits the Growth of B16-BL6 Tumours. Molecules. 2021 Feb 18;26(4):1066. doi: 10.3390/molecules26041066. 

Abstract. Uncaria tomentosa is a medicinal plant native to Peru that has been traditionally used in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. In this study, the effectiveness of U. tomentosa as an anti-cancer agent was assessed using the growth and survival of B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells. B16-BL6 cell cultures treated with both ethanol and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) extracts of U. tomentosa displayed up to 80% lower levels of growth and increased apoptosis compared to vehicle controls. Treatment with ethanolic extracts of Uncaria tomentosa were much more effective than treatment with aqueous extracts. U. tomentosa was also shown to inhibit B16-BL6 cell growth in C57/bl mice in vivo. Mice injected with both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of U. tomentosa showed a 59 ± 13% decrease in B16-BL6 tumour weight and a 40 ± 9% decrease in tumour size. Histochemical analysis of the B16-BL6 tumours showed a strong reduction in the Ki-67 cell proliferation marker in U. tomentosa-treated mice and a small, but insignificant increase in terminal transferase dUTP nick labelling (TUNEL) staining. Furthermore, U. tomentosa extracts reduced angiogenic markers and reduced the infiltration of T cells into the tumours. Collectively, the results in this study concluded that U. tomentosa has potent anti-cancer activity that significantly inhibited cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.