Uncária Tomentosa (Wild.) D.C. em processos inflamatórios na doença de Alzheimer / Uncária Tomentosa (Wild.) D.C. en procesos inflamatorios en la enfermedad de Alzheimer / Uncária Tomentosa (Wild.) D.C. in inflammatory processes in Alzheimer's disease

Objetivo: explorar os mecanismos envolvidos no desencadeamento e progressão da Doença de Alzheimer (DA) de forma a embasar a sugestão da planta Uncaria Tomentosa (Wild.) como mais uma possiblidade terapêutica coadjuvante para prevenção e tratamento da DA. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura realizada com busca de artigos publicados em bases indexadas e diretamente nas revistas de interesse, utilizando-se como descritores "Uncária Tomentosa", "Doença de Alzheimer", e os respectivos termos em inglês. Resultados: com os avanços para a compreensão dos mecanismos moleculares que desencadeiam os efeitos apresentados no desenvolvimento da DA, os diversos mecanismos dos fitocompostos presentes na planta sugerem sua utilização como neuroprotetor, por mecanismos anti-inflamatórios, imunomoduladores e antioxidantes, cujas evidências em literatura são apresentadas para defesa de sua utilização nesta patologia. Conclusão: foram encontradas evidências para sugerir a inclusão da Uncaria tomentosa (Wild.) como possível terapêutica complementar no tratamento da DA. Sua utilização deve ser melhor explorada para aplicação como tratamento complementar as terapêuticas convencionais para a DA

Objective: to explore the mechanisms involved in the triggering and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in order to support the suggestion of the Uncaria Tomentosa (Wild.) plant as another adjuvant therapeutic possibility for the prevention and treatment of AD. Method: This is a narrative review of the literature conducted with a search for articles published on indexed bases and directly in the journals of interest, using as descriptors "Uncária Tomentosa", "Alzheimer's disease", and the respective terms in English. Results: with advances to understand the molecular mechanisms that trigger the effects presented in the development of AD, the various mechanisms of phytocompounds present in the plant suggest its use as neuroprotector, by anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant mechanisms, whose evidence in the literature is presented to defend its use in this pathology. Conclusion: evidence was found to suggest the inclusion of Uncaria tomentosa (Wild.) as a possible complementary therapy in the treatment of AD. Its use should be better explored for application as a complementary treatment to conventional therapies for AD.

Objetivo: explorar los mecanismos implicados en el desencadenamiento y progresión de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) con el fin de apoyar la sugerencia de la planta Uncaria Tomentosa (silvestre) como otra posibilidad terapéutica adyuvante para la prevención y tratamiento de la EA. Método: Se trata de una revisión narrativa de la literatura realizada con una búsqueda de artículos publicados en bases indexadas y directamente en las revistas de interés, utilizando como descriptores "Uncária Tomentosa", "Alzheimer's disease", y los términos respectivos en inglés. Resultados: con los avances para comprender los mecanismos moleculares que desencadenan los efectos presentados en el desarrollo de la EA, los diversos mecanismos de fitocompuestos presentes en la planta sugieren su uso como neuroprotector, por mecanismos antiinflamatorios, inmunomoduladores y antioxidantes, cuya evidencia en la literatura se presenta para defender su uso en esta patología. Conclusión: se encontró evidencia que sugiere la inclusión de Uncaria tomentosa (Silvestre) como una posible terapia complementaria en el tratamiento de la EA. Su uso debe explorarse mejor para su aplicación como tratamiento complementario a las terapias convencionales para la EA.

Steroids from Uncaria rhynchophylla / 中国中药杂志

Thirteen steroids(1-13) were isolated from the non-alkaloid constituents of Uncaria rhynchophylla by column chromatography on silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative HPLC chromatography, and their structures were elucidated by analyses of the MS and NMR spectral data. All the compounds were isolated from the genus Uncaria for the first time, and 1 was a new compound. The ~1H-NMR and ~(13)C-NMR data of two compounds(12 and 13) in deuteron-chloroform were completely assigned. This study enriched the steroid constituents of U. rhynchophylla and provided scientific references for the elucidation of active constituents and further development and utilization of U. rhynchophylla.

Advances in indole alkaloids from traditional Chinese medicine of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis documented in Chinese Pharmacopoeia / 中国中药杂志

Uncaria genus( Rubiaceae) contains 34 species all over the world,of which 11 species and one variant are present in China. Five species,namely U. rhynchophylla,U. macrophylla,U. hirsuta,U. sinensis and U. sessilifructus,are documented in Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the raw materials of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis. Indole alkaloids are the characteristic constituents of Uncaria plants,in addition to triterpenes,lignans and flavones. This paper reviews the progress of indole alkaloids and their distribution within the five Uncaria species documented in Chinese Pharmacopoeia for better understanding the active constituents of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis.

Evaluation of the effects of Uncaria rhynchophylla alkaloid extract on LPS-induced preeclampsia symptoms and inflammation in a pregnant rat model

Excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia-like phenotypes, and fetal growth restriction. Anti-inflammation might be an effective therapy. The aim of this research was to investigate whether Uncaria rhynchophylla alkaloid extract (URE), a highly safe anti-inflammation constituent of the herb, can inhibit inflammation and improve clinical characteristics of preeclampsia in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced preeclampsia rat model. The rat model was established by daily administration of LPS (1 μg/kg body weight per day) from gestational day (GD) 14 to 19. Different doses of URE (35, 70, and 140 mg/kg body weight per day) were administered from GD 14 to GD 19. The effects of URE on proteinuria, maternal hypertension, pregnancy outcomes, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in serum and placenta were measured. High-dose URE (HURE) treatment decreased LPS-induced mean 24-h proteinuria and systolic blood pressure, and increased fetal weight, placental weight, and the number of live pups (P<0.05). Moreover, increased serum and placental levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ in the LPS-treated group were obviously inhibited after HURE administration (P<0.01). URE improved preeclampsia symptoms and mitigated inflammatory responses in the LPS-induced preeclampsia rat model, which suggests that the anti-inflammation effect of URE might be an alternative therapy for preeclampsia.

Decrease in Dengue virus-2 infection and reduction of cytokine/chemokine production by Uncaria guianensis in human hepatocyte cell line Huh-7

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Dengue fever may present hemorrhages and cavitary effusions as result of exacerbated immune responses. We investigated hydro-alcoholic extracts from leaves (UGL) and bark (UGB) of the medicinal species Uncaria guinanensis with respect to antiviral effects in Dengue virus (DENV) infection and in immunological parameters associated with in vivo physiopathological features. METHODS Chemical profiles from UGB or UGL were compared in thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance using flavonoid compounds and a pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid-enriched fraction as references. DENV-2-infected hepatocytes (Huh-7) were treated with extracts. Cell viability, DENV antigens and immunological factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or flow cytometry. FINDINGS The UGL mainly differed from UGB by selectively containing the flavonoid kaempferitrin. UGB and UGL improved hepatocyte viability. Both extracts reduced intracellular viral antigen and inhibited the secretion of viral non-structural protein (NS1), which is indicative of viral replication. Reduction in secretion of macrophage migration inhibitory factor was achieved by UGB, of interleukin-6 by UGL, and of interleukin-8 by both UGB and UGL. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The U. guianensis extracts presented, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects for DENV and possibly a hepatocyte-protective activity. Further studies may be performed to consider these products as potential candidates for the development of an herbal product for the future treatment of dengue.

Two new ortho benzoquinones from Uncaria rhynchophylla / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to determine the chemical constituents of the stems and hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla. The chemical constituents were isolated and purified from CH2Cl2 fraction by chromatography. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. Their cytotoxicity was tested using MTT method. Two new ortho benzoquinones, 3-diethylamino-5-methoxy-1, 2-benzoquinone (1) and 3-ethylamino-5-methoxy-1, 2-benzoquinone (2), together with a known compound isorhynchophyllic acid (3) were isolated from U. rhynchophylla. These compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against cancer cells A549, HepG2 and A2780. Compounds 1 and 2 were new ortho benzoquinones and showed weak antiproliferative activities on A549, HepG2 and A2780 cells. Compound 3 significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549, HepG2 and A2780 cells with IC50 values being 5.8, 12.8 and 11.8 µmol·L(-1), respectively.

Rhynchophylline, One of Major Constituents of Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus Enhances Pentobarbital-induced Sleep Behaviors and Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Rodents

Rhynchophylline (RP) is a major tetracyclic oxindole alkaloid of Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus which has been used to treat hypertension, seizures, pain and anxiety in the oriental countries. A recent report revealed that RP attenuated ischemia-induced neuronal damage and kainite-induced convulsions in animals. This study was performed to investigate whether RP enhances pentobarbital-induced sleep behaviors and modulates sleep architecture in mice. Locomotor activity was significantly inhibited by RP at 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg, similar to 2 mg/kg diazepam (a benzodiazepine agonist) in mice. RP shortened sleep latency and increased total sleep time in a dose-dependent manner when administrated with pentobarbital (42 mg/kg, i.p.). RP also increased the number of sleeping mice and total sleep time by concomitant administration with the sub-hypnotic dosage of pentobarbital (28mg/kg, i.p.). On the other hand, RP (0.25mg/kg, p.o.) itself significantly inhibited sleep-wake cycles, prolonged total sleep time, and rapid eye movement in rats. In addition, RP also increased chloride influx in the primary cultured hypothalamic neuronal cells. In addition, we found that glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD(65/67)) was activated by RP. In conclusion, RP augments pentobarbital-induced sleeping behaviors, and can be a candidate for treating insomnia.

A single fraction from Uncaria sinensis exerts neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in primary cultured cortical neurons / 대한해부학회지

We identified a neuroprotective single fraction among 62 ones of hexane extract from Uncaria sinensis (JGH43IA) and investigated its effects and mechanisms in primary cortical neurons. Pretreatment with JGH43IA showed a significantly increase cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with a decrease in the lactate dehydrogenase release. When we performed morphological assay and flow cytometry to determination of the type of cell death, pretreatment with JGH43IA showed a significant reduction of glutamate-induced apoptotic cell death. Then we explored the downstream signaling pathways of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) with calpain activation to elucidate possible pathways of neuroprotection by JGH43IA. Pretreatment with JGH43IA exhibited a significant attenuation of NMDAR GluN2B subunit activation and a decrease in active form of calpain 1 leading to subsequent cleavage of striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP). In addition, pretreatment with JGH43IA showed a marked increase of cAMP responsive element binding protein. These results suggest that JGH43IA may have neuroprotective effects through down-regulation of NMDAR GluN2B subunit and calpain 1 activation, and subsequent alleviation of STEP cleavage. This single fraction from U. sinensis might be a useful therapeutic agent for brain disorder associated with glutamate injury.

Advance in studies on neuroprotective mechanism of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis / 中国中药杂志

The Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, many studies have revealed its prominent neuroprotection function. The active ingredients in Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis could protect the nervous system in a multi-path and multi-target manner. Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis shows the neuroprotective effect by resisting oxidation, scavenging free radicals, modulating neurotransmitters and their related receptors, regulating the inflammatory factors and their related pathways, attenuating neuron apoptosis, reducing intracellular Ca2+ overloads and mitigating neurodegeneration. In this paper, the authors summarized the advance in studies on neuroprotective mechanisms of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis.

Pharmaceutical research progress of rhynchophylla based on chemical stability / 中国中药杂志

Rhynchophylla is a Chinese herb commonly used in clinical practice. It's also the primary herb of some famous Chinese herbal compound such as Tianma Gouteng decoction, and Lingyang Gouteng decoction. According the record from many previous materia medica literatures, rhynchophylla should be added later during decoction. Pharmaceutical research showed that rhynchophylla alkaloids were not stable. Which has resulted in many problems in the research and its application. For example, there was not a quantitative determination method in "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" of past and present versions, which seriously impacted its quality control and product application. Firstly, records from previous materia medica literatures and "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" were systematically sorted based on the chemical stability of rhynchophylla. Secondly, pharmaceutical research including chemical compositions and their stability, pharmacological effects, extraction process and quality analysis, was reviewed after reference of literatures published at home and abroad in recent decades. Positive reference and evidence for further research and development of rhynchophylla will be provided in the article.

Ameliorating effect of new constituents from the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla on scopolamine-induced memory impairment / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To study the chemical constituents and their anti-amnesic effect from the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla.@*METHODS@#The isolation of compounds was performed by chromatographic techniques and their structures were identified on the basis of spectral analysis. Their ameliorating effects on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in vivo using a Morris water-maze task and passive avoidance task system were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Activity-guided fractionation of the total extracts resulted in the isolation of four constituents, trans-anethole (1), p-anisaldehyde (2), estragole (3), and 3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (4), which were found for the first time from this plant.@*CONCLUSION@#Compound 1 exhibited a better memory enhancing effect than tacrine, a positive agent, at the same dose in the passive avoidance test and a similar property in the water-maze test, and its action may be mediated, in part, by the acetylcholine enhancing cholinergic nervous system.

Determination of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline in Uncaria rhynchophylla by HPLC / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore an HPLC method for determination of rhnchophylline and isorhnchophylline in Uncaria rhnchophylla.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>An HPLC method has been developed for determination of rhnchophylline and isorhnchophylline. The transformation of rhnchophylline and isorhnchophylline after heating was also studied by HPLC-ESI-MS.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Good linearities of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline were 0.064-5.100, 0.064-5.110 mg, respectively. The average recoveries were from 87.51% to 88.83% for rhynchophylline and from 107.9% to 113.9% for isorhynchophylline. The recoveries of rhynchophylline and isorhnchophylline reference solutions after extraction were 12.60% and 40.00% in the reflux extraction procedure, respectively. While in the ultrasonic extraction procedure, the average recoveries of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline was from 99.48% to 103.2% and from 97.00% to 99.59%, resepectively. The recoveries of rhynchophylline and isorhnchophylline reference solutions after extraction were 47.08% and 51.03%, respectively. The unqualified recovery could be elucidated by HPLC-ESI-MS analysis, indicating that trhynchophylline could be transformed mostly into isorhynchophylline and a little amount of unkown composition, while isorhynchophylline could be transformed into rhynchophylline isocorynoxeine, corynoxeine and 22-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl isocorynoxeinic acid during the extraction procedure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ultrasonic extraction procedure was more sutble for HPLC determination of the content of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline in U. rhnchophylla, however, the recovery problems should be paid attention to when it comes to the determination.</p>

Policy recommendations based on SWOT analysis for agricultural industrialization of traditional Chinese medicinal materials--a case study of uncariae ramulus cum uncis from Jianhe county in Guizhou province / 中国中药杂志

This thesis reviews the historical background of agricultural industrialization, and analyzes the major theories of agricultural industrialization. It also utilizes SWOT analysis method to discuss the industrialization of traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Jianhe county, and finally it puts forward the recommendations for its further development.

[Medicinal plants used in treatment of rhematologic diseases: a systematic review]

The rheumatologic diseases like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lowback pain and fibromyalgia are very common. The synthetic drugs available for treatment of these diseases have low efficacy and considerable adverse effects. Numerous approaches are used as alternatives and complementary to synthetic drugs to treat these diseases. One of the approaches is use of herbal medications. Here, the effects of medicinal plants and herbal active constituents used in treatment of these diseases including gammalinolenic acid, glucosamine, devil's claw [Harpagophytum procumbens], Ocimum species, Salix species, feverfew [Tanacetum parthenium], Tripterygium wilfordii, Uncaria species, nettle [Urtica dioica], ginger [Zingiber officinale], turmeric [Curcuma longa], chicory [Cichorium intybus], dog rose [Rosa canina] and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables obtained from search for english articles published in the databases PubMed and SCOPUS from 1966 to the end of 2011 using the keywords including the scientific, common and traditional names of plants are reviewed. Limited research has been conducted on the antirheumatic effects of these plants and active constituents so far. Thus it seems that further research to determine the mechanisms of action, drug interactions, efficacy and safety of medicinal plants and herbal active constituents potentially useful in treatment of these diseases are warranted

Uncária tomentosa e a lesão renal aguda isquêmica em ratos / Uncaria tomentosa and acute ischemic kidney injury in rats / Uncária tomentosa e a lesão renal aguda isquêmica em ratos

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito renoprotetor do fitoterápico Uncaria tomentosa sobre a lesão renal aguda isquêmica induzida pelo clampeamento dos pedículos renais de ratos. A hipóxia e a hipoperfusão geradas com a isquemia intensificam a produção de espécies reativas já presentes no processo inflamatório. Os resultados mostraram que a função renal avaliada pelo clearance de creatinina, a excreção de peróxidos urinários (FOX) e a excreção urinária de malondealdeído (TBARS) desses animais apresentou renoproteção induzida pela UT, provavelmente relacionada às suas atividades antioxidantes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the renoprotective effects of Uncaria Tomentosa (cat's claw) on ischemic acute kidney injury induced by renal clamping in rats. The hypoxia and hypoperfusion increase the production of reactive species already present in the inflammatory process. Results showed that the renal function evaluated by creatinine clearance, the urinary excretion of peroxides and malondealdehyde indexes demonstrated that UT induced renoprotection, probably related to its antioxidant activities.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto rinoprotector del fitoterápico Uncaria tormentosa sobre la lesión renal aguda isquémica inducida por el clampeo de los pedículos renales de ratones. La hipoxia y la hipoperfusión generadas con la isquemia intensifican la producción de especies reactivas ya presentes en el proceso inflamatorio. Los resultados mostraron que la función renal evaluada por el clearance de creatinina, la excreción de peróxidos urinarios (FOX) y la excreción urinaria de malondialdehido (TBARS) de esos animales demostró rinoprotección inducida por la UT, probablemente relacionada con sus propiedades antioxidantes.

Estudio fitoquímico de hojas de Uncaria guianensis y evaluación de actividad antibacteriana / Phytochemical study of Uncaria guianensis leaves and antibacterial activity evaluation

Del extracto de éter de petróleo de hojas de Uncaria guianensis (Rubiaceae), se aisló un compuesto tipo clorina denominado éster etílico de feoforbida a y una mezcla de esteroles conocidos como ß-sitosterol y estigmasterol. Sus estructuras fueron elucidadas por análisis detallado de RMN, incluyendo técnicas bidimensionales, y por comparación con datos reportados en la literatura. Posteriormente, se evaluó la actividad antibacteriana al éster etílico de feoforbida a contra dos cepas Gram(+): S. aureus ATCC 6538 y E. faecalis ATCC 29212 y contra tres cepas Gram (-): E. coli ATCC 25922, S. typhimurium ATCC 14028s y S. typhimurium MS7953. Se encontró actividad significativa contra S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli y S. tiphymurium MS7953.

A chlorin compound, pheophorbide a ethyl ester and a mixture of sterols known as ß-sitosterol and stigmasterol, were isolated from the petroleum ether extract of Uncaria guianensis (Rubiaceae) leaves. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of NMR spectra, including bidimensional techniques and by comparison with literature data. The antibacterial activity for the pheophorbide a ethyl ester was evaluated against two Gram (+) strains: S. aureus ATCC 6538 y E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and three Gram (-) strains: E. coli ATCC 25922, S. typhimurium ATCC 14028s y S. typhimurium MS7953S. aureus ATCC 6538 and E. fecalis ATCC 29212, finding significant activity against S. aureus 6538, E. faecalis 29212, S. tiphymurium MS7953 and E. coli 25922.

Pharmacognostical identification of the leaf of Uncaria hirsuta Havil / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform a pharmacognostical study of the leaf of Uncaria hirsuta Havil.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The specimens of Folium Uncariae Hirsutae were collected for studying its characteristics, microscopic appearance and thin-layer chromatography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The leaf of Uncaria hirsuta Havil was characterized by numerous multicellular non-glandular hairs, 2 lines of palisade tissue, a diacytic type of stoma, and clustered crystals in its parenchyma. At least two kinds of alkaloids identical to the control were identified in the specimens.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results can be used as the evidence for identification, formulation of the quality-control standards as well as further utilization of Folium Uncariae Hirsutae.</p>

Molecular identification of one Uncaria plant / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>In order to identify a species of Uncaria, molecular phylogenetic analysis was carried out by using the rDNA ITS sequence as molecular marker.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Total DNA was extracted from the plant with modified CTAB method and thereby rDNA ITS regions were amplified with universally conserved primer. The rDNA ITS amplicon was characterized by cloning, sequencing, blasting in GenBank and phylogenetic analyses using PAUP by maximum parsimony (MP) criteria.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The rDNA ITS entire sequence of this species of Uncaria was 719 bp. The sequence is related to the U. sinensis available in GenBank and the similarity reaches 99.7%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Based on molecular biology methods of rDNA ITS region analysis, molecular identification is available in accurate classification on this species of Uncaria.</p>

Efecto de un extracto hidroalcohólico de uncaria tomentosa (uña de gato) sobre la población de células dendríticas y sus moléculas hla-dr y cd86 ante el estímulo con lipopolisacáridos / Effect of an hydro-alcoholic extract of uncaria tomentosa (cat´s claw) over dendritic cell subsets and hla-dr/cd86 molecules by lipopolysacarides stimulus

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de un extracto hidroalcohólico de uña de gato, Uncaria tomentosa (UG) sobre célulasdendríticas (DC) de sangre periférica y la expresión de HLA-DR y CD86 en muestras de sangre periférica de individuos sanos tratadas con lipopolisacáridos (LPS). Materiales y métodos. El polvo de la corteza de UG se preparó como una decocción estéril a 30g/L por 30 minutos. Se obtuvo muestras de sangre periférica de individuos sanos. Las célulasmononucleares de sangre periférica (CMSP) fueron separadas por gradiente de centrifugación, pretratadas o no durante dos horas con distintas concentraciones de UG y estimuladas 24 h con LPS, luego fueron marcadas con anticuerpos monoclonales fluorescentes específicos para HLA-DR, Linaje tipo 1 (Lin1), CD11c y CD86 y preparadas para la citometría de flujo. Resultados. Comparando con el grupo de CMSP con LPS pero sin UG se observó, de maneradosis dependiente, una disminución en el porcentaje de DC mieloides (DCm) (p menor que 0,05) y una tendencia a incrementar el porcentaje de DC plasmacitoides (DCp). En las DCp se observó una disminución de la intensidad de fluorescencia media (IFM) de HLA-DR sólo a 500 y 1000 μg/mL de UG (p menor que 0,001); mientras que hubo un incremento de la IFM de CD86en todo el rango (p menor que 0,05). En DCm a las mismas concentraciones no se observó efecto de UG sobre la IFM de HLA-DR y CD86. Conclusiones. Este extracto estandarizado de UG tiende a incrementar el porcentaje de DCp y disminuye el porcentaje de DCm. UG no afecta la expresión de HLA-DR y CD86 en DCm. Este estudio demuestra que este extracto de UG favorece la activación/diferenciación de DCp, la cual participa en mecanismos de respuesta inmune adaptativa.

Objective. To determine the effect of an hydro-alcoholic extract of cat´s claw Uncaria tomentosa (UG) overlipopolysaccharides û treated dendritic cells (DC) and HLA-DR and CD86 molecules expression of peripheral bloodsamples obtained from healthy individuals. Materials and methods. Peripheral blood samples were collected from healthy individuals. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) were isolated by centrifugation over density gradient, pre-treated with and without the addition of UG, and then stimulated for 24 h with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), then the cells were labelled with specific fluorescent monoclonal antibodies to HLA-DR, Linage type 1 (Lin1), CD11c and CD86 and prepared for flow. Results. Compared to PBMC with LPS but without UG group, we found a decrease of myeloid DC (mDC) percentage (p minor that 0.05) and a tendency to increase plasmacytoid DC (pDC) percentage, both in a dose-dependent manner. There was a decrease in media fluorescence intensity (MFI) of HLA-DR in DCp between 500 and 1000 μg/mL of CC (p minor that 0,001), but we found a increase in MFI of CD86 at all concentrations (p<0,05). There was no effect of UG overMFI of the HLA-DR or CD86 expression in mDC. Conclusions. UG showed a tendency to increase pDC percentage and decreased mDC percentage. UG did not affect the expression of CD86 and HLA-DR from mDC. This study demonstrates that UG promotes activation/differentiation of pDC, which has a demonstrated involvement in the adaptive immune response mechanisms.