Anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity of uncária tomentosa (cat’s claw): systematic review

Abstract

The aim of this work was to review the literature regarding studies that evaluates the anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. DC.), popularly known as cat's claw. A search was made for scientific articles from September to August of 2017, using the descriptors: Uncaria tomentosa , cat's claw, diuretics and anti-inflammatories, as search strategies. In vivo preclinical studies and clinical trials were included in the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity of U. tomentosa . From the 165 articles found, 10 are according to the inclusion criteria, 50% (n= 05) with experimental design in the form of pre-clinical in vivo tests, clinical trials corresponded to a total of 30% (n= 03) and the sample of In vivo and in vitro preclinical trials were equivalent to a total of 20% (n= 02). The most studied properties of U. tomentosa are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-stimulatory, antiviral and antitumor. No studies evaluating the diuretic activity of U. tomentosa were found, and pre-clinical in vivo studies and clinical trials will necessary to evaluate this possible U. tomentosa potential.