Gou Teng extract 20:1 | Uncaria rhynchophylla

Properties: Gou Teng is not so common in Europe yet, but quite famous in China and Japan, where it has been used in traditional medicine for millennia. Ancient herbalists have used it in the therapy of such serious diseases as e.g. epilepsy. This alone shows how potent is its impact on the central nervous system. Let’s take a look at how Uncaria rhynchophylla actually works and what are its main effects on the organism. Generally speaking, Gou Teng helps the brain to reach and maintain an optimal level of activity.

On one hand, it stimulates the neuronal metabolism, which speeds up information processing. The active compounds found in U.rhynchophylla dilate the blood vessels of the brain, thereby providing its cells with more nutrients. What is more, they improve the activity of their energy centers – mitochondria – thus allowing efficient exploitation of the additional resources. Noteworthy, they also upregulate the secretion of acetylcholine – a key excitatory neurotransmitter involved in the process of information acquisition and processing. All these effects combined ensure that the supplementation of Gou Teng’s extract brings about a noticeable improvement of cognitive abilities. In sum, it helps us to learn new pieces of knowledge faster and remember them longer.  

On the other hand, the extract of U.rhynchophylla protects the brain from overexcitability, while simultaneously ensuring that its hard work is properly rewarded. Clinical trials and other experiments have shown that its administration results in enhanced activity of dopaminergic and serotoninergic receptors. These two neurotransmitters are intrinsically connected to the feeling of satisfaction, inner balance, and stress resilience. This double effect of Gou Teng is noticeable even after a single dose – participants have observed a clear improvement of both psychological well-being and intellectual performance. This supplement goes very well with a morning cup of coffee – not only improves its taste, but also its properties.

Occurrence: The species Uncaria rhynchophylla, of the genus Uncaria, is a flowering climber from the Rubiaceae family. This plant is native to China and Japan. Typical for this plant is the presence of small hooks on the stem, which allow it to climb over the trunks and branches of other plants. These thorny shoots, devoid of leaves, are the raw herbal material. The inflorescences are spherical and consist of small flowers with yellow petals and red stamens.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Japanese medical system (Kampo) the shoots of Uncaria rhynchophylla have been applied as a remedy to headaches, dizziness, epilepsy, insomnia, and hypertension. The plant is also appreciated for its toning properties – for example its extract can soothe sudden attacks of excitation or aggression that sometimes accompany dementia.

Biochemistry: The substances to which Uncaria rhynchophylla owes its properties include: hirusteine, corinoxin, rhynchophylline. Apart from them, the plant also contains: organic acids, rutin, alkaloid glycosides, catechins, triterpenes, alkaloids.

Fun fact: Uncaria rhynchophylla is commonly known as Gou Teng. This Chinese name literally means “fishing hook” and is a reference to distinctive hooks that grow all over the shoots of this plant. This is also reflected in its latin name. The first part – Uncaria – comes from the word uncus, which means “hook”. The second part – rhynchophylla – literally means “horn-shaped leaves”.