Uncaria Gambir Stem Extract
Also known as: Uncaria gambir Roxb., Gambier, Gambir leaf extract, Uncaria gambir
Overview
Uncaria gambir, commonly known as Gambier, is a tropical plant whose stem and leaves are traditionally used in Southeast Asian herbal medicine. The extract is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins, and alkaloids. It is primarily recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties, as well as its cytoprotective effects. Research on U. gambir is predominantly preclinical, involving in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials. While narrative reviews summarize its pharmacological potential, systematic reviews are scarce, and the overall evidence quality is considered moderate to low due to the absence of large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans. It is available as a herbal supplement and plant extract.
Benefits
Uncaria gambir extract demonstrates several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical settings. Its anti-inflammatory properties are well-documented, with catechin-rich fractions shown to inhibit edema and reduce inflammatory markers like COX-2 and iNOS in animal models, suggesting potential for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. In diabetic rat models, the extract exhibited antidiabetic effects by preserving pancreatic β-cell populations and improving glycemic control, indicating a protective role for insulin-producing cells. Furthermore, in vitro studies have shown U. gambir extract to be non-cytotoxic to osteoblast-like cells at concentrations below 250-500 µg/mL, supporting its safety for potential dental applications like pulpotomy medicaments. The high phenolic content also contributes to significant antioxidant activity, which is believed to underpin its anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic actions.
How it works
The anti-inflammatory effects of Uncaria gambir are primarily mediated by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which are key enzymes involved in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Its antidiabetic actions may involve the preservation of pancreatic β-cells and modulation of glucose metabolism pathways, though the precise molecular targets require further elucidation. The catechins and alkaloids present in the extract contribute significantly to its antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress within the body. While these mechanisms are understood, detailed bioavailability data for the active compounds are limited, though catechins are generally known for moderate absorption and rapid metabolism.
Side effects
Uncaria gambir extract generally exhibits a good safety profile in preclinical in vitro and animal studies when used at doses below cytotoxic thresholds. No significant adverse effects have been reported in these studies at therapeutic doses. However, there is a substantial lack of human safety data, meaning that potential adverse effects, drug interactions, and contraindications in humans have not been established. Specific populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children, have not been adequately studied, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. Due to the limited human data, comprehensive safety warnings cannot be fully provided, and caution is advised.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Uncaria gambir extract due to the lack of clinical trials. Preclinical animal studies have utilized doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg/kg for antidiabetic effects. In vitro studies indicate a cytotoxicity threshold below 500 µg/mL for cell cultures. Without human clinical data, it is not possible to recommend specific dosages, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes. Further pharmacokinetic and clinical studies are essential to define safe and effective human doses, establish upper limits, and determine safety thresholds for this extract.
FAQs
Is Uncaria gambir safe?
Preclinical data suggest safety at moderate doses in animal and in vitro studies, but human safety data are insufficient, and no definitive conclusions can be drawn for human use.
What conditions might it help?
Based on animal and in vitro studies, it shows potential for inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and certain dental applications, but human efficacy is unproven.
How quickly do effects appear?
Animal studies indicate that effects may appear after days to weeks of consistent administration, but this timeline has not been confirmed in humans.
Is it cytotoxic?
In cell studies, Uncaria gambir extract was not cytotoxic at concentrations below 500 µg/mL, suggesting a favorable safety profile at lower concentrations.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10510159/ – This in vitro study evaluated the cytotoxicity of Uncaria gambir extract on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells over 7 days. It found the extract to be non-cytotoxic below 500 µg/mL, comparable to MTA dental material, suggesting its potential safety for dental applications, though it is limited to in vitro findings.
- https://ajprd.com/index.php/journal/article/download/1077/1191 – This narrative review summarized various preclinical studies on Uncaria gambir, identifying its key constituents like alkaloids and flavonoids. It highlighted the extract's anti-inflammatory effects, mediated by COX-2 and iNOS inhibition, but noted the lack of meta-analyses and reliance on animal/in vitro data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11808383/ – This animal randomized controlled trial on diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats demonstrated that Uncaria gambir extract preserved pancreatic β-cells and improved glycemic markers over several weeks. While a good quality preclinical study, its findings are limited to animal models and require human validation.
- https://seejim.eu/index.php/seejim/article/view/6055 – This preclinical study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of catechins from Uncaria gambir in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. It provided evidence for the extract's anti-inflammatory properties, but like other studies, it lacks human trials, limiting its direct applicability to human health.
- https://www.sysrevpharm.org/abstract/gambier-extract-uncaria-gambier-roxb-as-herbal-treatment-for-the-oral-cavity-a-systematic-review-67226.html – This systematic review abstract suggests potential oral health benefits of Uncaria gambir extract. However, as only the abstract is available, the full data and methodology cannot be assessed, making it difficult to determine the quality and robustness of its conclusions.