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Gou-teng

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou-teng/Chotoko) is a Traditional Chinese/Japanese Medicine herb used for epilepsy, hypertension, and agitation. Key component of Yokukansan formula for dementia-related agitation. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - mostly animal/in vitro research. Contains geissoschizine methyl ether (GME), an alkaloid with aripiprazole-like partial dopamine agonist activity. May have neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and antipsychotic properties. NOT the same as Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw from South America). Human evidence limited to Yokukansan formula studies, not isolated Gou-teng.

Quick Answer

What it is

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou-teng/Chotoko) is a Traditional Chinese/Japanese Medicine herb used for epilepsy, hypertension, and agitation. Key component of Yokukansan formula for dementia-related agitation.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Neuroprotection
  • Grade D: Agitation (Dementia-Related)
  • Grade D: Anticonvulsant Effects

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Gou-teng

Quick Facts: Gou-teng

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Key Effect:Alzheimer’s Disease
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C1
D4
2 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Neuroprotection
Multiple animal and in vitro studies demonstrate neuroprotective effects against ischemia and glutamate excitotoxicity. Key alkaloids (GME, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline) protect neurons via 5-HT1A partial agonism, NMDA receptor modulation, calcium channel effects, and anti-inflammatory activity in microglia. No isolated Gou-teng human neuroprotection trials exist.
8 studies
moderate↑Improves
D
Agitation (Dementia-Related)
Human studies of the Yokukansan formula (containing Gou-teng as a key ingredient) show benefit for dementia-related behavioral symptoms and agitation. However, effects cannot be attributed specifically to isolated Gou-teng as Yokukansan is a multi-herb formula. GME's aripiprazole-like partial D2 agonist mechanism provides a plausible pharmacological basis for antipsychotic-like effects observed in animal models.
5 studies
small↓Worsens
D
Anticonvulsant Effects
In animal seizure models, Gou-teng alkaloids demonstrate anticonvulsant activity. Proposed mechanisms include NMDA receptor modulation by rhynchophylline and calcium channel effects. Traditional use in Chinese medicine for epilepsy aligns with preclinical findings, but no controlled human trials of isolated Gou-teng for seizures have been conducted.
3 studies
moderate↓Worsens
D
Blood Pressure
In hypertensive rat models, Gou-teng extracts reduce blood pressure. Hirsutine and rhynchophylline alkaloids may contribute via calcium channel modulation. Supported by longstanding traditional use for hypertension in Chinese medicine. No controlled human trials of isolated Gou-teng for blood pressure have been published.
3 studies
small↓Improves
D
Anxiety
Anxiolytic effects observed in animal behavioral models. The 5-HT1A partial agonist activity of GME provides a plausible mechanism, paralleling the anxiolytic drug buspirone which acts via the same receptor. No human trials of isolated Gou-teng for anxiety have been conducted.
2 studies
small↓Improves

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