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Limited evidenceBrain & cognition

Uncaria Rhynchophylla (Gou Teng)

A Chinese herb used traditionally for tremor, convulsions and hypertension, and best known in the West as an ingredient of the Kampo formula yokukansan. As a single herb, its human evidence is essentially absent.

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What the science says

  • Neuroprotective activity is preclinical only Limited evidence

    Pharmacological reviews describe rhynchophylline and related indole alkaloids acting on NMDA receptors, calcium channels and neuroinflammation in cell and rodent models. No randomized trial has tested the isolated herb for calm, memory or neuroprotection in humans.

  • Human use comes from multi-herb formulas Limited evidence

    Nearly all clinical data involving this herb come from combination prescriptions such as yokukansan, where its individual contribution cannot be separated. Ethnopharmacological reviews note this gap explicitly.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTraditional decoctions use 3–12 g of the dried hooked stem per day, added late in cooking. No supplement dose has been validated in trials.
SafetyHuman safety data are limited. Alkaloids in the plant can lower blood pressure and may interact with antihypertensives and sedatives. Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter; decoctions are usually split into two doses.
With food?Take it with food if it upsets your stomach; otherwise food makes little difference.
Worth knowingIf you are making a decoction, add the hooked stem in the last 10 minutes — the active alkaloids break down with long boiling.

Interactions

With medications

  • blood pressure medication

    The alkaloids lower blood pressure and can add to antihypertensive treatment. Monitor blood pressure and do not combine without medical advice

  • sedatives and sleep medication

    Additive drowsiness. Be cautious combining, and not before driving

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

What is uncaria rhynchophylla (gou teng) used for?

Uncaria rhynchophylla (gou teng) is a Chinese herb used traditionally for tremor, convulsions and hypertension, and is an ingredient of the Kampo formula yokukansan. As a single herb its human evidence is essentially absent, and the grade is limited.

Does uncaria rhynchophylla help with anxiety or memory?

No randomized trial has tested uncaria rhynchophylla on its own for calm, memory or neuroprotection in humans; its alkaloids have been studied only in cell and rodent models. Nearly all clinical data come from multi-herb formulas where its contribution cannot be separated, so the evidence is limited.

How much gou teng should I take?

Traditional decoctions of gou teng use 3–12 g of the dried hooked stem per day, added in the last 10 minutes of cooking because the alkaloids break down with long boiling. No supplement dose of uncaria rhynchophylla has been validated in trials.

Is uncaria rhynchophylla safe with blood pressure medication?

Uncaria rhynchophylla's alkaloids can lower blood pressure and add to antihypertensive treatment, so do not combine it without medical advice and monitor your blood pressure. It can also add to sedatives, and should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Scientific references

Related in Brain & cognition

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)