UNCARIA TOMENTOSA BARK POWDER

About UNCARIA TOMENTOSA BARK POWDER

Powdered cat's claw bark — a rainforest botanical rich in alkaloids with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Used in natural skincare for soothing irritated skin.

Detailed Analysis

Uncaria Tomentosa Bark Powder is the dried, ground inner bark of Uncaria tomentosa (Rubiaceae), a woody vine from the Amazon rainforest commonly known as cat's claw or uña de gato. The bark contains oxindole alkaloids (isopteropodine, pteropodine, mitraphylline), quinovic acid glycosides, and proanthocyanidins. These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory (via NF-κB inhibition), antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity. In cosmetics, the powder serves as a skin conditioning agent. Oral supplements are widely used with good safety profiles. No GHS hazards, no EU restrictions.

What It Does

Skin Benefits

• ✓ Anti-inflammatory via NF-κB pathway inhibition
• ✓ Antioxidant protection from proanthocyanidins
• ✓ Immunomodulatory support for skin
• ✓ Soothing for irritated or inflamed skin

Known Concerns

• ⚠ Alkaloid content — though topical absorption is limited
• ⚠ May interact with immunomodulatory medications theoretically
• ⚠ Limited cosmetic-specific safety studies

References