Gōu Téng (钩藤) — Gambir stem / Cat's claw vine

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Gōu Téng (钩藤) — Uncaria rhynchophylla — is known in English as Gambir stem / Cat's claw vine. It belongs to the category of Herbs that calm the Liver and extinguish Wind in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Gōu Téng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Extinguishes Liver Wind and alleviates spasm — the primary herb for Wind convulsions in children
2. Clears Liver Heat and subdues Liver Yang rising — important for hypertension
3. Releases the Exterior and disperses Wind-Heat
4. Calms the Mind

Indications

1. Hypertension from Liver Yang rising — one of the most clinically important herbs
2. Children's febrile convulsions — the most important herb for paediatric Wind
3. Headache and dizziness from Liver Yang rising
4. Tremor, tics and spasm from Liver Wind
5. Eclampsia in late pregnancy
6. Attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in children — calms Internal Wind

4. Key formulas containing Gōu Téng

Gōu Téng appears in the following key formulas:

• Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou Teng) is one of the most important herbs for hypertension and neurological conditions in modern TCM practice. Key bioactive constituents include rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine and hirsutine. Research confirms significant antihypertensive effects — rhynchophylline blocks calcium channels and relaxes vascular smooth muscle. Multiple clinical trials confirm the antihypertensive formula Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is as effective as conventional antihypertensives for mild to moderate hypertension. Neuroprotective effects via glutamate receptor modulation have been documented, relevant to post-stroke rehabilitation and dementia. Anticonvulsant effects confirm the classical use for febrile convulsions. Should be added near the end of cooking (last 10 minutes) to preserve efficacy.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Add near the end of decoction — prolonged heating destroys the alkaloids. Avoid in Cold and deficiency patterns without Heat. Use with caution in hypotension.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Gōu Téng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including High blood pressure, Headaches, Migraines, Anxiety. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.