Gou Teng (Uncaria)
【Name】
【Source】
Bie Lu (Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians)
【Commonly Used Level】
C
【Botanical Origin】
Dried hooked stem branches of Uncariae rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks., U. sinensis (Oliv.) Havil., and U. hirsute Havil. of the Rubiaceae family.
【Characteristics】
The commercial product is a mixture of hooked and non-hooked stem branches, cut into lengths of about 1 to 2.5 cm. Hooked medicinal material has two downward-curving hooks facing each other at the stem nodes, resembling fishhooks, but most have only a single hook. The hooks are about 1.2 to 2 cm long, flat or slightly oblate, with a reddish-brown, slightly glossy surface. The stem branches are roundly quadrangular, with the same color as the hooks. Non-hooked stem branches may have node scars and scars from hook shedding.
U. rhynchophylla and U. sinensis are quite similar. The former’s stem is mostly cylindrical or slightly square, purplish-red or brownish-red, with two curved double hooks growing opposite each other on the nodes, and some have only one hook, with the tip curving inward. The latter differs in that the stem branches are mostly square columnar, with a yellowish-green to yellowish-brown surface, and stipules can sometimes be seen on the stem.
The prepared slices (Yin Pian) are purplish-red or brownish-red in appearance, with hook shapes like anchors. It has a bland taste.
【Identification】
Double hooks, flat hooks without stalks (stems cut flush with the hook waist), and a ruddy color are considered good quality. If the stalks are too long, the hooks are maple-colored (darkened by fire baking or aging), or the goods are fresh, they are all considered unqualified.
【Category】
Vine and Wood Herbs