Chemical Characterization and Effects of Aqueous Uncaria tomentosa Stem-Bark Extract on Keratinocyte Scratch Closure and Inflammatory and Redox Responses
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Plant-derived bioactive compounds are increasingly investigated as modulators of cellular processes associated with healthy aging. Uncaria tomentosa is traditionally consumed as a botanical preparation, but the effects of its aqueous stem-bark extract on keratinocyte repair-related responses remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: The extract was examined using colorimetric assays, DPPH radical scavenging, and untargeted LC-HRMS/MS with molecular networking and in silico class prediction. Cell viability, membrane integrity, extracellular NDUFS7, superoxide, nitric oxide-related products, and cell-cycle distribution were assessed at 1–100 µg/mL. Scratch closure, cytomorphology, IL-1β, and TNF-α were evaluated at 1, 3, and 10 µg/mL. Results: The aqueous extract contained phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids and exhibited DPPH-scavenging activity. LC-HRMS/MS supported a diverse profile including flavonoid glycosides, caffeoylquinic acids, procyanidins, iridoids, and putative triterpenoid glycosides. The extract preserved viability and membrane integrity and did not produce marked basal redox imbalance or increased extracellular NDUFS7. It moderately redistributed cell-cycle phases without a classical arrest pattern. Scratch closure increased at 6 and 24 h. IL-1β decreased at 1 and 3 µg/mL, whereas TNF-α remained broadly stable. Conclusions: The aqueous extract enhanced keratinocyte monolayer closure and selectively modulated inflammatory and redox-metabolic responses relevant to inflammaging. Cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype were not directly demonstrated.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu18213715
Authors: Euler Ribeiro-Filho, Verônica Farina Azzolin, Vitória Farina Azzolin, Ednea Aguiar Maia-Ribeiro, Suziani da Cruz, Madson do Nascimento, João Batista Xavier Moraes, Josiel do Nascimento Amazonas, Alan Diego da Conceição Santos, Maria Eduarda Chelotti, Débora Filipetto Pulcinelli, Fernanda Barbisan, Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz
Language: English
Topic: Medicinal Plant Research
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W7225656926