Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC (Rubiaceae) Sensitizes THP-1 Cells to Radiation-induced Cell Death

Background: Uncaria tomentosa  (Willd. ex Schult.) DC  (Rubiaceae), known as Cat’s Claw or Uña de gato, is a traditionally used medicinal plant native to Peru. Some studies have shown that U. tomentosa can act as an antiapoptotic agent and enhance DNA repair in chemotherapy‑treated cells although others have shown that U. tomentosa enhanced apoptosis. 

Objective: To determine if treatment with U. tomentosa can significantly enhance cell death in THP‑1  cells exposed to ionizing radiation.