Uncaria sterrophylla

Uncaria sterrophylla, a climbing liana in the Rubiaceae family, is native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. While less studied than its close relative Uncaria gambir, the species shares the traditional association with betel‑quid preparations in the Bismarck Archipelago. On New Britain, recent ethnobotanical work records the “stem” (liane twig) being included with the basic betel quid of Piper betle leaf, areca nut, and slaked lime, imparting a mild astringency and color to the quid. On Umboi Island, communities also chew the “stem” along with the other quid components to maintain a long‑lasting flavor and mouth feel. On Makira (San Cristoval) in the Solomons, similar quid use of the “stem” has been noted, with local informants describing a pleasant, slightly bitter taste. These practices are documented in: (Flores, 2022; McClatchey, 2005; Whistler, 1992).

Beyond the quid, communities on New Britain also prepare a simple leaf decoction used as a short‑term wash for minor mouth and throat irritation. On Makira, a leaf infusion is occasionally taken as a “stomach tea” for very mild, brief discomfort after heavy meals. On Goodenough Island, elders make a weak, short‑steep “stem” maceration that is strained and cooled, then used as a mouth rinse to refresh the palate and lighten heavy breath after long chewing sessions. These are reported in: (F. J. R. Bisset, 1994; McClatchey, 2005; Hocart, 1955; Lapiziku, 2016).

A practical, short‑term preparation grounded in this tradition is a mild leaf tea used as a short mouth/throat wash. Measure 2–3 g of fresh leaves and simmer in 200 mL of water for 5 minutes, then cool to a comfortably warm temperature and swish for 20–30 seconds before spitting out; do not swallow. Alternatively, for a stem maceration used as a quick mouth rinse, macerate 4–5 g of finely cut fresh stem in 100 mL of cooled boiled water for 5 minutes, stir, and strain. As a decoction or infusion, limit use to short, occasional periods and avoid swallowing in children; pregnant and lactating persons should avoid unless advised by a qualified health professional. No known human toxicity has been reported at these modest levels, but a safety cap of no more than two such preparations per day is prudent (Heinrich et al., 2004).

The recorded activity plausibly relates to well‑established constituents found in Uncaria: pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (e.g., mitraphylline, isomitraphylline), triterpene acids (e.g., quinovic acid glycosides), and condensed tannins known to occur in the genus and the stem of U. sterrophylla, which can exert mild astringent and anti‑inflammatory effects consistent with short‑term mouth and throat use. Modern relevance includes ongoing traditional use in betel‑quid communities in the Bismarcks and Solomons, while phytochemical monitoring of U. sterrophylla is active in Papua New Guinea and in ethnobotany projects seeking to document liana diversity and culturally significant plant chemistry (Flores, 2022; Heinrich et al., 2004).

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