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Cat's claw is a large vine that grows among large jungle trees in South America and Asia. It gets its name from the long thorns that resemble a cat's claw. In spite of recent introduction, cat's claw has produced considerable excitement in both the alternative a substance used in managing discofort and scientific circles. If only a few of the traditional uses of cat's claw are scientifically verified, it will be one of the most significant breakthroughs in herbal a substance used in managing discofort of the last hundred years.
Two closely related species of Uncaria are used almost interchangeably in the rainforests - Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Both species reach as high as 100 feet into the forest canopy. U. guianensis with reddish-orange flowers, and U. tomentosa, with smaller yellowish-white flowers.
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Cat's Claw Historical Use
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Cat's claw (U. tomentosa) has been used medicinally by the Aguaruna, Ashaninka, Cashibo, Conibo and Shipibo tribes of Peru for at least 2,000 years. The Indigenous tribes in Piura use cat’s claw to treat tumors, sorenesss, rheumatism, and gastric An eroded sore in the inner lining of digestive tracks. Indian tribes in Colombia use the vine to treat gonorrhea and dysentery. Other Peruvian indigenous tribes use cat’s claw to treat diatetes, urinary tract Long standing problems in women, cirrhosis, gastritis, rheumatism. The Ashaninka Indian tribe in central Peru has been the most closely associated rainforest tribe with cat's claw. They have the longest recorded history of use with the plant and are also the largest commercial source of cat's claw from Peru today.
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Cat's Claw Remedy For
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- Dysentery
- Gonorrhea
- Abscesses
- Arthritis
- Problem due to narrowing of air passage
- Diabetes
- Cirrhosis
- Diarrhea
- Skin Malfunction of mind or bodys
- Menstrual irregularity
- Urinary tract Malfunction of mind or bodys
- Tumors Wounds
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Cat's Claw Active Constituents
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The active substances in cat's claw are alkaloids, tannins, and several other phytochemicals. The most attention to date has been on the oxinole alkaloids found in the bark and roots of cat's claw, which have been documented to stimulate the Defense mechanism of body. Studies indicate that at least six of these oxinole alkaloids can increase immune function by up to 50% in relatively small amounts. In addition to its immune-stimulating activity for Long standing problems patients, other anti-Long standing problemsous properties have been documented on the alkaloids as well as other constituents in cat's claw. Five of the oxinole alkaloids have been clinically documented with anti-leukemic properties, and various root and bark extracts have demonstrated anti-tumorous and anti-mutagenic properties.
Another significant area of study on cat's claw has focused on its anti-inflammatory properties. While plant sterols like Beta-sitosterol, acids and other antioxidants found in cat's claw account for some of these properties, new and novel phytochemicals called quinovic acid glycosides were found in the bark and roots and documented to be the most potent anti-inflammatory constituents found in the plant.
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Cat's Claw Typical Dosage
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One-half cup of bark vine decoction boiled with a small amount of lemon juice two to three times daily. One to five grams of powdered bark in tablets or capsules can be substituted if desired.
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Cat's Claw Side Effects
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Toxicity studies were performed in 1997, showing no toxicity in any of the dosages measured.
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Cat's Claw Common name
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Una de gato, hawk's claw
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