In the depths of the Amazon rainforest, a woody vine with hooked thorns wraps stealthily around the bark of trees and grows 100 feet in height – Uncaria tomentosa has become known as one of the world’s most important botanicals and among its most powerful immune boosters.
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More affectionately known as cat’s claw, or una de gato in Spanish, thanks to its thorny talons, this herb is native to the jungles of Peru. In addition to its immune enhancing activities, it is indicated in a broad spectrum of conditions, including numerous types of infections.
Cat’s claw is only a recent discovery in the western world, but as with many herbs, it has a long history of traditional use. In this case it is the Ashaninka Indians, natives of Peru, who have used an infusion of the herb’s roots and inner bark for over 2000 years in health restoration and to treat conditions including ulcers, fevers, inflammation and even cancer. Ashaninka women are also known to have used preparations of cat’s claw for contraceptive purposes – large doses were believed to cause temporary infertility.
Since the 1970s, scientific studies across the globe have delved into the claimed healing properties of cat's claw, and some now consider its therapeutic actions superior to those of echinacea, goldenseal and astragalus. These therapeutic properties appear to be the result of oxyindole alkaloid action, the primary role of which is to stimulate immunity. The herb has also been purported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. The latest studies are evaluating the effectiveness of cat’s claw in cancer and HIV/AIDS treatment.
Parts used
The bark, roots and leaves.
Constituents
Alkaloids are the primary active ingredients in Cat’s Claw.
Root bark (1-2% alkaloid content):
Pteropodine
Mitraphylline
Speciophylline
Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids
Indole alkaloids
Stem bark (0.5% pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids):
Isopteropodine
Speciophylline
Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids
Indole alkaloids
Other compounds:
Quinovic acid glycosides
Triterpenes
Oleanolic acid
Ursolic acid
Proanthocyanidins B1, B2, B3, B4 and A,
Flavonoids
Tannins
Actions
Adaptogenic
Anti-microbial
Anti-tumor
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-mutagenic
Anti-hypertensive
Anti-viral
Anti-ulcerous
Cytoprotective
Immunomodulator
What is cat’s claw used for?
Digestive tract:
Crohn's disease
Dysentery
Diarrhoea
Gastritis and duodenal ulcers
Intestinal inflammation
Parasites
Herpes
Tumours
Internal cleansing
Balancing intestinal flora
Immune system:
Arthritis
Cancer
Gonorrhoea
Rheumatism
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Other:
Allergies
Diabetes
Lupus
Organic depression
Menstrual irregularities
Asthma
Urinary tract disorders
Kidney cleanser
Fever
Abscesses
Menstrual control
Birth control
Western clinical uses:
Chronic viral infections
Viral / bacterial co-infections in AIDS
Cancer
Radiation damage prevention
Inflammatory conditions
Available forms in South Africa
Cat’s claw bark cut
Cat’s claw powder
Dosage
Tea:
Steep 1 000 mg root bark in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool and strain and drink one cup three times a day.
Tincture:
¼ to ½ teaspoonful two to three times a day.
Capsules (325mg min):
1 to 2 capsules three times a day with food. Or, follow the instructions on the product pack.
Safety
The level of toxicity in cat’s claw is believed to be low and as such no serious adverse side effects have been reported. However, the bitterness of the herb may cause nausea and mild gastric disturbances.
Cat's claw is contraindicated in autoimmune illness, multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis, and since it is an immune system stimulant, it should not be used by transplant patients and should be avoided by those with autoimmune disorders.
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