The inner bark of Cat’s claw or Una de Gato (named after the hook-like thorns that grow along its vine) is used as a immune booster, antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial agent.
Cat's Claw contains about 60 phyto-chemicals. We only use the inner-bark for preparations of the tincture and infusion.
In Amzonia this plant is used as a remedy for boosting the immune system; to treat- and prevent infection.
Also Cat’s claw is also used for gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers, viral and bacterial infections, such as HIV/AIDS and sinusitis, skin allergies, , hemorrhoids, other inflammatory bowel conditions (leaky bowel syndrome), genital- and oral herpes; shingles (herpes zoster) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Probably the best-researched use of Cat’s claw is for the relief of arthritis pain.
Results from human cases show that taking this herb by mouth may have anti-inflammatory effects for individuals with either osteoarthritis (the deterioration of joints) or rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease)
Studies suggest it may give the immune system a much needed boost, which may benefit people with cancer.
Pharmacology
Cat's claw (especially, due to its glycosides) has proven to inhibit inflammation in various in vivo and in vitro tests.The results validate its history of indigenous use for arthritis and rheumatism, as well as for other types of inflammatory stomach and bowel disorders.
It has several groups of plant chemicals that account for the plant's healing properties. Chemicals like the oxidole alkaloids; higher content of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) versus the tetracyclic alkaloids (TOAs), quinovic acid glycosides, antioxidant chemicals (tannins, catechins, and procyanidins) as well as plant sterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol) and carboxyl alkyl esters. Immuno-stimulant properties of some of these chemicals help the body fights off infections and protect against degenerative diseases.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis) are independent of their alkaloid content.
while both species of cat's claw provide effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, U. guianensis is more potent. In conclusion, the presence of oxindole or pentacyclic alkaloids did not influence the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cat's claw."
Cat’s claw has also been used with zidovudine (AZT) to treat HIV.
Various chemicals that Cat’s claw contains are known to promote loss of water from the body, relax smooth muscles, and widen small blood vessels in the hands and feet. All these effects may help to lower blood pressure.
Dosage
Infusion: 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of very hot water; use up to 3 cups a day. Tincture: 1 -3 ml, 2 -3 times per day.
Warning /Interaction
Do not take when using these medications, unless under the supervision of a physician.
Since cat’s claw may stimulate the immune system, this herb should not be used with medications intended to suppress the immune system,
such as Cyclosporin® or other medications prescribed following an organ transplant.
Do not take if you are pregnant, considering pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Do not take with the diabetes drug Glipizide®.
Use with caution when taking hormones; may affect levels of the female sex hormones.
Reference
Castaneda O, Leon G, Leon D, et al. Cat's claw vs. placebo in rheumatoid arthritis. Paper presented at Symposium on Uncarias, Lima, Peru, 1997.
Kitajima M, Hashimoto K, Yokoya M, et al. Two new nor-triterpene glycosides from peruvian "Una de Gato" (Uncaria tomentosa). J Nat Prod 2003;66(2):320-323.
Mur E, Hartig F, Eibl G, Schirmer M. Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol 2002;Apr, 29(4):678-681.
Piscoya J, Rodriguez Z, Bustamante SA, et al. Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat's claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: mechanisms of action of the species Uncaria guianensis. Inflamm Res 2001;50(9):442-448.
Silva H, Diaz R, Segami I. Double blind clinical test comparing Uncaria guianesis against placebo in single daily dosage to treat knee osteoarthritis. Paper presented at Symposium on Uncarias, Lima, Peru, 1997.
Watanabe H, Zhao Q, Matsumoto K, et al. Pharmacological evidence for antidementia effect of Choto-san (Gouteng-san), a traditional Kampo medicine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003;75(3):635-643
The above presentation is for informational and educational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage.
For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over - the - counter medication is also available.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and / or pharmacist for any health problem and before using dietary supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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