Cat's Claw, as it is commonly referred to, is a Amazonian
vine with claw like thorns, whose healing properties has
caught the attention of researchers and holistic
caretakers. Its Spanish name is una de gato, and it is
native to the jungles of Peru where it can be found
wrapped around trees of the Amazon rain forest.
Though a relatively young herb in the western world, it
has been used traditionally for centuries, by the
Ashaninka Indians. The native people of Peru would boil
the root* and inner bark to prepare a medicinal tea or
decoction for the treatment of tumours and other serious
diseases.
In order to protect this important plant in the ever
decreasing rain forests, Peruvian laws have been set up
to ban the extraction and export of Cat's Claw root. The
inner bark, which is just as rich in active constituents,
is to be used only. Leaving the root allows the vine to
naturally replenish itself. There are 14 species of
cat's claw, but the botanical commonly sold for medicinal
purposes as cat's claw is
Uncaria tomentosa, which
grows in the highland jungles of Peru.
There are 14 species of cat's claw, but
the botanical commonly sold for medicinal purposes as
cat's claw is Uncaria tomentosa, which grows in
the highland jungles of Peru. Recent research on
cat's claw has led to several U.S. patents on its immuno-stimulating
effects, and even to a cat's claw symposium sponsored by
the World Health Organization.
Cat's claw's ability to stimulate immune function has
been the most-studied of the plant's many uses. In
addition to general immune support, cat's claw has been
suggested by many herbalists, particularly in Europe, as
a cancer remedy and as an adjunct to AZT treatment for
HIV. The active constituents of the plant that impact the
immune system appear to be six or more pentacyclic
oxindole alkaloids, including isopteropodine, pteropodine,
mitraphylline and isomitraphylline. Animal studies
conducted on mice given cat's claw extract have shown
increases of up to 40 percent in immune cell activity.
One recent double-blind, human study showed cat's claw
to be much more effective than a placebo in treating
painful joints related to rheumatoid arthritis (Journal
of Rheumatology, 2002), while another showed success
in reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis of the
knee (Inflammation Research, 2001). These studies
support traditional use, which recommends cat's claw for
inflammation of the joints associated with arthritis and
rheumatism, as well as for gastritis—which is
essentially an inflammation of the stomach lining—and
acne.
Una De Gato : Side effects, Interactions
Cat's Claw should not be given to pregnant women as
it was used in the early days to create unwanted
pregancies by administering extremely high doses.
Una
De Gato :
Health Benefits
- Effective in treating a wide variety of
gastrointestinal conditions, including Crohn's disease
and Ulcerative Colitis.
- Functions as a powerful antioxidant for inflammation
, protecting against tendon and joint strain and
chronic degeneration (Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid
Arthritis).
- Documented to have
anti-leukemic properties, and in vitro studies of the
bark extract suggest anti-tumor properties as well.
- Ability to strengthen
and build immune support.
There
are many good products available which only contain Una
De Gato. Ensure that you are getting Uncaria
tomentosa which is the medicinal plant that is
used. Other products contain Una De Gato and other ingredients
such as Ester-C, Glucosamine and Chondroitin. One such
product which has received good results is Free & Easy
for People. Free and Easy for People contains
quality amounts of Una De Gato or Cat's Claw to ensure
your daily needs are met.
