Studies have show the alkaloids found in Cat's Claw to be anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating, and to act as antioxidants.
Cat's Claw (called Una de Gato in Spanish) is a tropical, thick, woody vine that grows slowly to several feet long, mainly in the Peruvian rain forest. In Peru, Cat’s Claw has been a popular herb for over 2,000 years because of its reputedly unlimited curative properties due to the active organic compounds called alkaloids found in it. These alkaloids are antiviral, antiinflammatory, immuno-stimulating, and act as antioxidants.
Cat’s Claw is used to treat, acne, diabetes, infections, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, ulcers, gastritis, numerous bowel and intestinal disorder, bursitis, arthritis, rheumatism, cancer, lupus, toxic poisoning, PMS and irregularities of the female cycle. It is also used for recovery from childbirth and as a contraceptive. Other uses include reducing inflammation associated with asthma, allergies, tendonitis, Crohn's disease, tumors, parasites, diverticulitis and leaky gut syndrome. Studies have shown Cat’s Claw may have positive effects on, and can boost, the body's immune system to improve response to HIV, genital herpes and other viral and respiratory infections.
There are two primary species with medicinal uses: Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. (Uncaria comes from the Latin uncus, which means hook. The base of the Cat's Claw leaf has two curved thorns like a hook and they resemble cat's claws; hence the name.) These species are interchangeable, although we use Uncaria tomentosa in the U.S. as a therapeutic agent. It has been found to contain a higher concentration of alkaloids, quinovic acid glycosides (which have natural anti-inflammatory properties), novel triterpenes and a variety of other benefitial phyto-chemicals. It is less commonly available and more expensive.
Cat's Claw extract is created by boiling parts of the root and the inner bark of the stem. Both root and bark have different concentrations of alkaloid and thus have different therapeutic values and applications. For example, for anti-inflammatory properties, the root may be superior to the bark, since it contains a type of quinovic acid glycoside that is unique to the root. However, the effectiveness of the root and bark can vary depending upon what time of year that portion of the plant is harvested.
Recent studies in Europe have shown that the concentration of total alkaloids is much higher in the root compared to that in the bark. As a result, bark sells for far less, maybe less than half, the cost of the root. Thus it is important to know the sources of Cat’s Claw products to make a fair comparison between them.
As always, before taking any herbal remedy, consult with a qualified medical specialist.
