Cat’s claw is actually a reference to several types of woody vines, many of which are used for health benefits. Cat’s claw plant species include acacia greggii, acacia plumosa, martynia annua, uncaria guianensis, uncaria rhynchophylla and uncaria tomentosa. Uncaria tomentosa is the most commonly used vine for health purposes.
This type of vine grows naturally in the rain forests of Asia and South America. It has been called the “Sacred Herb of the Rain Forest.” The name is due to the tiny thorns at the leaf base that resemble a kitty’s sharp claw. With the thorns the cat's claw vine is able to attach to tree. It can grow along with the tree as high as one hundred feet.
Studies show that cat’s claw may provide nutritional and physical benefits to the human body, specifically in areas of immune system healing. The major substances in cat’s claw are alkaloids, tannins and various phytochemicals. Rhynchophylline in particular, a type of alkaloid, has been studied to have anti-hypertensive effects.
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Cat’s Claw Health Benefits The activity of rhynchophylline is linked with reduced risk of stroke and heart attack. The substances found in cat’s claw can lower a person’s blood pressure, increase circulation, reduce heart rate and keep down cholesterol. Cat’s claw also has antioxidant an... more
The activity of rhynchophylline is linked with reduced risk of stroke and heart attack. The substances found in cat’s claw can lower a person’s blood pressure, increase circulation, reduce heart rate and keep down cholesterol. Cat’s claw also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its value as an immune system drug indicates beneficial treatment that can help various intestinal ailments like:
Though not a cure for viruses, cat’s claw treatment may improve healthy response to viral infection. The use of cat’s claw in HIV treatment is particularly noteworthy. Some studies from Europe indicate that when combined with AZT, cat’s claw may help in slowing down AIDS symptoms. Other conditions that can be treated with cat’s claw include:
Its use in arthritis treatment stems from certain compounds that block production of prostaglandins and tumor necrosis factor. This can reduce pain.
Cancer treatment is also a noteworthy subtopic. Because this extract affects the immune system, it has great potential as cancer treatment. Some studies show promise that cat’s claw may help to hinder the spread of cancer cells or help deter damage that occurs to cells because of chemotherapy or radiation. Cancer and AIDS treatment is still a subject for study. The most obvious benefits that result from cat’s claw is in the reduction of high blood pressure and in gastrointestinal diseases.
Dosages of this herbal product can be anywhere from 250 to 1,000 milligrams a day. The vine is available in dry extract form as well as crushed bark, capsule, tablet, tincture and tea-form. The extracts you take are usually 4% alkaloid content, as this wields the best results.
One of the most common ways of taking this supplement is in liquid form. In order to ingest the extract through supping, simply boil the root bark in water for about ten minutes. One cup of tea three times a day is an effect dosage plan.
The inner bark of cat’s claw is the active ingredient, although roots and leaves may have some beneficial properties as well. Cat's claw consists of various alkaloidal constituents as well as pentacyclic oxindoles and tetracyclic oxindoles. Effect treatment depends upon several factors, including when exactly the vine is harvested.
Cat’s claw does not have any major side effects associated with it. However, there are some noted interactions to be aware of, especially if users have other ailments or conditions. For example, patients recovering from organ transplants may be at risk of developing complications. It is not recommended for patients that are recovering from surgery or who have bleeding disorders.
This is an herbal product that is broken down by a person’s liver. Therefore, it may hinder the effectiveness of some medications, including azathioprine and cyclosporine, among other drugs. Although no definite side effects have been observed, because of the nature of cat’s claw and its effect on the immune system, caution is advised when patients with autoimmune conditions or disorders take it in high dosages.
Besides interactions, the basic side effects associated with cat’s claw include headache and short-term dizziness. Some individuals also claim nausea, diarrhea and loose stools to be other mild side effects associated with the extract, though these are usually reported at the beginning of treatment. There is a slight risk of miscarriage for pregnant women using cat’s claw.
Be sure that if and when you decide to use cat’s claw you are actually buying uncaria tomentosa, and not other cat’s claw varieties, which could have deleterious effects. In summary, cat’s claw may be effective treatment againstosteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and several major diseases and conditions related to immune system breakdown. Ask your doctor or a health specialist about this homeopathic treatment. You can find cat’s claw in local health stores via the free supplement finder provided here!
| Diarrhea |
| Nausea |
| Headaches |
| Dizziness |
| Miscarriage |
| Griffe Du Chat, Life-giving Vine of Peru, Samento, Uña De Gato, Uncaria guianensis, Uncaria tomentosa |
| Anti-inflammatory |
| Antioxidant |
| Blood Pressure |
| Cholesterol |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome |
| Circulation |
| Crohn's Disease |
| Diabetes |
| Digestion |
| Diverticulitis |
| HIV Treatment |
| Immunity |
| Lupus |
| Prostate Issues |