Useful Information On Cat's Claw

Other Common Names: Una de gato, Uncaria tomentosa

Range: South and Central America, Andes mountains, particularly in Peru.

Habitat: Rain forest.

The Spanish name for it is "Una de gato". The name comes from the claw like features of the plant vines that resemble cat's claws. The inner bark of the vine is thought to contain the medicinal properties and therefore, is used to treat the following conditions: arthritis, gastritis, asthma, gastric ulcer, diabetes, cancer and tumors, viral infections, menstrual disorders, convalescence, rheumatism, general debility, gonorrhea, stimulate the immune system, and to promote wound healing.

According to Ramon Ferreyra, Ph.D., a Harvard-educated botanist and professor at San Marcos University in Lima, Peru and the President of the Peruvian Botanical Society, states that twelve herbs in Peru are identified as U?a de gato or cat?s claw. The herb of primary interest to alternative medicine researchers is Uncaria tomentosa, a woody vine that grows 1100 feet or more.

The active constituents of Uncaria tomentosa may be a group of alkaloids with immune stimulating activity. Recent reports have demonstrated Uncaria?s role in improving immunity in cancer patients as well as its anti-mutagenic properties. All the individual alkaloids of Uncaria tomentosa with the exception of rynchophylline and mitraphylline have immunostimulant properties and the ability to enhance phagocytosis in vitro.

Cat's claw is available as a tincture, capsules, tablets, elixirs, and as a cream. It may also be used as a tea. It can also be found mixed with other herbal therapies such as aloe.

Known Hazards: This product should not be taken if you have an autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, or tuberculosis. In Europe, health care providers avoid combining this herb with hormonal drugs, insulin, or vaccines. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Cat's claw may block platelets from forming clots, so you should be cautious if you are already taking a medication, including aspirin, which thins the blood.

A word of caution for the prospective buyers of cat?s claw: another plant also known as cat?s claw, (botanical name-Acacia gregii), grows along the Northern Mexico and Southern Texas border. People are purchasing this plant mistakenly believing it to be the Peruvian medicinal plant. This plant may be poisonous and is thought to contain a cyanide-based chemical compound. The Peruvian cat?s claw has a cinnamon colored bark; whereas, the South Texas plant comes from a shrub and so contains little twigs and leaves.

- The University of Texas Center for Alternative Medicine Research (UT-CAM)

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