Latin Name: Uncaria tomentosa
Family: Rubiaceae
Parts used: Bark, roots and Leaf.
Energetics: Pungent, bitter, cool, dry
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.
Safe alongside Herb
- Amoxicillin
- Cyclophosphamide
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
- Large quantities can cause stomach upset because of the large number of tannins in the bark
- It is recommended to increase dose in increments to lessen the symptoms of detoxification
- Caution in lactation and pregnancy
- It is not recommended to take Cat’s Claw when there is scheduled surgery.
ACTIONS
- Amphoteric to the cardiovascular system
- Anti-protozoal
- Anti-allergic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-spirochete (Borrelia)
- Anti-viral (EBV)
- Antioxidant
- Anti-platelet
- Hypotensive
- Anti-cholesterolaemic
- Reduces oestrogen binding (contraceptive)
- Anti-neoplastic
- Tonic
Main Constituents
- Oxindole alkaloids
- Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POA) and Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids account for 80% of alkaloids, which act upon mononuclear cells (a type of white blood cell, including monocytes and lymphocytes)
- Quinovic acid glycosides
- Antioxidants
- Plant sterols
- Tannins
- Carboxyl alkyl esters.
Main Uses
Immune modulator. Lyme disease. Tonic to the cardiovascular system
Digestive System: Crohn’s Disease, Colitis, Diverticulitis, Gastric ulcers. Detoxifying to liver and reduces the effect of alcohol poisoning
Infections:
Bacteria: Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdoferi)
Viruses: Epstein-Barr, Herpes zoster, Herpes genitalis, Herpes simplex, HIV / AIDS
Fungi: Candida
Circulatory: Hypertension, Tachy/ Bradycardia, Arrhythmia
Nervous system: Neuralgia
Immune System: Stimulate phagocytosis, Allergies, Lupus, ME, Leukaemia
Urinary System: UTI’s
Endocrine system: Menstrual irregularities. Reduces oestrogen binding and therefore acts like a contraceptive.
More About Cat's Claw
With a lengthy history dating back to the Inca civilisation, Cat’s Claw has been used as a traditional medicine in the Andes to treat inflammation, gastric ulcers, rheumatism, dysentery, intestinal complaints and wounds.
The tribes of the Amazon have used this woody vine as a general tonic to promote good health for 1000’s of years – a tonic that can be used to bring anyone back to health.
Its reputation as a “cure all” now seems to be validated by modern science, with numerous studies on the plethora of active compounds shedding new light on this ancient herb.
Cat’s claw plant is known by many names, including Uña de Gato and Samento. There are two cat’s claw species that have been used for medicinal purposes: Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis.
In the U.S., U. tomentosa is commonly used, while U. guianensis is popular in Europe. Cat’s Claw’s potential for boosting health mainly comes from the oxindole alkaloids found in its roots and bark. These seven alkaloids are said to stimulate the immune system, leading to this herb’s various medicinal and healing benefits.
Isopteropodin or Isomer A, is the most active alkaloid in this cat’s claw, and is said to help eliminate free radicals from the body. In addition, the plant contains various compounds that can help eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, by increasing the white blood cell count in the body which then stimulates antioxidant action.
This herb helps maintain good gastrointestinal health. People with leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive system disorders may find cat’s claw particularly useful, as it can help cleanse the digestive tract and ensure good gut flora.
It suppresses the TNF-alpha synthesis, therefore helping relieve symptoms associated with gout, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Cat’s claw is also known to enhance a specific type of natural killer cell, called CD 57, which is deficient in Lyme disease. It is antiprotozoal and may provide coverage against Babesia.
It combines well with Echinacea and Pau d'arco.
References
Anti-Platelet Effect/Thrombin Inhibitors
Extracts from Uncaria tomentosa as antiplatelet agents and thrombin inhibitors - The in vitro and in silico study
The examined extracts demonstrated slight antiplatelet effects; however, they may be promising candidates for the natural inhibitors of TH, which is critical for the formation of fibrin clot.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33091497/
Erythrocyte Membrane
Changes in Human Erythrocyte Membrane Exposed to Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts from Uncaria tomentosa
We consider that the compounds from U. tomentosa extracts mainly build into the outer, hydrophilic monolayer of the erythrocyte membrane, thus protecting the erythrocytes against the adverse effects of oxidative stress.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34073461/
Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Uncaria tomentosa stimulates the proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells
At the tested doses, Uncaria tomentosa had a positive effect on myeloid progenitor number and is promising for use with chemotherapy to minimize the adverse effects of this treatment.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21771655/
Anti-oxidant/Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant properties of proanthocyanidins of Uncaria tomentosa bark decoction: a mechanism for anti-inflammatory activity
Thus, our results provide evidence for an antioxidant mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of cat’s claw and support some of the biological effects of proanthocyanidins, more exactly its antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031942204005692#aep-section-id27
DNA Repair
DNA repair enhancement of aqueous extracts of Uncaria tomentosa in a human volunteer study
There was a statistically significant decrease of DNA damage and a concomitant increase of DNA repair in the supplement groups (250 and 350 mg/day) when compared with non-supplemented controls (p < 0.05). There was also an increased tendency of PHA induced lymphocyte proliferation in the treatment groups.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711304700409