To order, see K725 Cats Claw

A relative newcomer to the natural health care scene in the US, the Peruvian herb cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) also known by its Spanish name uña de gato, seems to be good for whatever ails you. Is that possible? Well, yes and no and maybe for two reasons.

First, researchers have isolated several beneficial constituents which effect various body systems. Six unique alkaloids have been isolated, as well as other beneficial constituents including tri-terpenes, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, glycosides, and the plant sterols beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol. The presence of these compounds may explain the adaptogenic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to cat's claw. (1,2)

Second, one body system does not operate independently of the others. Just as malfunction in one system causes weakening in others, healing and improved function in one system allows healing in others. Although the primary action of cat's claw appears to be on the digestive and immune systems the effects are felt throughout the body.

Dr. Satya Ambrose, N.D., co-founder of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, reports that cat's claw seems to enhance overall immunity while increasing stamina and energy in patients who suffer from physical and mental exhaustion due to an overactive or stressful lifestyle.(3)

INTESTINAL DISORDERS
Dr. Brent W. Davis, D.C., who has been working with cat's claw for a number of years in the United States reports that cat's claw has the ability to break through severe intestinal derangements that no other available product can touch. It has the remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract. The herb has proven useful in treating patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders including: Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, leaky and irritable bowel syndromes, colitis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, fistulas, gastritis, parasites and intestinal flora imbalance. Davis calls cat's claw a "world class herb which has the power to arrest and reverse deep-seated pathology, allowing a more rapid return to health."(1)

IMMUNE SYSTEM
Dr. Klaus Keplinger, an Austrian scientist, has obtained two U.S. patents on six alkaloid compounds isolated from cat's claw. The patent documents describe four of these alkaloids as "proven suitable for unspecified stimulation of the immune system." These alkaloids enhance the ability of white blood cells and macrophages to attack, engulf and digest harmful micro-organisms and foreign matter. Cat's claw also increases production of leukocytes and specifically T4 lymphocytes which can block the advance of many viral illnesses.(1,2) Quinovic acid glycosides add to the herb's anti-viral properties.( 11 )

Keplinger has reported successful use of cat's claw in cases of genital herpes and has also used cat's claw, along with AZT for treating HIV patients. While not considered a cure for AIDS, cat's claw may strengthen the immune system, thereby preventing the occurrence of opportunistic infections. Cat's claw is also said to diminish many of the painful side effects associated with AZT treatment as well as side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. (2)

JOINT PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is not surprising that cat's claw has been used successfully in the treatment of joint pain and inflammation in arthritis, rheumatism and gout; however, other properties of the herb may also be responsible for its success. Some of its glycosides may add protection from pain. Again, body systems do not function independently of one another. Arthritis, joint pain and inflammation, as well as symptoms of chronic fatigue, allergies, immune deficiency and many other conditions have been linked to leaky bowel syndrome, intestinal micro- flora imbalance and toxin overload.(9,10) Dr. Davis has referred to cat's claw as the "Opener of the Way".(1,2) As the digestive tract is healed, debility throughout the body is allowed to heal.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Rynchophylline, one of the alkloids isolated from cat's claw by Dr. Keplinger, does not show immuno-stimulating properties; however, in laboratory testing it displays an ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis. This suggests that this alkaloid may be useful in the prevention of stroke and reducing the risk of heart attack by lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation and inhibiting the formation of blood clots and of plaque on arterial walls.(2)

UNCARIA TOMENTOSA & GUIANENSIS
Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis are both commonly known and una de gato in Spanish and cat's claw in English. Both are woody vines with thorns that resemble the claws of a cat and both grow in the Amazon jungles of Peru.(l,2)

Though both species have similar properties, only Uncaria tomentosa which grows in the higher elevations contains the oxindole alkaloid isopteropodine reported by Keplinger to display the highest immuno-stimulating activity. Based on clinical evaluation and the experience of Peruvian physicians, Uncaria tomentosa is considered somewhat more valuable. (1,2)

Unlike many popular herbs which have a long tradition in either Western or Asian herbalism, cat's claw has little written history. Its use by the natives of the Amazon jungle can be traced back hundreds of generations, for a wide range of health problems associated with the immune and digestive systems; however, the tradition is oral, not written.(7) Research on cat's claw began in the 1970's and studies have been carried out in research facilities in Peru, Austria, Germany, England, Hungary and Italy.(2)

There is a lack of controlled studies in the United States; however, testimonials from consumers and reports from doctors who have clinical experience with cat's claw, confirm many benefits attributed to the herb. According to Dr. Donna Schwontkowski, D.C., preliminary studies suggest that the herb has an ability to stop viral infections in the early stages, help patients who are chemically sensitive, enhance emotional stability - even in the midst of extreme stress, fight infections in AIDS patients and decrease the visible size of some skin tumors and cysts within two weeks. She also reports that cat's claw has been linked to remission of brain and other tumors, as well as providing relief from the side effects of Chemotherapy.(3,8)

DOSAGE AND SAFETY
Phillip N. Steinberg, C.N.C., who has been studying the use of cat's claw since 1993, recommends three to six grams daily in divided doses for therapeutic use. For maintenance, as an adaptogen and antioxidant he suggests one to three grams daily in divided doses. In advanced stages of pathology, up to twenty grams daily has been used for several weeks at a time. (3,6) A concentrated, standardized extract (a 4:1 ratio for example) is recommended because it contains higher amounts of vital alkaloids and other beneficial constituents of the plant. Extracts of the bark are just as potent as root and will preserve the plant for future generations. (6) The Peruvian government no longer allows harvesting the root.

European research has found cat's claw to be virtually non-toxic and it seems to be safe, even for children. About half the adult dose is suggested for children under 12.(3)

Since cat's claw stimulates the immune system and rejection of foreign mattert anyone who has had or is a candidate for organ or marrow transplant should not take this herb. Cat's claw is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers until more is know about its effects in those conditions.(6)

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