Cat’s Claw, (Uncaria tomentosa), is a vine commonly known as Una de Gato and is used traditionally in Peruvian medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health problems, particularly digestive complaints and arthritis and to treat wounds, stomach problems, cancer and more.

Cat’s Claw Health Benefits

Since the 1970s, studies and research have been carried out by scientists in Peru, Germany, Austria, England and other countries, to find out more about the powerful healing properties of Cat’s Claw.

Cat’s Claw has only recently caught the attention of western herbalists and researchers. Today, mainly by word of mouth, it has become one of the best selling herbs in the USA.

Oxindole Alkaloids in Cat’s Claw Increase Immune Response

The most attention is given to the oxindole alkaloids found in the bark and roots of Cat’s Claw, which have been documented to stimulate the immune system. It is these seven different alkaloids that are credited with having a variety of different medicinal and healing properties.

The most immunologically active alkaloid is believed to be Isopteropodin (Isomer A), which increases the immune response in the body and act as antioxidants to rid the body of free radicals.

Cat’s Claw to Fight Breast Cancer and AIDS

It has been suggested that Cat’s Claw extracts exert a direct anti-proliferative activity on MCF7 (a breast cancer cell line). Compounds in Cat’s Claw work to inhibit healthy cells from becoming cancerous. This has led to its use as a adjunctive treatment for cancer and AIDS as well as other diseases that negatively impact the immunological system.

In addition, in one study, human volunteers who took Cat’s claw for 8 weeks showed improved DNA repair.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cat’s Claw

The presence of glycosides, proanthocyanidins and beta sitosterol help provide anti-viral and anti-inflammatory support for the body. Cat’s claw is considered a remarkably potent inhibitor of TNF-alpha production.

This herb’s anti-inflammatory properties may help to relieve arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory problems. The primary mechanism for Cat’s claw anti-inflammatory actions appears to be immunomodulation via suppression of TNF-alpha synthesis.

Cat’s Claw for Intestinal System Support

Cat’s Claw may help create support for the intestinal systems of the body, and may also offer intestinal support with its ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract. This cleansing helps people experiencing different stomach and bowel disorders, including: colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and leaky bowel syndrome.

Cat’s Claw to Kill Viruses and Bacteria

Compounds found in Cat’s Claw may work to kill viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that cause disease.

Cat’s Claw for Memory

The alkaloids in Cat’s Claw exert a beneficial effect on memory.

Cat’s Claw and Echinacea Combined Health Benefits

Cat’s Claw can often be found combined with other ‘immune’ herbs with similar healing properties such as Echinacea and may:

• reduce pain and inflammation of rheumatism, arthritis and other types of inflammatory problems.
• have anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties that inhibits cancerous cell formation.
• promote the healing of wounds.
• be useful for treatment of gastric ulcers and intestinal complaints
• help to relieve chronic pain.
• enhance immunity by stimulating the immune system.
• help people experiencing stomach and bowel disorders, including colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky bowel syndrome, gastritis and duodenal ulcers, intestinal inflammation.
• help fight both viral and fungal infections such as Herpes and Candida

Where to Buy Cat’s Claw

USA:	Amazon.com	
UK:	Amazon.co.uk

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Cat’s Claw Herb Notes / Side Effects

Cat’s claw should be avoided, or used with caution, by pregnant or lactating women.
No reports of toxicity or serious adverse effects.
Diarrhoea may occur when taken in high doses.

Latin Name

Uncaria tomentosa

Common Names

Cat’s Claw, Uña de gato, Una de Gato, paraguayo, garabato, garabato casha, samento, toron, tambor huasca, una huasca, una de gavilán, uña de halcón

Properties of Cat’s Claw

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, anti-tumorous, antiviral, cytostatic (having the capability to inhibit cancer cell growth), laxative, diuretic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), immuno-stimulant, vermifuge (expels worms).

Cat’s Claw is Indicated for:

AIDS, arthritis, balancing intestinal flora, bone pain, bowel disorders, bursitis, cancer, candida, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, colitis, Crohn’s disease, digestive complaints, duodenal ulcers, fungal infections, gastric ulcers, gastritis, gout, herpes, immune system deficiencies, improving DNA repair, inflammatory problems, intestinal complaints, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney cleanser, leaky bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, parasites, stimulating the immune system, stomach problems, viral infections, urinary tract inflammation, wounds.