Cat's Claw (called Una de Gato in Spanish) is a tropical, thick, several feet long, slow growing woody vine that grows mainly in Peruvian rain forest. In Peru, Cat's claw has been a popular herb for over 2000 years for its unlimited curative properties because of the active organic compounds called alkaloids found in this herb/plant. Studies have shown these alkaloids to be anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating, and act as antioxidants. According to the studies Cat's claw is used to treat, acne, diabetes, infections, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, ulcers, gastritis, numerous bowel and intestinal disorder, bursitis, arthritis, rheumatism, cancer, lupus, toxic poisoning, PMS, irregularities of the female cycle, for recovery from childbirth and as a contraceptive. Other uses include reducing inflammation associated with asthma, allergies, tendonitis, Crohn's disease, tumors, parasites, diverticulitis and leaky gut syndrome. Studies have shown cat's claw may have positive effects on, and can boost the body's immune system to improve response to HIV, genital herpes, viral and respiratory infections.
There are two primary species of cat's claw medicinal use: Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. These spices are interchangeable for medicinal use, although we use Uncaria tomentosa in the USA as a therapeutic agent. It has been found to contain a higher concentration of alkaloids (activates immune system cells), quinovic acid glycosides (offers anti-inflammatory properties), novel triterpenes and a variety of other benefitial phyto-chemicals. Uncaria comes from Latin uncus means hook. It is less commonly available and more expensive. The base of the Cat's Claw leaves has 2 curved thorns like a hook and they resemble cat's claw hence the name.
Cat's Claw extract is created by boiling parts of the root and the inner bark of the stem. Both root and bark have different concentration of alkaloid and thus have different therapeutic values and applications based on the need of the concentration of the alkaloids for the treatment of the disease. For example, for anti-inflammatory properties, the root may be superior to bark, since it contains a type of quinovic acid glycoside that is unique to the root. However, the effectiveness of the root and bark can vary depending upon what time of year that portion of the plant is harvested. Recent studies in Europe have shown that the concentration of total alkaloids is much higher in the root compared to that in the bark. As a result, bark sells for far less, maybe less than half, the cost of the root, thus it is important to know the sources of Cat's claw products to make a fair comparison between them.
DrugNatural™ offers the Unicaria tomentosa species of cat's claw. You can contact us with questions at 866-656-9500 or email us at customerservice@drugnatural.com.
