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| Common Names |
| Cat's Claw , una de gato |
| Botanical Name |
| Uncaria tomentosa Willd. |
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The stem and root of cat's claw are harvested in Brazil, Peru, and other parts of the Amazon region, where it is known as una de gato. This woody vine clings to the tallest trees by it's thorns or "claws". The bark is traditionally used for inflammatory arthritis and intestinal complaints such as stomach ulcers. In Austria and Germany, cat's claw preparations are prescription only medications.
Alkaloids found in the bark and roots of Cat's Claw have been documented to stimulate the immune system. Studies indicate at least six of these oxindole alkaloids can increase immune function by up to 50% in relatively small amounts. This has led to its use around the world as an adjunctive treatment for cancer and AIDS as well as other diseases which negatively impact the immune system. |
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Prep Methods :May be taken as a tincture, tea or capsule. Add a little lemon juice to the tincture or tea to release the tannins.
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| Cancer and HIV | | This traditional rain forest herb has been used to treat cancer and HIV with remarkable success, but little clinical data is available. 902
| | Arthritis, anti-inflammatory | | The traditional application of cat's claw has been to treat rheumatoid arthritis.Cat's claw contains quinovic acid glycodides that cool inflammation throughout the body. . 885
(Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) | | Immune response | | Cat's claw contains oxyindole alkaloids and proanthocyanidins that enhance the immune system. 397
(Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) |
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Cats claw can grow up to 30m tall, climbing by means of these thorns. The leaves are elliptic with a smooth edge, and grow in opposite whorls of two. Cat's claw is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, with its habitat being restricted primarily to the tropical areas of South and Central America.
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