Cat's Claw

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa or U. guianensis [Latin]), also known as uña de gato, is a climbing vine native to the Peru and Brazil. It has been used in traditional South American medicine for many years to treat infections, arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Cat’s claw has only recently begun to be the subject of serious scientific study, but initial results of recent studies performed in Asia, Europe and North America are promising, indicating that the herb actually reduces inflammation, stimulates the immune system, kills viruses, and helps protect against heart disease. Cat’s claw may one day prove to be effective in treating HIV/AIDS and certain cancers.

Cat’s claw is a proven anti-inflammatory. Numerous studies have shown that cat’s claw stimulates white blood cells to fight infection, and one Italian study showed that cat’s claw actually reduced the ability of two viruses to cause infection. Cat’s claw may get its infection- and inflammation-fighting abilities from its many phytochemicals, which act medicinally in the body. Quinovic acid glycosides cool inflammation, and oxyindole alkaloids and proanthocyanidins strengthen the immune system.

Cat’s claw also contains sterols, which are chemical compounds that act like steroids in the body, which seems to support the traditional use of cat’s claw to treat arthritis. Studies of animals given cat’s claw have found that this herb reduces swelling by approximately 50 percent.

Cat’s claw may help detoxify the intestinal tract and replenish friendly bacteria in the intestines, which, along with its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, can be helpful to those suffering from some gastrointestinal disorders, particularly those caused by inflammation. One study performed at Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese found that cat’s claw reduced cholesterol and blood pressure, and helped inhibit the formation of arterial plaque deposits and blood clots that trigger heart attacks and most strokes.

Some of the most encouraging research concerns cat’s claw’s possible use as a treatment for cancerous tumors. Initial studies at the National Caner Institute found evidence of cat’s claw’s anti-tumor effects. Cat’s claw may also help treat cancer patients by improving the outcomes of chemotherapy; it’s been theorized that cat’s claw’s immune-boosting and antioxidant properties could help the body eliminate toxins caused by chemotherapy and radiation.

Cat’s claw is available in capsule or tincture forms. In Australia and Germany, cat’s claw preparations are sold only by prescription. Although there are no reports of toxic overdose in people taking cat’s claw, this medication is relatively new to scientific study, and it is not yet known how this herb may interact with other herbs or prescription medications. People who take insulin for diabetes, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should not take this herb. Anyone with a serious medical condition should consult a physician before taking this or any other herbal supplement.

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