Cat’s Claw used to Stimulate Immune System
Cat’s Claw or una de gato has been cited by D r. Donna Schwontkowski, D.C. as one of the most powerful immune enhancer found in the Peruvian Amazon. According to studies, Cat’s Claw or una de gato contains alkaloids that stimulates the immune system by enhancing the capacity of the white blood cells and macrophages to attack, engulf and digest harmful micro-organisyms and foreign matters.
Cat’s claw used for its anti-viral effects.
In studies done on cat’s claw herb extract. It was found out that cat’s claw extract has the ability to attack viral infections on its early stage preventing its progress. Cat’s claw extract is being considered as an alternative treatment for chemically sensitive patients. Cat’s claw also contains quinovic acid glycosides that strengthen the immune system and protecting the body from viruses.
Cat’s claw as Stamina and Energy strenthener
According to studies done by Dr. Satya Ambrose, N. D., cats claw can enhance overall immunity while increasing stamina and energy in patients. This is beneficial for chemically sensitive patients who are suffering from physical and mental exhaustion due to an overactive or stressful lifestyle.
Cat’s claw as anti-Aids (HIV) treatment
Cat’s claw is now being studied for its beneficial effect in against AIDS. Cat’s claw activity is being used to fight opportunistic infections in AIDS patients and to de-crease the visible size of some skin tumors and cysts.
Cat’s claw as stroke prevention.
Studies done in Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine has shown that an alkaloid found in cat’s claw displayed an ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis. This result suggests that cat's claw may provide health benefits for people at risk of strokes and heart attack, by increasing blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, inhibiting plaque formation and preventing formation of blood clots in the brain, heart and arteries.
Cat’s claw as anti-inflammatory
Another medicinal use of cat’s claw is its anti-inflammatory effects. Cat’s claw has been studied in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis and gout. ts beneficial effects in treating arthritis pain may also be due, in part, to its ability to cleanse the digestive tract and aid in removing toxins from the body. Arthritis, joint pain and inflammation as well as chronic fatigue, allergies, immune deficiency and a host of other conditions have been associated with defects in intestinal permeability (leaky bowel syndrome! and toxin overload.
Cat’s claw as anti-oxidant.
according to the traditional Peruvian medicine presented a potent radical scavenger activity, as suggested by its high capacity to reduce the free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, and by its reaction with superoxide anion, peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals as well as with the oxidant species, hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid. The phenolic profile shows the presence of proanthocyanidins (oligomeric procyanidins) and phenolic acids, mainly caffeic acid.
Cat’s claw is also studied for its antioxidant properties. Results have shown that cat’s claw is a potent scavenger of free radicals while at the same time helps protect cells from damage. Cat’s claw is rich in beneficial phytochemicals including quinovic acid glycosides, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, oxindol alkaloids, triterpines and the various plant sterols.
Cat’s claw as pain releiver
Glycosides found in the cat’s claw extract has been found to alleviate pain. Cat’s claw is being used in reducing pain associated with chemotherapy, radiation treatment and AZT use.
Cat’s claw as treatment for bowel and intestinal problems
In a study done on 150 patients with varying stomach and intestinal problems, cat’s claw extract has shown positive effects in cleaning the intestinal walls. This cat’s claw ability to cleanse the intestinal tract may help patients suffering from bowel and stomach problems including irritable bowel syndrome, leaky bowel syndrome. Crohn's disease, gastritis, ulcers, intestinal parasites, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and fistulas.
By cleansing the intestinal walls, cat's claw enables the body to better absorb nutrients, thus helping to correct nutritional imbalances created by digestive blockages.
cat's claw as Cancer prevention
Studies have confirmed that extract from cat’s claw has an inhibiting action against the proliferation and division of tumor cells.
Cat’s claw has DNA repair activity.
In a study entitled “DNA repair enhancement of aqueous extracts of Uncaria tomentosa in a human volunteer study. Phytomedicine. 2001, Cat’s claw extract has been administered to human volunteers who were subjected to DNA damaged caused by hydrogen peroxide. When the test subjects who were supplemnted with cat’s claw extract were compared to non supplemented control group, resuslts have shown that the test subjects taking cat’s claw supplement has increased DNA repair activity. This trial has confirmed an earlier result done in rat model when estimating DNA repair enhancement by cat's claw.
Other Traditional Herbal Use of Cat’s Claw
- inflammation
- arthritis,
- gastritis,
- asthma
- skin infection
- genital and urinary tract inflammation
- diabetes,
- cancer,
- tumors,
- viral infections,
- menstrual disorders
- convalescence
- debility
- dysentery
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America. The name is derived from its claw-shaped thorns that resembles a cat’s claw. Cat’s claw is used as herbal medicine to treat varieties of ailments. The herb cat’s claw is believed to have many therapeutic uses that it surpasses well knows herbs such as Echinacea, Golden Seal, Astragalus, Siberian Ginseng, as well as Reishi and Shaitake mushrooms 
