Common name: Cat’s Claw
Scientific term: Uncaria tomentosa, Acacia greggii
Description: Cat’s claw is a biologically active additive with a general strengthening and immunostimulating effect, used for increased physical activity and mental stress, as well as unacceptable eating disorders.
Classification and useful properties:
Cat’s claw is a perennial plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The plant is a tree liana, which grows in South and Central America, and in Peru. The length of the liana reaches 50 m. The inner crust of a plant is used as a healing material. It has the maximum concentration of nutrients.
Scientists have long valued the rich composition of medicinal substances contained in plant fibers, and determined their immunostimulating effect. To date, the entire composition of the Cat’s Claw plant has not been studied, and all its medicinal properties have not been established.
Now the basic research of the Cat’s Claw properties is carried out in the following directions:
- Effects on cancer cells;
- Influence on viruses of AIDS, a cytomegalovirus, a virus of herpes;
- Efficiency of the drug in the treatment of depressive disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome.
The main biologically active components of the Cat’s Claw are alkaloids, isopteropodins and pteropodins, uncarins, mitrafillins and isomitrifillins, rhinophyllins and isorhynchophyllines, phenols and polyphenols, plant steroids, bioflavonoids, organic acids, citric acid glycosides and many other components.
The unique medicinal properties of the drug are provided by the group of oxyindole alkaloids (isopteropodins) contained in its composition. They activate T-lymphocytes, which destroy the cells of tumors in the tissues of the body. Substances in the Cat’s claw activate the processes of phagocytosis in tissues, normalize the balance of immunoglobulins in the blood, improve the rheological characteristics of the blood, significantly reducing the risk of developing thrombosis. Cat’s claw has anti-inflammatory and cytostatic effect. Active components of the drug destruct viruses which disrupt the mechanism of replication of their DNA structures.
Indians of the Amazon knew about the healing properties of the Cat’s Caw and used powder from the dried lianas for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, relief of cold symptoms, viral infections, stimulation of sexual function in men (treatment of erectile disorders and impotence). Cat’s claw powder was also successfully used for the therapy of arthritis, cancer.
Scientists and researchers have become interested in the plant recently. In the course of the study, they determined the mechanism of action of Cat’s claw active components. Active components, working at the cellular level, have a powerful immunomodulatory effect, restoring the functional activity of the organism. Cat’s claw surpasses widely used medicinal herbal preparations: Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus), Shiitake mushroom, golden root.
Indications for use:
Cat’s claw use is justified for allergies, viral infections, inflammatory processes of different localization and etiology, cancer diseases, (destruction of tumor cells).
Today, the drug has been successfully used to stabilize the body’s hormonal backgrounds, peptic ulcer diseases, bacterial and viral infections. Prophylactic intake of the drug helps to strengthen the protective functions of the body. Cat’s Claw is used for the treatment of other diseases:
- Sexual disorders;
- Symptomatic complex of premenstrual syndrome,
- Various gynecological diseases;
- Myalgia (pain in the muscles) of various etiologies;
- Skin diseases;
- Violations of blood circulation, thrombosis, bleeding disorders;
- Mental disorders, stress, depressive syndromes.
Cat’s claw eliminates the effects of intoxication with medicines, chemo- and radiation therapy.
Instructions for use:
In modern medicine, Cat’s claw is used as a biologically active additive in the complex therapy of various diseases to maintain the protective functions of the body. When taking Cat’s claw, the instructions to the drug determine the dosage and duration of the treatment course. To normalize the protective functions of the body and the general strengthening effect, the instruction recommends using 1 capsule of the drug 2 times a day during meals. Biologically active additive is available in capsules containing 500 mg of active substance. Today, Cat’s claw 100 and 180 capsules are available.
No known side-effects
- Pregnancy, the period of breastfeeding;
- Not recommended for use in patients with donor organs in order to avoid rejection processes.
Despite the safety of the drug, it is recommended to take the supplement after consulting an attending physician, who will determine the optimal dosage and course of treatment.
The drug has a bright immunomodulatory effect, therefore it is not recommended to combine Cat’s Claw with other similar drugs.
Posted by RxMed