Supplement Facts

Description

Cat’s Claw is the bark and root parts of a woody vine which grows in the “montaña” part of the Peruvian Amazon, which is the cooler, higher elevation part of the Amazon (approximately 600-1000 meters above sea level). The root of the plant, which may contain a higher percentage of some phytoactives is illegal to be collected in Peru, because it endangers the survival of the species. Another species is also known as Uña de Gato (Cat’s Claw). This species, Uncaria guianensis, grows at sea level and low altitudes, and does not contain the immune system strengthening compounds of Uncaria tomentosa, although it has the other beneficial properties. This is a cheaper more abundant species to collect and the bark from both plants is virtually indistinguishable. The easiest way to tell the two species apart is by the leaf. Uncaria tomentosa has fine hairs which grow on the underside of the leaf. Ultimately, the best insurance that you are getting the correct species of Cat’s Claw in your herbal extract is both the reputation of the Herbal company you buy from and “finger print” of the plant being sold. These will soon be available for inspection through Whole World Botanicals by the end of 2003.

Health Benefits of Uncaria Tomentosa

Cardiovascular System

• inhibits abnormal Blood Clotting.
• helps to lower Blood Pressure.

Digestive System

• May be capable of cleansing the entire Gastrointestinal Tract (according to the many physicians’ observations).
• Supports the body's core response to Intestinal Parasites and Candida.
• Improves the health and functionality of the Intestines.

Immune System

• Helps to restore healthy balance and alleviate the toxic side effects of Chemotherapy.
• Helps to restore healthy balance and alleviate the toxic side effects of Radiation Therapy.
• Is claimed to activate the Immune System.
• Is claimed to inhibit viral replication.
• Nutritional support for people with Allergies.

Metabolism

• The constituents of Uncaria tomentosa possess Antioxidant properties. There is published research to support this.

Musculoskeletal System

• may alleviate the Pain associated with joint swelling.

Nervous System

• Uncaria tomentosa may alleviate feelings of sadness according to some physician reports.

Respiratory System

• part of adjuvant nutritional therapy for people who have difficulty breathing (according to the observations of many physicians).

Skin

• When applied topically accelerates the healing of Wounds, according to many anecdotal reports.

Nucleic Compounds

• Uncaria tomentosa helps to prevent damage to the body’s endogenous Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and facilitates the repair of damaged DNA. There is published research to support this. (especially when used in conjunction with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM))

Toxic Substances

• Cat’s Claw helps to minimize the toxic effects of Tobacco smoking.
• Cat’s Claw significantly reduces the mutagenicity of substances present in the Urine of Tobacco smokers.

Chemical Composition of Uncaria tomentosa

The chemical compounds in Uncaria tomentosa have been analyzed and according to published research, it contains the following compounds:

Alkaloids:
Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids (POA):
Isomitraphylline
Isopteropodine
Mitraphylline
Pteropodine
Speciophylline
Uncarine F

Tetracyclic Oxindole Alkaloids (TOA):
Isorynchophylline
Rynchophylline

Glycosides:
Triterpenic Quinovic Acid Glycosides

Lipids: Phytosterols:
Beta-Sitosterol
Campesterol
Stigmasterol

Triterpenes
Polyphenols:
Flavanols:
Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC)

The inner bark of contains up to 0.5% Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids (POA). The roots and leaves contain higher levels of Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids than the stem bark.

The Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids of Uncaria tomentosa are primarily stereoisomers of one another and can interconvert in some conditions.

Dosage Recommendations

Traditional Use:
Typically, the indigenous people of Peru boil 20 - 30 grams of Uncaria tomentosa inner bark and/ or root in a liter of water for 30 - 60 minutes to prepare a tea. (If the tea is shredded, 30 minutes is sufficient.) This is then consumed throughout the day for several days to several months. This protocol can be used for the treatment of serious conditions.

Infusion
For less serious conditions and preventative purposes, 10 grams of dried Uncaria tomentosa inner bark or root can be boiled in one liter of water to produce a tea. Drinking 2 - 3 cups of this tea is often beneficial.

Tincture
The usual therapeutic dosage of Uncaria tomentosa tincture is 1 - 4 ml per day.

© Viana Muller, Ph.D. 2003 - This article may not be reprinted without permission from the author.
Source: http://www.wholeworldbotanicals.com/herbal_catsclaw.html

We use no additives, coloring, flavoring, or excipients. No pesticides, chemical fertilizers, irradiation or chemical gassing is used on our herbs. Our high standards extend to our relationship with native and maca growers and rainforest plant collectors and growers. We are fair traders who use part of the profits from sales of our maca products to improve the conditions of life of the growers/collectors through education, agricultural loans, and technical assistance in producing organic herbs with high crop yields.

Our maca is certified organic by two different organizations: BIO LATINA, which carries the USDA Seal of Approval for the new uniform U.S. Organic Code and SKAL, which has headquarters in The Netherlands, and is approved by the European Union and recognized throughout the world.

Our mission is to be a positive force for environmental protection of both the native habitats and the communities of native peoples extending from the rainforests to mountain communities situated at the highest altitudes on the earth. One of these extraordinary communities is featured in the painting to the right, depicting the Amazon rainforest. This artwork was done by Shipibo-Canaibo Indian teenager Roy Del Aguila, who lives on the edge of the rainforest in Peru.