Cat’s Claw, or Uncaria tomentosa, is a woody vine that grows in tropical jungles, especially in Amazon forests in Central and South America. One of its unique features is its hook-shaped thorns, hence the common name given, cat’s claw. These thorns help them climb to as high as 30m (100ft). Medicinal uses of cat’s claw dates to as far back as Inca civilization of more than two thousand years ago. People believed cat’s claw can be used to prevent and treat many diseases. In Peru, the plant is often added to traditional medicine as a general health tonic, contraceptive, and anti-inflammatory agent for the gastrointestional tract to treat a variety of conditions ranging from diarrhea, acne, diabetes, to cancer and diseases of the urinary tract.
Today, cat’s claw extracts are believed to be effective against many health conditions including viral infections such as herpes and HIV, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and arthritis. Moreover, the plant has been found to promote the health of kidneys, support the immune system, as well as prevent and abort pregnancy. These medicinal effects are as a result of several chemicals including alkaloids, tannins, and vaiours phytochecmicals. U. tomentosa has several types of genotypes that produce different alkaloids dominant in the plant. Tests must be performed to distinguish the plants that produce predominatly pentacyclic alkaloid, which has the ability to strengthen our immune systems. Other genotypes may produce substances that counteract the effects of pentacycli alkaloids, and instead, cause reduction in heart contraction and sedative effects.
The main part of cat’s claw used is the inner bark, which can be manufactured into liquid and powder extracts, capsules and teas. Very few side effects are associated with the consumption of cat’s claw at recommended dosages. Some patients have reported having minor headaches, dizziness and vomiting. Pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant should avoid taking cat’s claw extracts.
References:* (1) http://nccam.nih.gov/health/catclaw (2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncaria_tomentosa
