Cat'S Claw

Cat's claw, Uncaria tormentosa and U. guianensis is a tropical rain forest vine found in Central and South America that is used for its anti-inflammatory properties, boosting the immune system and treatment of asthma, arthritis, ulcers and cancer. It has its name because of its claw-like horns. There is a long history of use of this herb, in fact, there are records of this herb being used by the Incan civilization.http://nccam.nih.gov/health/catclaw/ Historical usage of the inner bark and root has been for birth control and the treatment of arthritis, stomach ulcers, inflammation, dysentery, and fevers. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/cats-claw-000229.htm

• Treatment of viral infections: Herpes, HIV, the alkaloids in the plant stimulate the immune system http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/cats-claw-000229.htm
• Alzheimer's Disease - there is ongoing research into this use at the Oregon Health and Science University http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/research/centers-institutes/neurology/orccamind/academics/index.cfm
• Cancer - the plant contains alkaloids which may have anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity http://cancer.ucsd.edu/outreach/PublicEducation/CAMs/catsclaw.asp
• Arthritis - Both species of cat's claw showed effects within one week's of beginning of treatments for patients with osteoarthritis using freeze-dried cat's claw. Both showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11603848
• Asthma - there is no research evidence supporting this use.
• Ulcers - a historical use which has no recent medical research evidence
• Intestinal disorders (homeopathy) http://www.kcweb.com/herb/catsclaw.htm - test tube studies have shown that it can relax smooth muscle tissue, like the intestines http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/cats-claw-000229.htm

The best scientific evidence for benefits of the use of Cat's Claw are for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Active research is being pursued on the health benefits with Alzheimer's disease, HIV, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.