Cat's Claw Bark Profile

Also known as- Uncaria tomentosa, and Una de Gato.

Introduction

Cat's claw is a tropical vine clinging to 100-foot (and taller) trees by its namesake "claws." Ethically harvested cat's claw bark is a major source of income for many Brazilian and Peruvian villages.

Constituents

Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (pteropodine, isopteropodine, isomitraphylline, uncarine F), tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline), quinovic acid glycosides, procyanidins, triterpenoid saponins.

Parts Used

Bark.

Typical Preparations

Usually used as a tincture. The tannins in the herb are released only if it is taken in an acidic medium; add a little lemon juice to a quarter-cup of water to which you add the tincture or prepare as a tea. For convenience it may be taken as a capsule.

Summary

The traditional application of cat's claw has been to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The herb is also used for stomach ulcers, gastritis, eczema, "break-bone fever," and liver diseases. Recent clinical studies find that the herb is useful for relieving knee pain.
Since the 1980's, cat's claw most common use in modern herbal medicine is an immune stimulant. The oxindole alkaloids in catÍs claw strengthen the immune system and also improve circulation by lowering blood pressure. The master rain forest herbalist Leslie Taylor has used cat's claw tinctures and teas to treat cancer and HIV with remarkable success.

Precautions

Women should avoid use of this herb when trying to get pregnant. It may be best to avoid use of this herb if you have any chronic health condition resulting from over-stimulation of the immune system, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, or Show-gren's syndrome.