Cat's claw
Cat's claw, or 'Una de Gato', is the edible bark of a vine called Uncaria Tomentosa. This plant grows in the tropical rainforests at the headwaters of the Amazon in Peru and is traditionally used by the locals as a remedy for arthritis, gastritis, cancer and other diseases. The German researcher Klaus Keplinger was introduced to this plant by the Ashanica Indians in 1974. His investigations discovered isopteropodine and three other alkaloids that are able to improve phagocytosis. This is the ability of white blood cells and macrophages to attack or devour foreign substances, waste and pathogens, thus strengthening the immune system. In addition to these four alkaloids, rynchophylline in particular prevents deposits on the walls of blood vessels, arterial blockages and high blood pressure. Italian and Peruvian studies have isolated powerful anti-oxidants such as some polyphenols, triterpines and plant sterols, to which Una de Gato's anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed. Cat's claw has been called a "street cleaner" because it cleanses the entire digestive tract and especially the intestines, where many diseases such as cancer originate. Through this deep cleansing, this herb enables other nutrients to do their job.
In Lima, Peru, the surgeon and oncologist Felipe Mirez M. carried out tests on over 2000 patients with various types of cancer, some of them advanced, between 1984 and 1989. Uncaria tormentosa was found to reduce the size of the tumor and its metastases in most patients. Pain was also alleviated. Uncaria tormentosa can therefore be administered very well in addition to cancer therapy to accelerate healing. The study particularly mentions prostate, breast, stomach, bone, lung and ovarian cancer, lymphoma, leukemia and rhabdomyosarcoma (a type of muscle cancer). No side effects were observed with oral and rectal administration. People with various types of cancer, asthma, bronchitis, polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and AIDS were treated with Uncaria tormentosa, usually with a surprising improvement. The infections also improved quickly. Side effects of chemotherapy were alleviated and pain reduced. Uncaria tormentosa contains various alkaloids, glucosides, triterpenes, flavonoids and tanin, which have antiviral, antibacterial, antirheumatic and pain-relieving effects. The totality of active ingredients is particularly important in this plant. Recommendations for daily doses of this legendary herb, the export of which was banned from Peru until 1989 in order to protect stocks, vary between 1-3g daily up to 20g in advanced stages of the disease. Even very high doses are considered safe, but its use is not recommended for people with transplants. As this herb is very sensitive to decomposition by air and light, hermetically sealed soft gelatin capsules (softgels) are the most effective and safest commercial form, in contrast to tablets and normal capsules.
Safety and side effects
Cat's Claw is potentially safe and harmless for most people when taken for short periods of time. However, Cat's Claw may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting in some people.
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and lactation: There are concerns that Cat's Claw may not be safe and safe during pregnancy. Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of Cat's Claw during lactation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should therefore avoid Cat's Claw.
Low blood pressure: There is evidence that Cat's Claw may lower blood pressure. This could be a problem for people who already have low blood pressure.
Leukemia: Cat's Claw could aggravate this disease and should therefore not be used by people suffering from leukemia.
"Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis or others: Cat's Claw could cause the immune system to become more active and this could exacerbate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. For this reason, it is best to avoid Cat's Claw if you suffer from any of these conditions.
Surgeries: There are concerns that Cat's Claw may interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. For this reason, you should stop using Cat's Claw 2 weeks before any upcoming surgery.
Interactions
Care should be taken when combining Cat's Claw with the following medications:
Medications that are broken down by the liver (cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates).
Some drugs are broken down by the liver. Cat's Claw may reduce the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. Taking Cat's Claw in conjunction with medications that are broken down by the liver may increase the effects and side effects of some medications. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before taking Cat's Claw if you are taking medications that are broken down by the liver.
Medication for high blood pressure
Cat's Claw appears to lower blood pressure. Taking Cat's Claw in combination with medication for high blood pressure could result in an excessive drop in blood pressure.
Drugs that reduce the function of the immune system
Cat's Claw may improve the function of the immune system. By improving immune system function, Cat's Claw may reduce the effectiveness of medications that reduce immune system function.
References
- Keplinger, UM. "Influence of Cat's Claw Extract on Retroviral Infections", Zurich AIDS Congress Zurich 1992;
- Cabieses F.. La Uña de Gato y su entorno. Vía Láctea, Lima Peru (1994)
- Obregon Vilches L.E. Uña de gato, genero Uncaria . Estudios botanicos quimicos y farmacologicos de Uncaria tomentosa. Uncaria guianensis. InstFitoAm (1994)
- Reinhard K.H. Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC.: Cat's Claw, Uña de Gato, or Savéntaro. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 5 (1999) 143-151