Cats Claw, locally called Uña de Gato, is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America. It is a vine with thorns that resemble a cats claw. Extracts from the bark and roots of Cats Claw have been used by the indigenous people for thousands of years to maintain health and vitality and in particular to treat immune and digestive disorders. Cats Claw has long been used also as a homeopathic treatment for intestinal ailments. Uses include: Crohns disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome. The immuno-stimulant properties of Cats Claw help the body fight off infections and protect against degenerative diseases. By stimulating the immune system, it can also improve response to viral and respiratory infections. It has also anti-inflammatory properties which counters bronchial oedema. The active substances in Cats Claw are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals. Some of the alkaloids have been proven to boost the immune system. Four of its alkaloids have been shown to have a pronounced enhancement effect on phagocytosis (the ability of the white blood cells and macrophages to attack, engulf and digest harmful micro-organisms, foreign matter, and debris). The major alkaloid rhynchophylline has anti-hypertensive effects and may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, reducing heart rate and controlling cholesterol. World wide research done on this powerful herb has led scientists to patent many of the single chemicals found in it for use in healing cancer, arthritis, AIDS, and other diseases. However, traditional wisdom shows that using the whole plant can be far more powerful than any one isolated ingredient.
Side Effects and Cautions * Few side effects have been reported for cats claw when it is taken at recommended dosages. Though rare, side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and vomiting.
* Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid using cats claw because of its past use for preventing and aborting pregnancy.
* Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
