Cat's Claw Bark

What is Cat's Claw Bark?

Cat's claw, or Uncaria tomentosa, is a medicinal plant that grows in the Amazonian rainforest and other tropical areas in Central and South America. The Incas were the first people to use the herb. The native people of South America used cat's claw to treat ulcers, cancer, viral infections, inflammation, and to strengthen the immune system. Its name comes from the fact that its thorns look like cat claws. The plants Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis can both be called "cat's claw." Most teas, tablets, and capsules sold in stores have U. tomentosa in them. The two kinds of cat's claw have different active compounds and can be used for different things. 

There are more pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) in Uncaria tomentosa, while U. guianensis has more tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs). POAs affect the immune system, while TOAs affect the brain and spinal cord. POAs have no effect when TOAs are in place. Because of this, it is important to make sure that cat's claw extracts have been tested for TOA and POA levels before you buy and use them. The chemical structure shows how the two types are different from each other. The bark of the vine has pentacyclic alkaloids, while the leaves and stem have tetracyclic alkaloids.

How do I use Cat's Claw Bark?

The most common dosage of cat's claw taken by adults is 60–300 mg orally per day for 8–24 weeks. Gels and mists also contain cat's claw extract. Consult a healthcare professional regarding the optimal product type and dosage for a particular medical condition.

Cat's Claw Bark benefits:

Studies done in test tubes show that cat's claw may boost the immune system, help relax smooth muscles (like those in the intestines), widen blood vessels (which helps lower blood pressure), and make you pee more (helping the body eliminate excess water).

◉ Immune System: A recent study showed that taking Cat's Claw for 6 months increased the number of white blood cells that fight infections by a lot in adult men. Researchers also saw both single- and double-strand breaks in DNA being fixed. It seems to have two effects on the immune system. Depending on what is needed, it can either boost or slow down the immune response. Cat's claw can be used to stop overactive immune responses and boost a weak immune system that lets disease spread without being stopped.

◉ Arthritis Relief: Several studies have shown that Cat's Claw is a natural way to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In a study done in 2001, 45 people with osteoarthritis were given Cat's Claw, or a fake medicine, for 4 weeks. Researchers found that "scores for activity-related pain, medical pain, and pain assessment pain were significantly lower after the first week of therapy." In another study, which was published in the "Journal of Rheumatology," it was found that after 24 weeks of treatment with Cat's Claw extract, the number of painful joints was lower than with the placebo. This effect on arthritis is thought to come from a certain strain of cat's claw that contains pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids. These are chemicals that seem to affect the immune system.

◉ Lowers High Blood Pressure: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been using Cat's Claw to treat high blood pressure for hundreds of years. Studies now seem to back this up. One alkaloid, called hirsutine, is thought to be responsible for this plant's ability to keep blood pressure in check. This alkaloid is good for your health because it blocks calcium channels. This effect can lower blood pressure by stopping calcium from getting into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls while widening and relaxing the blood vessels themselves. In turn, this helps the blood flow in a healthy way.

◉ Digestive Health: This versatile herb can also help clean out the intestines and bring back healthy bacteria. Cat's claw is also a strong anti-inflammatory, and it is thought to help fight the inflammation that comes with a number of digestive problems. It is also used to treat IBS, IBD, colitis, gastritis, and peptic ulcers, among other digestive problems.

Where can I buy cat's claw bark?

Buy Cat's Claw Bark from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Cat's Claw Bark information (at a glance):