What is cat claw?
Known as a high-climbing, woody
vine, cat claw has two-curved thorns at the base of the plant's
leaves. It resembles the claws of a cat. It enables the vine
to climb up trees or other vegetation into the forest canopy.
The Latin translation of cat’s claw is known as an herbal botanical,
Uncaria.
Where is the origin of cat’s
claw?
Known in Spanish as uña de gato, cat’s claw is popular in the
northern Amazon regions of Columbia, Ecuador, Peru as well as
other South American countries.
Are there any medical benefits
in taking cat’s claw?
Preliminary scientific studies
have been found the plant's immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory
agents to enhance health. Only speculative evidence has shown
cat's claw ability to defend against may have antiviral and
cancer-fighting potential as well.
Two species of cat's claw are
harvested for medicinal purposes, Uncaria guianensis, used mainly
in Europe, and Uncaria tomentosa, commonly imported into the
United States. Among the herbal practitioners of South America,
the two species are considered interchangeable.
How was cat’s claw discovered
for the use of healing medical ailments?
Over hundreds of years, cat's
claw has been used by people of the Amazon to treat a wide array
of ailments. From stomach discomfort, skin condition, birth
control, cancer, arthritis and liver disorders.
What have the clinical findings
of cat’s claw demonstrated?
In numerous laboratory experiments,
cat’s claw has been found to treat anti-inflammatory effects.
For instance certain trials have should significant relief from
pain during daytime activities; however, during evening hours,
cat’s claw has not shown to provide any relieve. More medical
evaluations on cat’s claw are studying its effects on asthma,
allergies, bursitis, tendonitis and Crohn's disease.
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