June 21, 2002

CAT'S CLAW

Latin Name: Uncaria tomentosa

Alternate Names: Una De Gato

Family: RUBIACEAE

Parts Used: Inner bark, root.

Properties: Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antimutagenic, Antioxidant, Antirheumatic, Antitumor, Antiviral, Contraceptive, Immune Stimulant.

Internal Uses: Acne, AIDS, Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Bursitis, Cancer, Candida, Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Cysts, Depression, Diabetes, Diverticulitis, Dysmenorrhea, Environmental Illness, Fatigue, Fungal Infection, Gastritis, Gonorrhea, Hay Fever, Herpes, Leaky Gut, Parasites, Premenstrual Syndrome, Rheumatism, Shingles, Tumors, Ulcers, Wounds

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Cats Claw helps to activate macrophages, lymphocytes and leukocytes. It also inhibits blood platelet aggregation. Research on this plant is very recent and more needs to be done.

Topical Uses: Athlete's Foot, Conjunctivitis, Fistula, Hemorrhoids, Herpes, Shingles, Wounds

Topical Applications: Salve, compress or poultice for athletes foot, fistulas, fungal infections, hemorrhoids, herpes, shingles and wounds. Eyewash for conjunctivitis.

Culinary uses: Stem yields a fresh clear liquid that is refreshing to drink.

Energetics: Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Oxindole alkaloids (alloisopteropodine, alloptropodine, isopteropodine, rhynchophylline, uncarine), quinovic acid, triterpenes, polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol), catechin tannins.

Contraindications: Avoid during conception, pregnancy and nursing. Some people will experience a 'healing crisis' or worsening of their symptoms before benefits are realized. A possible side effect may be diarrhea. Not for people on immune suppressing drugs or someone anticipating an organ or bone marrow transplant. Avoid root products. Though effective, they contribute to the decimation of the plant.

Comments: Native to South America, Cat's Claw has claw-like spines on its stems, hence the name. It is a giant woody vine that can grow over 100 feet. The use of the plant is most closely associated with the Ashaninka tribe, living in the Peruvian rain forest.

The common name Cat's Claw also includes the species Uncaria guianensis, which is used interchangeably with Uncaria tomentosa.

-- Cheryl in Ks (mac0328@planetkc.com), June 21, 2002