Cat’s Claw – useful properties, side effects and dosage

A plant with an interesting name “Cat’s Claw” attracted the attention of researchers back in the 70s of the last century. Scientists have noticed that residents of the places where it grows do not get cancer. It turned out that Cat’s Claw has amazing healing properties and can be used to solve a wide range of health problems. We offer you to get to know this miracle plant better, find out how it works and who should take advantage of its health benefits.

What is a cat’s claw?

Cat’s claw (uncaria guianensis, uncaria pubescent, una de gato, saventaro, Peruvian liana) is a climbing plant up to 30-50 meters in length and up to 20 cm in diameter with dark red bark belonging to the madder family. In the wild, it is found in the Amazon rainforest, in Peru and in Latin America as a whole. The name was given for the sharp shoots-thorns with which it clings to trees: in appearance they resemble the claws of a cat.

Description of the composition

According to the content of active substances, uncaria pubescent is a unique plant, one of the most antioxidant on the planet. As is known, cell aging, the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other age-related diseases is associated with the accumulation of free radicals in the body. Nature has taken care of us by providing antioxidant substances as a counteraction, the molecules of which help to fight oxidative stress, preventing its harmful effects on cells. Scientists recommend everyone to stick to an antioxidant diet every day and a Cat’s Claw supplement can help us with this.

Cat's Claw - useful properties, side effects and dosage

The plant contains powerful active ingredients of healing action: antioxidant and phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins, sitosterols, proanthocyanidins and triterpene glucosides. Leaves, roots and bark are used in medical practice.

Useful properties of cat’s claw

Numerous studies and clinical trials have shown the following beneficial properties of this plant:

Antioxidant. The plant is able to fight the accumulation of hyperreactive oxidizing substances harmful to cell survival. This antioxidant power is an asset for protecting the body and fighting premature tissue aging.

Immunostimulating. It is one of the most powerful immunomodulating plants in the world. This effect is associated with the action of alkaloids contained in the Cat’s claw, which, according to researchers, strengthen the immune system due to several mechanisms of action.

Anti-inflammatory. Cat’s claw has traditionally been used to treat various inflammatory reactions. In particular, it helps to relieve inflammatory joint pain, to combat gastritis and inflammation of the reproductive system.

Antitumor. It has the ability to stop the growth and apoptosis of malignant neoplasm cells.

Cardioprotective. Prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels, helps to normalize blood pressure.

Anti-ulcer. It stimulates the healing of microtrauma on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum.

Detoxification. Improves the cleansing function of the liver, accelerates the removal of toxic metabolic products.

Antiparasitic. Actively destroys young forms of helminths, worms, eliminates manifestations of allergic reactions caused by parasites.

Based on all this, in 1995 uncaria pubescent received the status of a medicinal plant listed in the book of the International Pharmacopoeia.

Can boost your immune system
Cat’s claw is a well-known immune stimulator. In the Amazon, it is traditionally used to increase immunity, fight infections and improve the protective functions of the body. Studies have found alkaloids (oxindoles) with antiviral properties in the inner bark of the plant.

Can boost your immune system

Peruvian liana helps against colds and viral diseases, such as: bronchitis, laryngitis, SARS, flu. In vitro and animal experiments have shown that una de gato supplements stimulate the immune system, have an anti-cancer effect by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells or triggering the death of abnormal cells (apoptosis). According to studies, taking 350 mg of Peruvian liana twice a day had an effect on the immune system of 20 volunteers by increasing the effectiveness of their vaccination against pneumococcus.

Unfortunately, there is very little clinical evidence to support these effects in humans, more research is needed to determine the exact properties of the plant in relation to the immune system.

May relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis

Several clinical trials of cat’s claw on people with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis have yielded encouraging results. In the case of osteoarthritis, daily intake of 100 mg of plant extract reduced joint pain caused by movement from the first week of treatment. However, it had no effect on pain at rest or on joint swelling. Other positive results regarding joint pain and stiffness were obtained with a combination of cat’s claw extract (300 mg) and poppy seed (1500 mg). The researchers concluded that this plant helps to stimulate the mechanisms of regeneration of cartilage tissue.

May relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

The Peruvian liana has successfully passed tests on people with rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to the usual treatment with sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine, study participants took 60 mg of Cat’s Claw extract per day. After 24 weeks, they experienced greater pain relief than those who took a placebo. After 52 weeks of treatment, they also noted a decrease in joint swelling.

Thus, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can use this herb as a dietary supplement to relieve the symptoms of the disease.

It has an anti-inflammatory effect

The anti-inflammatory properties of cat’s claw have been proven by a number of studies and make it one of the most effective supplements for the natural fight against inflammation. Today, the liana of Peru is widely used in traditional and allopathic medicines to prevent and relieve pain, in particular, in the context of chronic inflammation, including in athletes. When applied externally, it is used to stop bleeding and accelerate the healing of wounds and burns.

Helps with oncology

Cat’s claw has long been used in the treatment of various types of cancer in the places of its natural halo of growth. Based on this, it has become the subject of serious clinical studies in the context of the treatment of this deadly disease.

The nature of the composition and the first results obtained suggest that it helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells in the body, causing the phenomenon of apoptosis (death) of tumor cells.

It is believed that the active components of the plant contribute to the reproduction of T-lymphocytes, which stop the proliferation of cancer cells and viruses. In addition, the antioxidant compounds of the plant are also effective in preventing the development of cancer.

A test of Cat’s Claw extract at a dose of 250 or 350 mg per day showed a protective effect against DNA mutations in 12 healthy volunteers, which is an element in favor of the anti-cancer properties of the plant.

Cat’s Claw for Joints

Can boost your immune system

Clinical trials have been able to identify a significant effect of the plant on pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Regular use of Cat’s Claw helps to reduce joint pain, especially when moving. However, despite the pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect on the joint, it does not reduce its swelling. At the same time, its combination with other plants growing in Peru turns out to be more effective in the treatment of stiffness and joint pain.

Other properties of the Cat’s Claw

This plant is of great interest to scientists, so its clinical research continues. But it is already known today that the Peruvian liana can be effective against Lyme disease, helps to alleviate the negative side effects of radiation therapy. It is able to heal mucous membranes and is suitable for eliminating various digestive problems, including ulcers, inflammation and infections of internal organs, is a powerful hepatoprotector.

Application of the cat’s claw

The Amazon Indians consider Uncaria tomentosa a sacred plant and for centuries have used its bark for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, colds, arthritis, impotence and cancer.

Due to its antioxidant, anti-tumor, immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties, today the Peruvian liana is used as part of the complex therapy of the following diseases:

  • bones and joints (arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, bursitis, osteoarthritis);
  • gastrointestinal problems (gastritis, colitis, diarrhea, constipation);
  • colds and viral infections (ARVI, ear infections, flu);
  • various types of malignant neoplasms;
  • parasitic and yeast infections;
  • cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus;
  • gynecology (prevention of perinatal infection, colpitis, mastopathy);
  • cysts of various origins (fibromyoma, prostatitis, adenoma)
  • physical fatigue (muscle pain)
  • recovery of body functions after radiation and chemotherapy
  • decreased potency in men.
  • Cat’s claw is used as a detoxifier for alcohol, respiratory chemical and drug poisoning, to improve blood parameters, accelerate metabolism, eliminate allergic reactions.

How much to take cat’s claw?

Dietary supplement “Cat’s Claw” is available in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid extracts and tea. Currently, there are no specific recommendations on intake and dosages, as it depends on the type of ingredient used in the composition.

Cat's Claw - useful properties, side effects and dosage

For example, a dietary supplement made from the bark of Uncaria tomentosa may be offered at a dosage of 1680 mg per day. Tea is drunk 1 glass a day, capsules are taken 1-2 pieces three times a day. The drug is recommended to be consumed half an hour before meals, cat’s claw treatment is carried out for a short time (maximum 1 month). The course and method of use should be agreed with your doctor or act according to the instructions for the drug.

Important! Cat’s claw preparations cannot be combined with chemotherapy, they should be discontinued a few days before the start of treatment and resumed a week after the end of therapy.

Contraindications and side effects

Traditionally, herbalists do not recommend giving Cat’s Claw to children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as those who are planning a pregnancy, since this plant has a contraceptive and abortive effect. As for harm and toxicity, the plant has a low potential even with oral administration.

Contraindications to the use of Peruvian liana are:

  • autoimmune diseases
  • suspected nephropathy
  • skin or organ transplantation
  • tuberculosis
  • arterial disorders

It is not recommended to use plant-based dietary supplements before visiting the dentist, when taking medications against blood clots, as well as for women with hormonal problems, since Cat’s Claw has a pronounced anti-estrogenic effect.

Negative reactions associated with the use of pubescent uncaria with the usual dosages are rare. The side effects are traditional: gastrointestinal disorders, dizziness, nausea, rash and most often disappear after discontinuation of the drug.

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