Uncaria Tomentosa is a herb that grows wild in the highlands of the Peruvian Amazon. It has been used for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years by the native Ashanica Indians for treatment of a wide range of health problems associated with the immune and digestive system.

Beginning in the 1970s and continuing through today, research has been conducted on this remarkable plant in many countries throughout the world including: several research facilities in Peru; University of Innsbruck, Austria; University of Munich, Germany; The Huntington Research Centre, England; The Central Research Institute of Chemistry, Hungary; The Universities of Milan and Naples, Italy.

As a result of this ongoing research there is evidence to suggest that Uncaria Tomentosa may be beneficial in the treatment of cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, genital herpes and herpes zoster, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, PMS and irregularities of the female cycle, environmental toxin poisoning, numerous bowel and intestinal disorders, organic depression, and those infected with the HIV virus.

Dr. Brent W. Davis, D.C, who has been working with Uncaria Tomentosa for a number of years in the United States, has referred to this herb as “The Opener of the Way” because of its remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders including: Crohn’s disease, Diverticulitis, leaky bowel syndrome, colitis, hemorrhoids, fismlas, gastritis, ulcers, parasites and intestinal flora imbalance.

In its healing ability and benefit to the immune system, Uncaria Tomentosa appears to have so many therapeutic applications that it far surpasses such well known herbs as Pau de Arco, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Astragulas and Siberian Ginseng, as well as Reishi and Shitake mushrooms, and other natural products such as Citrus Seed Extract, Caprylic Acid and Shark Cartilage.

Back in 1988 at the International Congress on Traditional Medicines in Lima, Peru, Uncaria Tomentosa was discussed by medical doctors as one of a number of different herbs used to consistently cure cancer and other serious disorders. One Peruvian physician spoke about his and his colleagues’ successes with Uncaria Tomentosa and other herbs in treating fourteen types of accurately diagnosed cancer in 700 patients between 1984 and 1988.

In his article titled A New World Class Herb For A. K. Practice, Dr. Davis talks about his observation of Uncaria Tomentosas' ability to break through severe intestinal derangements that no other available products can touch. He came to this conclusion after treating approximately 150 patients from 1988 until 1992.

In July 1989, U.S. Patent #4,844,901 was issued to a research scientist by the name of Klaus Keplinger for isolating six oxindole alkaloids from the root of Uncaria Tomentosa. In this ten page technical patent it states that all but two of these alkaloids are suitable for the unspecific stimulation of the immunologic system. The most immunologically active alkaloid, according to the patent, is Isopteropodine. lsopteropodine (Isomer A), and to a lesser extent three of the other alkaloids, have been shown in laboratory testing to have a pronounced enhancement effect on phagocytosis (the ability of the white blood cells and macrophages to attack, engulf and digest harmful micro & horbar organisms, foreign matter and debris).

According to research conducted at the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rynchophylline, one of the remaining two alkaloids which does not have immuno-stimulating properties, has been shown in laboratory testing to display an ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis. This suggests that this alkaloid may be useful in the prevention of stroke and reducing the risk of heart attack by lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, and inhibiting both the formation of plaque on the arterial walls and the formation of blood clots in the vessels of the brain, heart and arteries.

On 28 November 1988 and 17 June 1993, articles about Uncaria Tomentosa appeared in “El Comercio.” the major metropolitan newspaper in Lima, Peru. The first article stated that Uncaria Tomentosa had been proven to be effective in the treatment of allergies and Neurobronchitis. The article then went on to talk about Dr. Keplinger’s success in using Uncaria Tomentosa to treat genital herpes and herpes zoster. It ended with a discussion of his results in treating seven AIDS patients who displayed various progressions of the disease. According to the article, he was not able to help two of these patients; however, the well-being of the other five improved to such an extent that their symptoms disappeared.

The second article spoke about how Immodel, a laboratory in Austria under the direction of Dr. Keplinger, is using a medicine extracted from the vine of Uncaria Tomentosa along with AZT. This combination is being used to impede the multiplication of the HIV virus in the blood, activate the cells of the immune system and stop the development of cancerous cells:

The article went on to state that lmmodel has commercialised this medicine under the name “Krallendom” and has successfully been using it for the past six years to treat people infected with the AIDS virus. According to lmmodel, practically none of the cases not yet showing symptoms of the disease developed further. The cases that displayed the first symptoms of the disease showed an improvement in blood analysis and a disappearance of clinical symptoms within the first year, a situation that continues to this day. Finally, the article mentioned that Krallendom has also been effective in decreasing the unpleasant side effects of both AZT and radiation therapy when used in cancer treatment.

Besides Isopteropodine and the other oxindole alkaloids, Italian and Peruvian researchers have isolated other beneficial constituents inherent in the herb, including several polyphenols and triterpines, and the plant steroids betasitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol. The presence of these additional compounds might further explain the herb’s anti-oxidant properties, its ability to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, and the anti-viral, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties also attributed to this herb.

In Peru and other Spanish-speaking countries, the common name for Uncaria Tomentosa is ‘Una de Gato,’ in English, ‘Cat’s Claw.’ It is important to note that there is another Uncaria species that grows in the lowlands of the Peruvian rain forests known as Uncaria Guianensis. This herb is also called Una de Gato and Cat’s Claw.

Uncaria Gujanensis has been shown to have some of the same characteristics as Uncaria Tomentosa with one major exception, it does not contain the most important alkaloid, lsopteropodine. This would most likely result in this species being less effective for immune system applications. It is therefore important to be aware that products being marketed as “Cat’s Claw” or “Una de Gato” can be either Uncaria Tomentosa or Uncaria Guianensis.

In the highly acclaimed, best selling book Vibrational Healing by Dr. Richard Gerber, M.D. Cat’s Claw is mentioned as a unique herbal remedy that has been used for many years by native healers of Peru.” He further states, “The herb shows great promise for the treatment of arthritis when taken internally, either by making a tea or taking capsules of the herb. Dr. Gerber also explains that European studies have determined that Uncaria Tomentosa has very low toxicity, even if taken in large amounts; and that it may be beneficial for those individuals who suffer from painful joints and cannot take conventional medicines because of unpleasant side effects. Finally, he suggests that Cat’s Claw might be helpful in reducing the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy associated with cancer treatments.

In the words of Dr. Brent Davis, Uncaria Tomentosa is a world class herb which has the power to arrest and reverse deep seated pathology, allowing a more rapid return to health in the context of concomitant A.K. therapies.

In closing, I would like to share my personal experience with Uncaria Tomentosa. For approximately the last twenty years I have been plagued by a chronic urinary tract problem involving an unspecified inflammatory condition the urethra and other symptoms commonly associated with an enlarged prostate gland. Throughout these years I visited a number of different doctors, both allopathic and holistic. I tried conventional medicines, numerous vitamin and mineral regimens, herbal remedy combinations and an array of other natural products with minimal results.

In September, 1993, I was given an opportunity to sample several ounces of Uncaria Tomentosa. I began experimenting with the herb by brewing it as a tea and drinking three cups per day. About halfway into my third day of doing this, I began to notice the chronic urinary symptoms starting to diminish. About half way into the second week the symptoms were virtually eliminated.

Since that initial experiment, as I continue to drink the tea daily, my resistance to colds, flu, and other types of infection remains high. I am now able to perform heavier and more physically taxing work without the tired sore muscles I would have normally experienced in the past.

Because of the numerous beneficial elements in this plant, the many years of use as a traditional medicine, coupled with my experience using this herb, I have come to believe that Uncaria Tomentosa has tremendous potential as a preventative and treatment for many of today’s serious health problems.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phillip N. Steinberg is a graduate of The Nutritionists Institute of America and has been an owner/operator of several health and natural product stores. He has also lectured and conducted workshops in alternative healing methods including Acupressure and Polarity Therapy. At present, Mr. Steinberg is working as a consultant to the natural products industry, and as a freelance writer dealing with topics pertaining to nutrition and holistic health. For questions or comments, Mr. Steinberg can be contacted by writing to: Holistic Health Associates, P.O. Box 74, Shullsburg, WI 53586. (Phone:608-965-3771).

Health & Healing Vol.16 No.2 February 1997- April 1997

Health benefits of Cat's Claw

Cat's Claw - Also known as: Una-de-Gato
Description: Herb obtained from a high climbing vine native to the highlands of the Peruvian Amazon.
Botanical Name: Uncaria Tomentosa.
Part used: Bark from the vine.

Cardiovascular System

• Cat’s Claw inhibits abnormal blood clotting (due to Rynchophylline) (scientific research - in vitroRynchophylline inhibits platelet aggregation).
• Cat’s Claw may help to prevent strokes (due to Rynchophylline’s ability to inhibit platelet aggregation (implicated in abnormal blood clotting) and thrombosis).
• Cat’s Claw helps to prevent and alleviate thrombosis due to Rynchophylline (scientific research - in vitro)

Detoxification

• Cat’s Claw helps to minimise the toxic effects of tobacco smoking (scientific research on humans shows Cat’s Claw significantly reduces the mutagenicity of substances present in he urine of smokers).

Digestive System

• Cat’s Claw alleviates Crohn’s Disease, Diverticulitis, Dysentery, Gastritis, Intestinal Parasites, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Cat’s Claw may improve the health and functionality of the intestines.

Immune System

• Cat’s Claw inhibits the onset of opportunistic infections in persons afflicted with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). 
• Cat’s Claw may alleviate Allergies.
• Cat’s Claw reputedly alleviates Cancer (folklore).
• Cat’s Claw counteracts some types of Skin Cancer (scientific observation: Cat’s Claw decreases the visible size of some Skin Cancers).
• Cat’s Claw stimulates the body’s production of Helper T- Cells (due to Oxindole Alkaloids).
• Cat’s Claw may alleviate Herpes Simplex.
• Cat’s Claw may alleviate Lupus Erythematosus.
• Cat’s Claw activates Macrophages (scientific research).
• Cat’s Claw enhances the ability of Phagocytes to destroy Antigens (due to Oxindole Alkaloids).
• Cat’s Claw inhibits the progression of many Viral Diseases.

Metabolism
The constituents of Cat’s Claw possess antioxidant properties. Cat’s Claw may alleviate Diabetes Mellitus.

Musculoskeletal System
Cat’s Claw may alleviate Bursitis. Cat’s Claw alleviates the Pain and Inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Cat’s Claw (applied topically) accelerates the healing of Wounds.

Nervous System
Cat’s Claw may alleviate Depression.

Respiratory System
Cat’s Claw reputedly alleviates asthma(folklore).

Cat’s Claw Contains these Substances:
Alkaloids, Oxindole Alkaloids, lsopteropodine, Rynchophyiline, Glycosides, Quinovic Acid Glycoside, Lipids, Sterols, Beta-Sitosterol, Campestero, Stigmasterol: Polyphenols: Flavanols: Triterpenes.

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