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Cat's Claw
(Uncaria tomentosa)
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| Introduction |
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| This remedy hails from the South American rainforest. It has been used as a traditional medicine, possibly dating back as far as the Incan civilization. Scientists are now investigating cat's claw for its disease fighting properties, as well as its potential for supporting gastrointestinal health. A standardized extract is derived from the bark of the root of the plant. |
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| Reported Uses |
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Cat's claw is reported to have the ability to soothe irritated and inflamed tissues and help eliminate harmful bacterial and viral invaders from the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have also looked into the herb's function in supporting the immune system.(1) Some of the key components of cat's claw have been studied for their ability to fight infection and boost overall immunity.(2, 3, 4, 5)
As an antioxidant, cat's claw use in the treatment of cancer has been investigated.(6) Antioxidants reduce the carcinogenic toxin buildup that stimulate abnormal cell development. Research indicates that cat's claw may be able to target potential cancer cells and inhibit their development through different types of activity.(7, 8, 9)
Cat's claw may also play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases by helping to strengthen capillaries and facilitate normal blood flow throughout the body.(10)
The anti-inflammatory effect of cat's claw was observed in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.(11)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| For the 3% alkaloid and 15% total phenol extraction, 250-1000mg, 3 times a day.
For the 1.3% pentacyclic extraction product, 20mg, 2-3 times daily for the first 10 days and then 20mg daily thereafter.
Decoction: 60 ml once daily in the morning on an empty stomach prepared from 30 gm herb with 800ml water reduced by heat to 500ml.(12)
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For the 3% alkaloid and 15% total phenol extraction, 500mg, 3 times a day.
For the 1.3% pentacyclic extraction product, 20mg, 3 times daily for the first 10 days and then 20mg daily thereafter.
Decoction: 60 ml once daily in the morning on an empty stomach prepared from 30 gm herb with 800ml water reduced by heat to 500ml. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.(13)If you are planning to have any type of surgery or dental work, stop using this dietary supplement for at least 14 days prior to the procedure.
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Health Conditions
If you are the recipient of an organ transplant, have a bleeding disorder or are currently fighting an infection, talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement.(14, 15) |
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. This dietary supplement may cause diarrhea or other changes in bowel habits.(16) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away. |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant.(17)
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Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Wagner H, et al. The Alkaloids of Uncaria tomentosa and Their Phagocytosis-stimulating Action. Planta Med. 1995;5:419-23.
2 Jones K. Cat's Claw: Healing Vine of Peru. Seattle: Sylvan Press; 1995:48-49.
3 Aquino R, et al. New Polyhydroxylated Triterpenes from Uncaria tomentosa. J Nat Prod. 1990;53(3): 559-64.
View Abstract
4 Lamm S, Sheng Y, Pero RW. Persistent response to pneumococcal vaccine in individuals supplemented with a novel water soluble extract of Uncaria tomentosa, C-Med-100. Phytomedicine. Jul2001;8(4):267-74.
View Abstract
5 Lemaire I, Assinewe V, Cano P, Awang DV, Arnason JT. Stimulation of interleukin-1 and -6 production in alveolar macrophages by the neotropical liana, Uncaria tomentosa (una de gato). J Ethnopharmacol. Feb1999;64(2):109-15.
View Abstract
6 Aquino R, et al. Plant Metabolites. Structure and in Vitro Antiviral Activity of Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa and Guettarda platypoda. J Nat Prod. 1989;52(4):679-85.
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7 Wagner H, et al. The Alkaloids of Uncaria tomentosa and Their Phagocytosis-stimulating Action. Planta Med. 1995;5:419-23.
8 Riva L, Coradini D, Di Fronzo G, De Feo V, De Tommasi N, De Simone F, Pizza C. The antiproliferative effects of Uncaria tomentosa extracts and fractions on the growth of breast cancer cell line. Anticancer Res. Jul2001;21(4A):2457-61.
View Abstract
9 Sheng Y, Pero RW, Amiri A, Bryngelsson C. Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in human tumor cells treated with extracts of Uncaria tomentosa. Anticancer Res. Sep1998;18(5A):3363-8.
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10 de Matta SM, et al. Alkaloids and Procyanidins of An Uncaria sp. from Peru. Farmaco. (Sci). 1976;31(7):527-35.
View Abstract
11 Mur E, Hartig F, Eibl G, Schirmer M. Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. Apr2002;29(4):678-81.
View Abstract
12 Schauss AG. Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa). Nat Med J. 1998;1(2):16-19.
13 Jones K. Cat's Claw: Healing Vine of Peru. Seattle: Sylvan Press; 1995:48-49.
14 Haginiwa J, et al. Studies of Plants Containing Indole Alkaloids. 2. On the Alkaloids of Uncaria rhynchophylla Miq. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1973;93(4):448-42.
15 de Matta SM, et al. Alkaloids and Procyanidins of An Uncaria sp. from Peru. Farmaco. (Sci). 1976;31(7):527-35.
View Abstract
16 Immodal Pharmaka. Krallendorn, Uncaria tomentosa (Wild), Root Extract: Report on Experiences with Probands. Immodal Pharmaka GmbH. 1996;20.
17 Haginiwa J, et al. Studies of Plants Containing Indole Alkaloids. 2. On the Alkaloids of Uncaria rhynchophylla Miq. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1973;93(4):448-42.
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