Cat’s claw is thought to have the following health properties; antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, cytostatic, depurative, diuretic, hypotensive, immunostimulant, vermifuge.
It has been used as an herbal medicine for generations by several native tribes in South America. It has been used traditionally to treat intestinal complaints, asthma, wounds, cancer, tumors, arthritis, inflammations, diabetes, irregularities of the menstrual cycle, fevers, ulcers, dysentery and rheumatism. Reportedly, cat’s claw has been used traditionally as birth control by several different Peruvian indigenous tribes.
The Ash·ninka tribe in central Peru has the longest recorded history of use of cat’s claw as a medicinal plant. The Ash·ninka worshiped this plant, naming it kug-kukjaui. Uncaria tomentosa was the highest deity, giving rise to all other deities. The Ash·ninka carved the images of the minor deities into the long ligneous shoots of the plant, giving their images very long profiles and oval faces.
Contemporary herbalists consider the herb to be a natural immunostimulant, enhancing the function of white blood cells. A group of oxindole alkaloids found in cat’s claw has been documented with immune-boosting and antileukemic properties.
The most immune-boosting constituent is believed to be Isopteropodin (Isomer A), which increases the immune response in the body and acts as an antioxidant to rid the body of free radicals.
Cat’s claw may also work to kill viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms that can cause diseases such as herpes and candida. AIDS patients and those who are HIV positive have been treated with Krallendon, an immune-boosting ingredient of cat’s claw.
Cat’s claw possesses anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to the glycosides present in the herb, which make it an effective natural remedy for the treatment of arthritis, gastritis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disorders.
The glycosides work synergistically to reduce the edema associated with inflammatory conditions. The primary mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory effect of cat’s claw appear to be due to suppression of the TNF-alfa synthesis.
Additional uses as a medicinal herb include treatments for Crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis, and leaky bowel syndrome and it has a reputation as a good herbal remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome.
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