Cat’s Claw
(Uncaria tomentosa)

Cat’s Claw is sometimes called the Sacred Herb of the Rain Forest and it seems more and more an apt name. It’s common name, cat’s Claw comes from a small thorn at the base of the leaves that resembles a cat’s claw.

The plant itself is a tropical vine that grows in the rainforests and jungles in South America and Asia. The plant uses its claws to attach itself to trees and climbs up to a 100 feet into the canopies of the rainforest.

Cat’s Claw is considered a valuable medicinal resource
and is a protected species in Peru. While mainstream science has only recently began to explore cat’s claw, many South American cultures have used the herbs for hundreds of years.

Some scientific studies show the plant may have positive effects on the body’s immune system and is being featured prominently in Aids research.

Cat’s Claw active ingredients are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals. While some of the
alkaloids have been proven to boost the immune system, the primary alkaloid rhynchophylline has shown anti-hypertensive effects and may reduce the risk of
stroke and heart attack by lowering blood pressure,
increasing circulation, reducing heart rate and
controlling cholesterol.

Other aspects of the plant contribute anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant and anticancer properties. Some treatments combine cat’s claw with other plants and natural
products to increase the absorption and bioavailability.

Cat’s Claw has long been used as a homeopathic
treatment for intestinal ailments. Some of those uses include Crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome.infections.

The inner bark and root are used to create capsules, teas and extracts.