Health Benefits
- Arthritis. Cat's claw contains a compound known as pentacyclic oxindolic alkaloid (POA) that is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Lyme Disease. A special type of cat's claw, known as samento, is believed to aid in the treatment of Lyme disease.
- Cancer. ...
What are the side effects of Cat's Claw?
- cancer
- viral infections
- anxiety
- allergies
- high blood pressure
- gout
- stomach and bowel disorders
- asthma
- ovarian cysts
- AIDS
What does cats claw treat?
Cat’s claw may be a more recent natural remedy in North American, but it has a lengthy history in South America dating back to the Inca civilization. It’s been used as traditional medicine by indigenous peoples in the Andes to treat inflammation, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, dysentery and even tumors.
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How much Cat's Claw do you take?
The dosing of cat's claw tinctures can vary by the strength of the formulation, but 1 to 4 milliliters (ml) daily is the most commonly recommended dose. As a rule of thumb, never take more than is recommended on the product label. At this time, there is little scientific data on how long cat's claw can be used safely.
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What is cat's claw used to treat?
Today, cat's claw is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes, human papilloma virus, and HIV), Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, and leaky bowel syndrome.
How long does it take cat's claw to work?
How long does cat's claw take to work? To see effects of taking cat's claw you'll need to take it for around eight weeks, although there is some evidence suggesting that symptoms of knee pain, for example, can be relieved within a week or so of taking cat's claw.
What are the side effects of cat's claw?
Cat's claw appears to have few side effects, however, there have not been enough scientific studies on cat's claw to determine its safety. Some people have reported dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea when taking cat's claw. The diarrhea or loose stools tend to be mild and go away with continued use of the herb.
Is Cat's Claw an anti inflammatory?
Cat's claw is commonly used in South America and more recently in Western nations, as an anti-inflammatory agent in treating arthritis and gastrointestinal inflammation. Cat's claw is the bark of a vine, Uncaria tomentosa, that is prepared as a tea or taken in capsule form.
Who should not take cat's claw?
Those with bleeding disorders, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, leukemia, problems with blood pressure, or who are awaiting surgery should avoid cat's claw ( 1 , 19 , 20 ).
Is Cat's claw good for the liver?
Despite being widely used, cat's claw has not been implicated in cases of clinically apparent liver injury and, in prospective studies, has had no effect on serum enzyme levels. In vitro studies have demonstrated antioxidant activity of cat's claw extracts which may be hepatoprotective.
Does Cat's claw give you energy?
Early research suggests that 100 mg of cat's claw extract taken three times daily for at least 8 weeks may help reduce tiredness and improve quality of life in people with terminal solid tumors. Arthritis.
Is Cat's claw an antibiotic?
Its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects have proven particularly effective in combating persistent infections such as Lyme disease, Candida, Eppstein-Barr (glandular fever), herpes, bladder infections, hepatitis, prostatitis, gastritis and Crohn's disease.
Does cat's claw thin the blood?
Blood-thinning medications: Cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix).
What drugs interact with cat's claw?
Other medications -- Cat's claw may interact with the following medications:Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication)Diuretics (water pills)Estrogens or progestins, including birth control pills.Antihypertensive (blood pressure) medication.
Is devils claw and cats claw the same?
There is also no good evidence to support using cat's claw for COVID-19. Don't confuse cat's claw with cat's foot or devil's claw. These are different plants.
Where does cat's claw grow?
Cat's-claw vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati, also known as cat's claw creeper or yellow trumpet vine, is native to Mexico, Central and South America and much of the Caribbean.
Why do people use cat claws?
They choose cat’s claw because it has been shown to strengthen the immune system. In Southern Africa, HIV and AIDS are major health problems with an estimated 25.5 million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
What is cat claw used for?
It’s also been used in South American folk medicine to treat arthritis, intestinal complaints and wounds. One of the most impressive effects of cat’s claw is its scientifically proven ability to repair DNA. ( 2) All of these properties help make cat’s claw a benefit-rich herb, and that’s not all it can do for you.
What is the most commonly used cat claw?
Uncaria tomentosa is the more heavily researched and used form when it comes to medicinal use and immune modulation. Uncaria guianensis is traditionally used for wound healing. Uncaria tomentosa makes up most of the cat’s claw imported to the U.S.
How long does cat claw extract last?
In one animal study, researchers gave subjects a water-soluble extract of cat’s claw ( Uncaria tomentosa) for eight weeks. They found that this supplementation significantly elevated subjects’ infection-fighting white blood cell count. Researchers also observed a repair of DNA, both single and double strand breaks.
How tall are cat claw trees?
The trees are typically 100 feet or taller. At least 20 plants with sharp, curved thorns are considered to be cat’s claw or uña de gato. Uña de gato, its Spanish namesake, is native to the South and Central American tropical rain forests. Two species of cat’s claw are commonly used in North America and Europe.
What are the nutrients in a cat's claw?
It’s said to contain over 30 known constituents, including at least 17 alkaloids, along with glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterol fractions and other compounds. All of these phytonutrients can do amazing things in the body, like the benefits listed above.
Where did cat claws originate?
Cat’s claw may be a more recent natural remedy in North American, but it has a lengthy history in South America dating back to the Inca civilization. It’s been used as traditional medicine by indigenous peoples in the Andes to treat inflammation, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, dysentery and even tumors.
Why is cat claw sacred?
It was used to eliminate disturbances between the spirit and the body that were thought to be the reason for physical ailments.
How long does it take for cat claws to work?
Cat’s claw is one of those nootropics that take a bit of time to show effects. Some studies indicate it takes up to eight weeks for cat’s claw to yield its full effects. Some others show that managing symptoms of conditions like knee pain, for instance, may provide relief within a week of starting supplementation.
Why is my cat's claw a tannin?
This probably happens because cat’s claw possesses a fair amount of tannins and only occurs when the extract is consumed in quantities exceeding the recommended dosage amounts. People with certain health conditions should not use cat’s claw supplements.
Which is better, cat's claw or uncaria tomentosa?
And thus, they present different medicinal and therapeutic effects. Of the two, cat’s claw (uncaria tomentosa) is the better-researched species and seems to offer more health benefits than uncaria guianensis. The plant gets its name as its thorns resemble a cat’s claws.
Where does cat claw come from?
Cat’s claw is one of the medicinal herbs from the Amazon rainforest and other South and Central America. This ancient plant enjoys a long history of yielding curative properties for joint disorders, treating viral infections, and improving immune function. Some indigenous tribes of South America even consider cat’s claw a sacred plant ...
Is cat claw good for OA?
Given its history of treating inflammatory diseases by the tribal people of South America, the practice carried over and is considered a non-pharmacological way of improving rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis symptoms. A few preliminary studies have investigated the effects of using cat’s claw for both RA and OA.
Is cat claw good for arthritis?
Conclusion. Cat’s claw is one of the best natural treatments for boosting immunity, fighting infections, treating arthritis, and lowering blood pressure. It is a time-honored remedy with minor side effects unless you have health issues that conflict with its use.
What is cat claw used for?
Speed Healing. In traditional uses, cat’s claw was often used to help speed healing of wounds and for people who were ill. Now, given our knowledge of the powerful antioxidant compounds found in cat’s claw, it comes as no surprise that they are able to help prevent infection of wounds and stimulate a rapid recovery from illness, ...
Why do cats claw?
It can help to reduce inflammation, thereby reducing pain and preventing accidents from occurring. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or “leaky” bowels, it might be perfect for you. It helps to cleanse the entire digestive tract, eliminating dangerous bacteria and restoring a healthy microenvironment in your gut so your digestion is efficient and your bowels are regulated. [7]
What is the vine of a cat's claw?
If you’ve ever been walking through the jungles of Central South America, then perhaps you’ve pushed a cat’s claw vine out of your way, but you may not have realized what a powerful and important vine it actually is. With the scientific name Uncaria tomentosa, it has been used for thousands of years as a traditional herbal remedy for many different ailments. The common name of cat’s claw comes from the unique shape of the thorns, which look like the claws of a cat. In Spanish-speaking countries, the common name is uña de gato. [1]
What is the scientific name for cat claws?
With the scientific name Uncaria tomentosa, it has been used for thousands of years as a traditional herbal remedy for many different ailments. The common name of cat’s claw comes from the unique shape of the thorns, which look like the claws of a cat. In Spanish-speaking countries, the common name is uña de gato. [1]
Does cat claw affect the immune system?
Immune System. The most concrete evidence on the effects of cat’s claw relates to its impact on the immune system. The powerful range of alkaloids found in it can help to stimulate the immune response of the body, namely increasing the white blood cell count and stimulating antioxidant action throughout the body.
Does cat claw help with pain?
This can help to speed healing and reduce overall pain. [4]
Can you get kidney problems from cat claws?
In some rare cases, kidney problems may arise, but they shouldn’t be overly serious unless compounded by another ailment. In general, as with all herbal remedies, it is wise to speak with a trained medical professional before adding something as powerful as cat’s claw to your daily or weekly health routine.
Why is the cat claw plant important?
The anti-aging phytonutrients provided by the cat's claw plant may have supported health and unusual longevity in these Amazonian tribes despite their inadequate diet. For these reasons, scientific researchers traveled to the Amazon to study cat's claw, which eventually led to its commercial sale worldwide.
What is a cat's claw?
Traditionally, cat's claw uses are vast. It is believed to support good health, relieve a variety of medical conditions, and even treat specific diseases. However, only some of these cat's claw benefits are supported by scientific evidence.
What is AC11 in cat claws?
Rather, AC-11 is a small mix of phytochemical compounds thought to be the specific active ingredients in cat's claw bark that hold the health benefits. When AC-11 is made, it goes through a hot water extraction and filtration process to remove alkaloids. Its primary proven benefit is cellular DNA repair.
What is the best supplement for cats claws?
Cat's claw vitamin supplements are now widely available in capsules, powders, teas, and liquid extracts. There are several varieties of cat's claw, but the two most commonly used in dietary supplements are Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. [1] Cat's Claw Benefits.
How much cat claw should I take a day?
Studies suggest a dosage of 350 mg per day up to 700 mg. Cat's Claw for Cancer Treatment. The same cellular DNA repair effects that support healthy aging may reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, it may help kill or slow the growth of tumor and cancer cells.
How did the Amazon tribes use cat claws?
For hundreds of years, Amazon tribes have had uses for cat's claw as medicine by extracting phytochemicals from the roots and bark of the cat's claw vine. The most common method of extraction was a simple boiling technique that resulted in a tea.
How much AC11 should I take for cats?
Dietary supplements containing AC-11 should include the effective dosage of 350 mg of pure AC-11. AC-11 is safe, and one of the only cat's claw extracts with no known side effects. It's an anti-aging extract supported by nearly two decades of research and dozens of peer-reviewed, scientific studies.
What is cat claw good for?
Cat’s claw is also incredible at fighting viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (almost everyone has at least one of the over 60 varieties of EBV–find out more in Medical Medium Thyroid Healing: The Truth behind Hashimoto's, Graves', Insomnia, Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Nodules & Epstein-Barr. Eventually medical research will discover a group of antiviral adaptogens, and scientists will realize that cat’s claw is at the top of that list. The herb is the ultimate secret weapon for battling PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections), ALS, strep throat, MS, mystery aches and pains, and more.
What is a cat's claw?
Cat’s claw is a tropical woody vine whose bark has been harvested for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes. Cat’s claw can aid in alleviating almost any symptom, from neurological to digestive. While cat’s claw has gotten some attention for its healing properties, it is as yet unknown to science that the herb contains bioactive pharma-compounds that supersede synthetic pharmaceuticals. All too often, antibiotics are employed against certain illnesses such as Lyme disease. The world would be a different place if cat’s claw took the place of antibiotics; the rate of illness would reduce, and recovery would quicken, regardless of the diagnosis for a given illness. Of course, pharmaceutical antibiotics have their place and purpose. Cat’s claw is unique, though, in that pathogens such as bacteria cannot become resistant to it, as they sometimes can to antibiotics. For more than three decades, I’ve espoused the miraculous healing benefits of cat’s claw because it is such an essential support for so many conditions and symptoms.
What would happen if cats claws were replaced with antibiotics?
The world would be a different place if cat’s claw took the place of antibiotics; the rate of illness would reduce, and recovery would quicken, regardless of the diagnosis for a given illness. Of course, pharmaceutical antibiotics have their place and purpose. Cat’s claw is unique, though, in that pathogens such as bacteria cannot become resistant ...
Does cat claw cause cancer?
Most cancers and tumors are caused by viruses such as EBV. Cat’s claw knocks down viruses while strengthening the immune system, making it a powerful support for cancer and tumors. To understand more about the true cause of cancers, you can read the chapter on Liver Cancer in Medical Medium Liver Rescue: Answers to Eczema, Psoriasis, Diabetes, Strep, Acne, Gout, Bloating, Gallstones, Adrenal Stress, Fatigue, Fatty Liver, Weight Issues, SIBO & Autoimmune Disease. It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Is cat claw a pharma compound?
While cat’s claw has gotten some attention for its healing properties, it is as yet unknown to science that the herb contains bioactive pharma-compounds that supersede synthetic pharmaceuticals. All too often, antibiotics are employed against certain illnesses such as Lyme disease. The world would be a different place if cat’s claw took ...
Can bacteria become resistant to cat claws?
Cat’s claw is unique, though, in that pathogens such as bacteria cannot become resistant to it, as they sometimes can to antibiotics. For more than three decades, I’ve espoused the miraculous healing benefits of cat’s claw because it is such an essential support for so many conditions and symptoms.
Does cat claw help with strep?
Cat’s claw lowers strep without issue, making it the ultimate UTI-alleviating herb and a fundamental tool of our time.
What is a cat's claw used for?
Be careful not to confuse cat's claw with cat's foot. Cat's claw is most commonly used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is also used for cancer, viral infections, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
How long does cat claw extract last?
Cancer. Early research suggests that 100 mg of cat's claw extract taken three times daily for at least 8 weeks may help reduce tiredness and improve quality of life in some people with solid tumors. A sexually transmitted infection that can lead to genital warts or cancer ( human papillomavirus or HPV).
Where does Cat's Claw grow?
Cat's claw is a vine. It grows in the rainforest in South and Central America. Two species of cat's claw are used as medicine. Uncaria tomentosa is most commonly used in the U.S. Uncaria guianensis is used in Europe. Medicine is made from the root and bark. Be careful not to confuse cat's claw with cat's foot.
What medications can you take before taking cat claws?
Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others. Dosing.
Does a cat's claw cause blood clotting?
Bleeding disorders: Cat's claw might slow blood clotting. There is concern that cat's claw might increase the risk of bruising or bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: There is some evidence that cat's claw might lower blood pressure.
Does cat claw extract help knee pain?
Osteoarthritis. Taking a specific cat's claw (Uncaria guianensis) extract by mouth appears to relieve knee pain that occurs during physical activity. But it does not seem to decrease knee swelling or pain when resting. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Does cat claw affect blood pressure?
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CAT'S CLAW. Cat's claw seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking cat's claw along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
What is cat claw used for?
Cat’s claw is a medicinal herb traditionally used to excite the immune system. Studies have shown it may boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and also help with chemotherapy. Read on to discover the potential health benefits and negative consequences associated with this herb.
Does cat claw help with chilly sores?
In a study of 31 volunteers with chilly Sores (herpes labialis), cat’s claw was more effective in reducing symptoms such as swelling, skin reddening, and pain compared to prescription antifungal medication Acyclovir.
Is there clinical evidence for cat claws?
No Clinical evidence supports the use of cat’s claw for some of the conditions listed within this section. Below is a list of the existing creature and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts. On the other hand, the research shouldn’t be interpreted as encouraging any health advantage.
Does cat claw extract help with cancer?
In a study of 40 breast cancer sufferers undergoing chemotherapy, 300 milligrams cat’s claw extract prevented a decrease in white blood cells (neutropenia) and repaired DNA damage. However, the same dose was ineffective in a different trial on 43 individuals with colorectal cancer.
Is there a dose of cat claw?
Since Cat’s claw is not approved by the FDA for any conditions, there is absolutely no official dose. Users and nutritional supplement manufacturers have created unofficial dosages based on trial and error. Discuss with your doctor if the cat’s claw may be useful in your circumstance and the dose you should take.