taken from: Herbs for Your Health, by Stephen Foster
Cat's-claw/Uncaria tomentosa, U. guianensis
Sources: Cat's-claw (un`a de gato) comes from the stem and root of two
Amazonian woody vines belonging to the madder family. Bothe species are used
interchangeably in South America. Commercial supplies are wild-harvested in
Peru and Brazil.
Traditional Use: The Pura Indians used a bark decoction of U. guainsnsis to
treat inflammation, rehematism, gastric ulcers and tumors, and as a
contraceptive. Indian groups in Columbia and Guyana use it for dysentery. U.
tomentosa is a South American folk medicine for intestinal ailments, gastric
ulcers, arthritis, wounds, and cancer. Popular use in north america started
the 1990s.
Current Status: Reports of successful use as a South American Folk Remedy for
cancer prompted scientists in Germany, Austria, and Italy to take a closer
look at cat's-claw. Compounds called proanthocyanidins were found to inhibit
tumor growth in animals in the 1970s. Studies at the Univ. of Munich in 1985
found several alkaloids in U. tomentosa root with significant immunostimulant
activity. In 1993 Italian researchers found new compounds, piunovic
glycosides, preliminary pharmacological tests. An Austrian research group
found several alkaloids, including uncarine F, inhibit the growth of tumor
cells in laboratory tests. Root material may be as much as four times
stronger than stem bark.
In Germany and Austria, standardized cat's-claw extracts have been given to
cancer patients under a physician's care to stimulate their immune system.
They have also been used in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, herpes
infections, gastric ulcers, gastritis, and AIDS. The products are registered
pharmaceuticals in these countries and are available only by prescription.
Controlled clinical studies are underway, but results are inconclusive to
date.
Preparations: The dried cut-and-sifted root and stem, powdered root and stem,
capsules, tinctures, tablets, and extracts standardized for total alkaloid
content are no available in the American market.
Dosage: A dose of 20-60 mg per day of a standardized dry extract is used by
German and Austrian physicians. A decoction is made by simmering 20 g (about
1 tbs.) of pulverized root in a liter of water at 176 degrees F for 45
minutes. The adult dose is 60 ml (tsp.) of the decoction added to 60 ml of
hot water before breakfast.
Cautions: Like other immunostimulants, cat's-claw should be avoided in
diseases of the immune system itself, such as tuberculosis, multiple
sclerosis, and HIV infections. It is not known to be safe for children or
pregnant or nursing women. In Germany and Austria, standardized products are
not allowed to be combined with therapies involving hormones, insulin, fresh
blood plasma, vaccines, or in certain other special situations. Consult a
physician before using cat's-claw.
Now, let me know if ya'll need it or want to try it or if you want more info!
Renae Smith 1-800-489-DIET or NACYTRACY(AT)aol.com
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