Cat's Claw as an Herb

(Uncaria tomentosa, U. guianensis)

Cat's claw comes from the stem and root of two Amazonian woody vines belonging to the madder family.

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. Studies at the University of Munich in 1985 found several alkaloids with significant immunostimulant activity. In 1993 Italian researchers found new compounds, quinovic glycosides, which showed antiviral, antimutagenic, and antioxidant effect. An Austrian research group found several alkaloids which inhibited the growth of tumor cells in laboratory tests.

Medicinal Uses for Cat's Claw

The Piura Indians used a bark decoction of Cat's-claw to treat inflammation, rheumatism, gastric ulcers and tumors, and as a contraceptive. Indian groups in Colombia and Guyana use it for dysentery. Popular use of Cat's-claw started in North America in the 1990s.

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, hemorrhoids, gout, swellings, allergies, herpes infections, gastric ulcers, gastritis, inflammatory bowel conditions and AIDS. The products are registered pharmaceuticals in these countries and are available only by prescription. Controlled clinical studies are underway, but to date there is no scientific evidence that it is effective in any of the above situations.

For the very young and elderly, doses must be mild to begin in order to assess tolerance; possibility of diarrhea. If combining other herbs, the amount of Cat's Claw should be reduced.

Infusion

Usually cat's-claw is used as a tincture. The tannins in the herb are released only if it is taken in an acidic medium; add a little lemon juice to a quarter-cup of water to which you add the tincture or prepare as a tea. For convenience it may be taken as a capsule.

Decoction: 1 teaspoon bark to 1 cup water, boil 10 to 15 minutes, allow to cool. Strain. 1 cup taken 3 times daily.
Tincture: 1 to 2 ml, once or twice daily.

Folklore

Ashanica Indians of Peru believe that cat's claw has life giving properties, and their folklore states that if you drink one cup of bark decoction a week it will ward off diseases, help ease bone pain, and cleanse the body. There is certainly a bit of validity to these claims. At least one researcher referred to cat's claw as the "opener of the way" for its ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract.

Culinary

Not common for culinary purposes, nor recommended.

Cautions

Not to be used by anyone with organ or tissue transplants (increases chance that new tissue will be recognized as an invader), autoimmune diseases, muscular sclerosis, tuberculosis, pregnancy, anyone breastfeeding. Not give to children under the age of 2. Also not to be taken by anyone using any type of hormonal medication, insulin, vaccines, or blood thinning medications.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.