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Cat’s Claw Uses & Scientific Evidence Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies) Cat’s claw has been reportedly used by indigenous peoples in the Andes to treat inflammation, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, tumors, dysentery, and as birth control.1 Cat’s claw is popular in South American folk medicine for treating intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound healing. Active constituents According to test tube studies, oxyindole alkaloids in cat’s claw stimulate immune function.2 Alkaloids and glycosides in cat’s claw have also demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.3 4 Although clinical trials are lacking, cat’s claw has become very popular in North America and is sometimes recommended for people with cancer or HIV infection. A cigarette smoker who took a freeze-dried extract of cat’s claw root bark for one month showed a sharp decrease in one urinary cancer marker.5 This finding, however, does little to support the use of the herb in persons with cancer and points toward the need for actual clinical studies to determine its effectiveness. Cat’s claw has been used traditionally for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In a double-blind trial, 100 mg per day of a freeze-dried preparation of cat's claw taken for four weeks was significantly more effective than a placebo at relieving pain and improving the overall condition.6 References 1. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 18–9. 2. Keplinger H. Oxyindole alkaloids having properties stimulating the immunologic system and preparation containing same. US Patent no. 5,302,611, April 12, 1994. 3. Aquino R, De Feo V, De Simone F, et al. Plant metabolites, new compounds and anti-inflammatory activity of Uncaria tomentosa. J Nat Prod 1991;54:453–9. 4. Rizzi R, Re F, Bianchi A, et al. Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its extracts. J Ethnopharmacol 1993;38:63–77. 5. Rizzi R, Re F, Bianchi A, et al. Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its extracts. J Ethnopharmacol 1993;38:63–77. 6. Piscoya J, Rodriguez Z, Bustamante SA, et al. Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat's claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: mechanisms of action of the species Uncaria guianensis. Inflamm Res 2001;50:442–8. This information is for informational purposes only. http://www.publix.com/wellness/notes/Display.do?id=Herb&childId=Cats_Claw Basically, they're still working on the studies as far as I can tell, but based on testimonials, I'd say it's working for many. My LLMD (ND) is also putting me on Samento.  WARNING: A plant called “cat’s claw” grows in northern Mexico and southern Texas. This plant, Acacia gregii, has no known health benefits and its bark may be poisonous. This is not the Cat's Claw or Samento we are discussing here that is vine growing in Peru, but I thought it would be good to make note of this. Use caution when purchasing online... I want you safe!! HOW DO WE KNOW IT WORKS? We do not know if cat’s claw has any beneficial effects for people with HIV [or other diseases/conditions]. There have been several laboratory studies that show promising results. However, very few people have taken cat’s claw in careful scientific studies. Other research showed that cat’s claw also contains different kinds of alkaloids that affect the central nervous system. These alkaloids might work against the alkaloids that affect the immune system. More research is needed. In laboratory studies, cat’s claw normalizes some immune system functions. It also appears to help reduce blood clotting. We do not know if these laboratory results will carry over to studies in people. http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/722 Without controlled studies, we don't know if it does anything, good or bad. Bottom Line: IMO, the "scientific" verdict is still out... it has neither been proven nor disproven at this point, although several studies do look promising in favor of it's use. Also IMO, the lack of controlled studies simply means there hasn't been enough done yet to prove or disprove, not that it does or does not work. I personally, feel strongly in favor of Samento because I feel that word of mouth testimonials by people I feel I can trust have seen great benefit by it's use... even my LLMD feels strongly in favor of it's benefits. So that's my person opinion. HERE is a GREAT article on Samento!! http://www.samento.com.ec/sciencelib/4sam/07Sampanacea.html I encourage anyone interested to read it in it's entirety... you are still entitled to your own opinions, of course. I am just sharing, once again, my findings which for me personally, contribute to my own take on it all. (((BIG HUGS))) I'm F.I.N.E. Frustrated, Irritated, Nonfunctional & Everything hurts!! Sarcasm: Embrace it!  ______________________ "Always hold your head up, but be careful to keep your nose at a friendly level" - Max L. Foreman ______________________ I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa ______________________ "There's always light at the end of every tunnel, just pray it's not a train! "  ______________________ Faith makes things possible, not easy! |
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