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Cats Claw Medicinal Uses Interactions Side Effects DosageCats Claw Medicinal Uses Interactions Side Effects Dosageby Steve MathewCats Claw Cats claw, also known as una de gato, belongs to the genus Uncaria and is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America. Uncaria plants are woody vines with characteristic curved thorns, which resemble cat claws, on their stems. The species most widely used for medicinal purposes in Western countries is Uncaria tomentosa, but a related species, U. guianensis, is also employed. Other species are popular in Asia. Uses: Cats claw preparations have been employed by native populations of the upper Amazon basin for generations to treat a myriad of health problems. The Peruvian Ashaninka Indians view the vine as "life giving." Cats claw is traditionally used to treat arthritis and rheumatism, ulcers and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, asthma, wounds, gonorrhea, dysentery, and tumors; to help recover from childbirth; and as a contraceptive (in large doses). In North America and Europe, cats claw is currently promoted for similar uses, with an emphasis on stimulating the immune system to treat disorders such as cancer, viral diseases (including AIDS), gastrointestinal illnesses, and inflammatory disorders. Anecdotal reports abound describing the healing properties of cats claw preparations for many serious or chronic medical conditions. Pharmacology: Active chemical constituents from the roots, bark, and other parts of the plant include pentacyclic and tetra |