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What is cat claw? Known
as a high-climbing, woody vine, cat claw has two-curved thorns
at the base of the plant's leaves. It resembles the claws of
a cat. It enables the vine to climb up trees or other vegetation
into the forest canopy. The Latin translation of cat’s claw
is known as an herbal botanical, Uncaria.
Where
is the origin of cat’s claw?
Known in Spanish as uña de gato, cat’s claw is popular in the
northern Amazon regions of Columbia, Ecuador, Peru as well as
other South American countries.
Are
there any medical benefits in taking cat’s claw?
Preliminary
scientific studies have been found the plant's immune-boosting
and anti-inflammatory agents to enhance health. Only speculative
evidence has shown cat's claw ability to defend against may
have antiviral and cancer-fighting potential as well.
Two
species of cat's claw are harvested for medicinal purposes,
Uncaria guianensis, used mainly in Europe, and Uncaria tomentosa,
commonly imported into the United States. Among the herbal practitioners
of South America, the two species are considered interchangeable.
How
was cat’s claw discovered for the use of healing medical ailments?
Over
hundreds of years, cat's claw has been used by people of the
Amazon to treat a wide array of ailments. From stomach discomfort,
skin condition, birth control, cancer, arthritis and liver disorders.
What
have the clinical findings of cat’s claw demonstrated?
In
numerous laboratory experiments, cat’s claw has been found to
treat anti-inflammatory effects. For instance certain trials
have should significant relief from pain during daytime activities;
however, during evening hours, cat’s claw has not shown to provide
any relieve. More medical evaluations on cat’s claw are studying
its effects on asthma, allergies, bursitis, tendonitis and Crohn's
disease. |
