Cat's Claw: Superb Skin Benefits You Need To Know

Cat's claw, scientifically known as Uncaria tomentosa, is a medicinal plant native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas in Central and South America. It is believed to have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The use of cat's claw dates back to the Inca civilization, where it was used to treat inflammation, cancer, viral infections, ulcers, and to stimulate the immune system. Today, it is commonly used to treat both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, with studies showing that it can reduce pain and improve joint function.

Cat's claw has also been found to have antitumor effects, with the ability to kill cancer cells and repair DNA damage caused by chemotherapy. In addition, it has been shown to improve digestive problems, such as gum inflammation, stomach inflammation, and Crohn's disease.

Other potential benefits of cat's claw include boosting the immune system, lowering high blood pressure, and aiding in HIV treatment. However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and potential side effects of this supplement.

Cat's claw may reduce inflammation in the digestive system

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a medicinal plant that grows in the Amazonian rainforest and other tropical areas in Central and South America. The use of the herb dates back to the Inca civilization. It is also known as the "life-giving vine of Peru".

Cat's claw has been used to treat inflammation, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, dysentery, tumors, arthritis, intestinal complaints, and wounds. It is also used to treat inflammatory gut disorders, including gum inflammation, gastritis, and colitis.

Cat's claw has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the digestive system. In one study, cat's claw protected against stomach inflammation in rats and prevented TNF-α production and cell death. It also blocked the release of inflammatory molecules like NF-κB and TNF-α in mice.

In a clinical trial on 50 people with gum inflammation, a gel with cat's claw was as effective as an antifungal (miconazole) at reducing the counts of infectious yeasts.

Cat's claw is also believed to reduce free radicals in the body, which are a common culprit of inflammation. It may also help to repair DNA damage.

It can help treat gum inflammation

Cat's claw has been shown to be effective in treating gum inflammation. In a clinical trial on 50 people with gum inflammation, a gel with cat's claw was as effective as an antifungal (miconazole) at reducing the counts of infectious yeasts.

Cat's claw is a medicinal plant that grows in the Amazonian rainforest and other tropical areas in Central and South America. The use of the herb dates back to the Inca civilization. Indigenous cultures of South America used cat's claw for inflammation, cancer, viral infections, ulcers, and to stimulate the immune system.

Cat's claw can refer to Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Most commercial preparations such as teas, tablets, and capsules contain U. tomentosa. The two different types of cat's claw contain different active compounds and have different medicinal properties. Uncaria tomentosa contains more pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs), while U. guianensis is richer in tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs). TOAs act on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), whereas POAs affect the immune system.

Cat's claw is rich in three major groups of chemical compounds: alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Specific compounds found in cat's claw include mitraphylline, rhynchophylline, isopteropodine, uncarine (C, D, and E), hirsutine, uncaric acid, quinovic acid, and quinic acid.

Cat's claw has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It decreases inflammatory molecules TNF-α and NF-κB, blocks the release of iNos, an enzyme that creates free radicals as part of the immune response, and blocks the release of COX-1 and COX-2, enzymes that play crucial roles in inflammation and pain.

In addition to treating gum inflammation, cat's claw has been shown to be effective in treating both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In a clinical trial on 40 rheumatoid arthritis patients, cat's claw combined with conventional treatments (sulfasalazine/hydroxychloroquine) reduced tender and painful joints. In another trial of 45 people with knee osteoarthritis, one week of cat's claw reduced pain associated with activity.

Cat's claw has also been shown to be effective in treating stomach and gut inflammation. Cat's claw protected against stomach inflammation in rats and prevented TNF-α production and cell death. Bacterial toxins also cause the release of inflammatory molecules like NF-κB and TNF-α. Cat's claw blocked the release of these inflammatory molecules in mice.

It may reduce fatigue and improve quality of life for people with cancer

Cat's claw, scientifically known as Uncaria tomentosa, is a medicinal plant native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas in Central and South America. It is believed to reduce fatigue and improve the quality of life for people with cancer.

In a clinical trial on 51 people with advanced cancer, cat's claw supplementation reduced fatigue and improved quality of life. In another study, 40 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were given 300 mg of cat's claw extract. The extract prevented a decrease in white blood cells and repaired DNA damage.

Cat's claw has also been shown to stimulate the growth of progenitor cells in mice, which can replace damaged cells and reduce the harmful effects of chemotherapy. In rats that received chemotherapy, cat's claw increased white blood cell count and helped repair damaged DNA.

However, it is important to note that the existing evidence on the benefits of cat's claw for people with cancer is limited to a few clinical trials and some animal and cell-based research. More large-scale and robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish the safety and effectiveness of cat's claw as an adjunct therapy for cancer.

It may help treat viral infections

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a medicinal plant native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas in Central and South America. It is believed to reduce free radicals in the body, which are a common cause of inflammation. Cat's claw can modulate the body's immune system and has been used to treat inflammatory disorders.

Cat's claw has been shown to have antiviral properties and may help treat viral infections. In a study of 31 volunteers with cold sores (herpes labialis), cat's claw was more effective in reducing symptoms such as swelling, skin reddening, and pain compared to the prescription antiviral drug Acyclovir. In another trial on 261 people, immunostimulation with a natural product containing cat's claw and other herbal extracts reduced the incidence of anal warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Cat's claw also prevented immune cells from being infected with the dengue virus and reduced inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IFN-alpha. In addition, a 2011 study found that cat's claw has "potentially significant reactions" with antiretrovirals used to slow down the progression of HIV. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the full scope of cat's claw's benefits in treating viral infections.

It may help with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Cat's claw, also known as Uncaria tomentosa, is a medicinal plant that grows in the Amazonian rainforest and other tropical areas in Central and South America. The use of the herb dates back to the Inca civilization.

Cat's claw can be used to treat both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In a clinical trial on 40 rheumatoid arthritis patients, cat's claw, when combined with conventional treatments, reduced tender and painful joints. In another trial of 45 people with knee osteoarthritis, one week of cat's claw treatment reduced pain associated with activity.

In a separate study on 95 people, a dietary supplement containing 300 mg of cat's claw and 1500 mg of maca improved joint pain, stiffness, and function as effectively as glucosamine sulfate. Cat's claw extract has also been shown to increase IGF-1 levels in human cartilage cells, which may help to maintain cartilage health and prevent cartilage breakdown.

The different compounds in cat's claw are thought to work together to achieve these effects. Mitraphylline, an alkaloid found in the herb, blocks the release of inflammatory molecules such as IL-1, IL-4, IL-17, and TNF-alpha. Other pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids cause the release of an unidentified immune-regulating factor that may reduce arthritic joint pain.

Quinic acid, another compound found in cat's claw, decreases inflammatory molecules like NF-κB. Cat's claw also blocks the release of iNOS, an enzyme that creates free radicals as part of the immune response, as well as the release of COX-1 and COX-2, enzymes that play crucial roles in inflammation and pain.

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