Cat's Claw Bark Powder, Wild Crafted

Also Known As - Uncaria tomentosa

Origin - Peru

Overview - Cat’s Claw is a climbing vine indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America, including Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Trinidad, Venezuela, Suriname, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama. The name comes from the claw-like thorns that are used by the vine to climb high into the canopy of the rainforest. There are two main documented species of this plant and they share similar chemical make-ups (U. tomentosa and U. guianensis) Many Native Tribes in the South American Rainforest have used this herb medicinally but the Ashaninka of central Peru are one of the largest commercial producers of Cat's Claw and they as well as many other tribes have made the plant part of their medicinal and spiritual practice for over 2,000 years. Austrian researcher Klaus Keplinger learned about the plant from the Ashaninka, evaluated it in his lab, and then applied for US patents based on the isolation of certain chemicals (oxindole alkaloids) in the plant. Undoubtedly, this didn't change the native people’s value of the plant that value its spiritual virtues as highly as its medicinal properties.

Medicinal Uses - There have been several areas of interest in the research related to Cat's Claw, most notably the effects on the immune system and the inflammatory pathways in the human body. * The group of chemical compounds in Cat's Claw known as glycosides have been the center of much of the research investigating how this plant may promote a healthy inflammatory response.* The Oxindole Alkaloids seem to show the most promise in the understanding of how this plant helps to support the healthy functioning of the immune system. Once again we are reminded that people who neither knew or cared about these chemicals have found this plant to literally be a gift from the gods and have continued to use it.

Active Constituents - Oxindole alkaloids (isopteropodine, pteropodine, mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, rynchophylline, and isorynchophylline), triterpenes, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, glycosides, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol

Parts Used - Inner bark.

Preparations - The part of cat’s claw that’s used for medicinal purposes is the bark. From dried bark, teas and infusions can be created. In addition, you can purchase cat’s claw in the form of a pill or a tincture.

Suggested: One gram of root bark given 2 to 3 times daily is a typical dose, while 20 to 30 mg of a root bark extract has been recommended. Clinical trials are generally lacking to support appropriate dosages. A standardized extract containing 8% to 10% carboxy alkyl esters and less than 0.5% oxindole alkaloids has been used in clinical studies in doses of 250 to 300 mg.

Suggested Use: This plant is best prepared as a decoction. Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Bring to a boil and gently boil in a covered pot for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and settle for 10 minutes and strain warm liquid into a cup (leaving the settled powder in the bottom of the pan). It is traditionally taken in 1 cup dosages, 2-3 times daily. 

Precautions - Cat’s claw can interact with some medications, so it’s important to make sure you’re not taking something that would be conflicting such as anticoagulants, diuretics, and blood pressure medications.

Disclaimer: These products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease. Reviews are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care or the advice of a physician or another medical professional. Actual results may vary among users. Mountain Maus Remedies LLC makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information contributed by outside product review submissions, and assumes no responsibility or liability regarding the use of such information. The information and statements regarding the dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your health care provider. If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you should work with your health care provider before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen, including augmenting your regimen with dietary supplements. Do not attempt to self-diagnose any disease or ailment based on the reviews and do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or suspect you have an undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician or health care practitioner.