Cat's Claw, known as Una de Gato in Spanish, is a large, woody, climbing vine which grows around trees in the higher elevations of Peru. Its name is attributed to characteristic claw-like thorns on its stem. The bark of Cat's Claw is used in traditional Peruvian folk medicine for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, gastritis & ulcers, and certain epidemic diseases. Although originally used by native tribes of the Amazon, Cat's Claw's fame has spread and today is used by many people (including medical doctors & hospitals) throughout Peru.
Medical research has shown that extracts of the bark possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory & contraceptive activity, and markedly potentiate various immune system functions (activate macrophages, lymphocytes, leukocytes, etc.). It has also shown to be antimutagenic and to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Indications for Cat's Claw include: as anti-inflammatory therapy in the treatment of rheumatism & arthritis, gastritis & ulcers, and other inflammatory conditions; as adjunct therapy in the treatment of cancer and other conditions associated with a compromised immune system; as protective therapy for smokers. Extracts of the bark have been shown to greatly diminish the mutagenic substances of tobacco found in the urine of cigarette smokers.
Although botanical references to the herb go back as far as the late 1700's, the first chemical study performed on an Uncaria species was conducted in France in 1952. Since then, most of the pharmacological studies have been done primarily in Germany, Austria, Italy and Peru. Before funds ran out, the National Cancer Institute (U.S.) discovered tumor-inhibiting properties in Cat's Claw.
Cat's Claw has been used by millions of Amazonians for centuries and has shown no known toxicity when investigated in Europe. Therapeutic doses are usually three to six grams daily of the capsules or four strong cups of the tea for adults. Cat's Claw has traditionally been used as an antifertility agent for women and medical research suggests there may be something to this. Although there seems to be no indication that it is an abortafacient, its use during pregnancy may be contraindicated.