|
|
| UNA DE GATO "CAT'S CLAW" |
Family: Rubiaceae.
Genus: Uncaria
Species:
tomentosa. guianensis
Common names: Cat's Claw, Una de gato, Paraguayo,
Garabato, Garbato casha, Samento, Toroñ, Tambor huasca, Aun huasca, Una de
gavilan, Hawk's claw
Part Used: Bark, Root, Leaves
|
 |
|
DESCRIPTION
|
| Properties/Actions: |
Antibacterial, Antimutagenic, Antioxidant,
Anti-inflammatory, Antitumorous, Antiviral, Cytostatic, Depurative,
Diuretic, Hypotensive, Immunostimulant, Vermifuge |
| Phytochemicals: |
3beta,6beta, 7-Acetoxydihydronomiline SD CCO,
19alpha-trihydroxy- urs-12-en-28-oic-acid, 5alpha-
carboxystrictosidine, Acetyluncaric-Acid PL JSG, Adipic-Acid,
Alloisopteropodine, Allopteropodine, Angustine, Campesterol,
Carboxystrictosidine, Catechol BR AYL, D-Catechin, DL-Catechol,
Catechutannic Acid, Beta-sitosterol, Corynantheine, Corynoxeine,
Dihydrocorynantheine, Dihydrocorynantheine-n-oxide,
Dihydrogambirtannine, Ellagic Acid, L-Epicathechol,
(-)-Epicathechin, Gallic-Acid, Hanadamine, Hirsutine, Hirsuteine,
Hirsutine-N-Oxide, Hyperin, 3-ISO-19-EPI-Ajmalicine, Isocorynozeine,
Isomitraphylline, Isopteropodine, Isorhynchophylline,
Isorhynchophylline-N-Oxide, Isorotundifoline, Ketouncaric-Acid,
Mitraphylline, 11-Methoxyyohimbine, Oleanolic-acid, Ourouparin,
Oxogambirtannine, Pteropodine,
Quinovic-acid-3beta-o-(Beta-d-glucopyranosyl -(1->3)beta-d-
fucopyranosyl-(27->1)beta d-glucopyranosyl-ester,
Quinovic-acid-3beta- o-beta-d-fucopyranoside,
Quinovic-acid-3beta-o-beta-d-fucopyranosyl-
(27->1)beta-d-glucopyranosylester, Quinovic-acid-3beta-o-beta-d-
quinovopyranoside, Rhynchophylline, Rotundifoline, Speciophylline,
Stigmasterol, Uncarine, Uncarine-f, Ursolic-acid |
| Traditional Remedy: |
One-half cup bark vine decoction boiled with small
amount of lemon juice 2-3 times daily. 1-5 grams of powdered bark in
tablets or capsules twice daily can be substituted if
desired. See the Cat's Claw FAQ about tinctures with this plant.
See Traditional Herbal Remedies
Preparation Methods page if necessary for
definitions. |
|
|
|
ETHNOBOTANY: WORLDWIDE USES
|
Colombia |
Dysentery, Gonorrhea |
Guiana |
Dysentery |
Peru |
Abscesses, Arthritis, Asthma, Blood Cleanser, "Bone
Pains", Cancer, Cirrhosis, Contraceptive, Cytostatic, Diabetes,
Diarrhea, Disease Prevention, Dysentery, Fevers, Gastric Ulcers,
Gastritis, Gonorrhea, Hemorrhages, Inflammations, Intestinal
Affections, Kidney Cleanser, Menstrual Irregularity, Rheumatism,
Skin Disorders, Stomach, Urinary Tract Disorders, Tumors,
Wounds |
Suriname |
Dysentery, Intestinal Affections,
Wounds |
|
Una de Gato or Cat's Claw is a large woody vine that is
indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest and other tropical areas of South
and Central America including Peru, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Trinidad,
Venezuela, Suriname, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama. It's name is
derived from the hook-like thorns that grow along the vine that resemble
a claw of a cat. Two closely related species of Uncaria are used almost
interchangeably in the rainforests - Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Both species are large woody vines that can
reach over 100 feet high into the canopy with claw-like thorns, however, U. guianensis has thorns which are more curved and
reddish-orange flowers, in comparison to U tomentosa's smaller
yellowish-white flowers. |
Both Uncaria species are used by the indigenous people
of the rainforest in very similar ways with a very long history of use.
Cat's Claw (U. tomentosa) has been used medicinally by the
Aguaruna, Asháninka, Cashibo, Conibo and Shipibo tribes of Peru for at
least 2,000 years.(1) The Asháninka Indian tribe in central
Peru have been the most closely associated rainforest tribe with Cat's
Claw. They have the longest recorded history of use with the plant and
are also the largest commercial source of Cat's Claw from Peru today.
The Asháninka use Cat's Claw to treat asthma, inflammations of the
urinary tract, to recover from childbirth, as a kidney cleanser, to cure
deep wounds, for arthritis, rheumatism and bone pain, to control
inflammation and gastric ulcers, and for cancer.(1 - 4) Indigenous tribes in Piura use Cat's Claw to treat tumors,
inflammations, rheumatism and gastric ulcers.(5) Indian
tribes in Columbia use the vine to treat gonorrhea and
dysentery.(6, 7) Other Peruvian indigenous tribes use Cat's
Claw to treat diabetes, urinary tract cancer in women, cirrhosis,
gastritis, rheumatism, inflammations and tumors.(5, 7, 8)The
Cashibo tribe of eastern Peru believes that Cat's Claw "normalizes the
body" and have used it since ancient times to treat fevers, abscesses
and to cleanse the system.(1) Other documented indigenous
uses in Peru include using this important vine for hemorrhages,
impurities of the skin, as a blood cleanser, and for irregularity of the
menstrual cycle.(1) Cat's Claw has also been reported to used
as a contraceptive by several different tribes of Peru, however, only in
excessive amounts. Dr. Fernando Cabieses, a noted authority on Peruvian
medicinal plants, explains that the Asháninka boil 11-13 pounds of the
root in water until it is reduced to a little more than a cup. This
decoction is then taken daily during the period of menstruation for
three consecutive months to supposedly cause sterility for three to four
years.(9) |
With so many documented uses of this important
rainforest plant, it is not surprising that it came to the attention of
western researchers and scientists. First written about in the
mid-1960's by a European teacher, Arturo Brell, and U.S. University
professor Eugene Whitworth, the ethnic uses began to be recorded, plant
samples taken and initial screening of active constituents
performed.(3) Then in the early 1970's came Klaus Keplinger,
a journalist and self-taught ethnologist from Innnsbruck, Austria who
was responsible for organizing the first definitive studies on Cat's
Claw. Keplinger's work in the 1970's and 1980's led to several extracts
of cat's claw being sold in Austria and Germany as prescription
medicines,(10 - 12) |
Four US patents describing the alkaloid extraction
methods and the immunostimulating actions of these alkaloids found in
Cat's Claw,(13 - 15) and fueled worldwide interest in the
medicinal properties of this valuable vine of the rainforest. In May of
1994, the World Health Organization sponsored the First International
Conference on Cat's Claw in Geneva Switzerland. At the conference, Cat's
Claw received official recognition as a medicinal plant and it was
pointed out that not since quinine was discovered in the bark of a
Peruvian tree in the 17th century, has any other rainforest
plant ever prompted such worldwide
attention.(16) |
The most attention to date has been on the oxindole
alkaloids found in the bark and roots of Cat's Claw which have been
documented to stimulate the immune system. Studies indicate at least six
of these oxindole alkaloids can increase immune function by up to 50% in
relatively small amounts.(3, 13 - 15, 17 - 26) This has led
to its use around the world as an adjunctive treatment for cancer and
AIDS as well as other diseases which negatively impact the immunological
system.(10 - 12, 27, 28) In addition to it's
immunostimulating activity for cancer patients, other anti-cancerous
properties have been documented on the alkaloids as well as other
constituents in Cat's Claw. Five of the oxindole alkaloids have been
clinically documented with anti-leukemic properties,(29)and
various root and bark extracts have demonstrated anti-tumorous and
antimutagenic properties.(10, 30 - 33) Reports on observatory
trials with cancer patients taking Cat's Claw in conjunction with
traditional cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation reported
fewer side effects to the traditional therapies like hair loss, weight
loss, nausea, secondary infections and skin
problems.(10) |
Another significant area of study on Cat's Claw has
focused on its anti-inflammatory properties. While plant sterols like
Beta-sitosterol, acids and other antioxidants found in Cat's Claw
account for some of these properties, new and novel phytochemicals
called quinovic acid glycosides were found in the bark and roots and
documented to be the most potent anti-inflammatory constituents found in
the plant. These studies indicated that Cat's Claw and some of its
constituents could inhibit inflammation from 46% to up 69% in various in
vivo and in vitro tests.(8, 34 - 40) This validated its long
history of indigenous use for arthritis and rheumatism as well as other
types of inflammation associated with various stomach disorders and
ulcers where it was clinically shown to be effective.(41) This same group of chemicals also demonstrated in vitro antiviral
properties in another study.(42) |
Cat's Claw also contains the alkaloids, Rhynchophylline, Hirsutine, and Mitraphylline, which
have demonstrated hypotensive and vasodilating properties.(43,
44) Rhynchophylline has also shown to inhibit platelet
aggregation and thrombosis and may help prevent blood clots in blood
vessels, (44, 45) as well as to relax the blood vessels of
endothelial cells, dilate peripheral blood vessels, lower the heart rate
and lower blood cholesterol.(46) |
In herbal medicine today, Cat's Claw is employed
around the world for many different conditions. Dr. Schwontkowski
reports it being used for the treatment of immune disorders, gastritis,
ulcers, cancer, arthritis, rheumatism, irregularities of the female
cycle, acne, organic depression, wounds, fungus, fistulas, hemorrhoids,
rheumatic disorders, neuralgias, chronic inflammation (vaginal or
intestinal), and viral diseases like herpes zoster
(shingles).(47) Dr. Brent Davis refers to Cat's Claw as the
"opener of the way" because of it ability to cleanse the entire
intestinal tract and its effectiveness in treating stomach and bowel
disorders such as Crohn's Disease, leaky bowel syndrome, ulcers,
gastritis, diverticulitis and other inflammatory conditions of the
bowel, stomach and intestines.(48) Dr. Julian Whitaker, M.D.
reports using Cat's Claw for its immune stimulating effects, for cancer,
in heart problems to help prevent strokes and heart attacks and to
reduce blood clots, for diverticulitis and irritable bowel
syndrome.(49) Phillip Steinberg, Certified Nutritional
Consultant, reports Cat's Claw being beneficial in the treatment of
cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, genital herpes and herpes
zoster, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, PMS and irregularities
of the female cycle, environmental toxin poisoning, numerous bowel and
intestinal disorders, organic depression and HIV.(50) Kenneth
Jones cites its usefulness in treating diverticulitis, hemorrhoids,
peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, parasites and leaky bowel
syndrome.(51) In Peruvian medicine, Cat's Claw is even being
used in veterinary practices today with benefits in dogs and cats with
hip dysplasia, arthritis, cancers, Parvo virus, dermatitis and other
skin disorders, tumors, FIV, and feline leukemia.(52) In
Peruvian herbal medicine, Cat's Claw is used for rheumatism, colic and
stomach disorders, prostate inflammation, ulcers, skin disorders, fevers
and coughs(53) as well as cancer and AIDS.(3) Toxicity studies were performed in 1997, showing no toxicity for Cat's
Claw at any of the dosages measured.(54) |
| Footnotes |
Ocampo T., Palmiro, ed., Uncaria tomentosa,
Aspectos Ethnomedicos, Medicos, Farmacologicos, Botanicos, Agronomicos,
Comerciales, Legales, Anthropologicos, Sociales y Politicos (Lima,
Peru: Instituto de Desarrollo Rural Perurano (IDDERP), 1994), 74 "Una de
Gato Asháninka," ACPC (Lima, Peru: Association for the Conservation of
the Patimony of Cutivireni), 4 pp., Undated Jones, Kenneth. 1995. Cat's Claw: Healing Vine of Peru. Sylvan Press: Seattle,
Washington (180) Rutter, Richard, A., 1990. Catologo de Plantas
Utiles de la Amazonia Peruana. Ministerio de Educacion, Instituto
Linguistico de Verano: Pucallpa, Peru. (5) De Feo, V., "Medicinal and
Magical Plants in the Northern Peruvian Andes," Fitoterapia 63 (1992): 417-440. (72) Schultes, R.E., and Raffauf, 1990. The
Healing Forest. Medicinal and Toxic Plants of the Northwest
Amazonia, R.F. Dioscorides Press: Portland Oregon.(1) Duke, James
& Vasquez, Rudolfo, 1994 Amazonian Ethnobotanical
Dictionary, CRC Press Inc.: Boca Raton, FL (10) Yepez, A.M. et al.,
1991. Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria guianensis. Phytochemisty 30: 1635-1637 Cabieses, Fernando. 1994 The
Saga of the Cat's Claw, Via Lactera Editores: Lima, Peru Krallendorn®, Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC Root Extract.-
Information for Physicians, and Dispensing Chemists, 3rd
revised edition (Volders, Austria: Immodal Pharmaka GmbH, September
1995), 20 pp. Keplinger, U.M, "Einfluss von Krallendorn extract auf
Retrovirale Infektioned," Zurcher AIDS Kongress, Zurich,
Switzerland, October 16 and 17, 1992, program and abstracts. Keplinger,
U. M., "Therapy of HIV-Infected Individuals in the Pathological
Categories CDC Al and CDC B2 with a Preparation Containing IMM-207," IV. 0sterreicbiicher AIDS-Kongress, Vienna, Austria, September
17 and 18, 1993, abstracts: 45. Keplinger, H. et al, "Oxindole Alkaloids
Having Properties Stimulating the Immunologic System and Preparation
Containing Same," United States Patent 5,302,61 1, April 12, 1994.
Keplinger, H. et al, "Oxindole Alkaloids Having Properties Stimulating
the Immunologic System and Preparation Containing the Same" United
States Patent 4,940,725 July 10, 1990 Keplinger, H. et al, "Oxindole
Alkaloids Having Properties Stimulating the Immunologic System and
Preparation Containing the Same" United States Patent 4,844,901 July 4,
1989 Urbina, Humberto Ruiz, "Usos Medicinales de la Planta Peruana 'Una
de Gato'," report presented at the "Una de Gato" First International
Congress, Geneva, May 30-31, 1994, 9 pp. Montenegro De Matta, S. et al.,
"Alkaloids and Procyanidins of an Uncaria sp. from Peru," Il Farmaco Ed. Sc. 31 (1976): 527-535. Ozaki, Y. et al.,
"Pharmacological Studies on Uncaria and Amsonia Alkaloids,"
Japanese Journal of Pharmacology (suppl.) 30 (1980): 137P.
Kreutzkamp, B., Niedermolekulare Inhalstoffe mit Immunstimulierenden Eigenschaften aus Uncaria tomentosa,
Okoubaka aubrevillei und anderen Drogen (Dissertation of
the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy of Ludwig Maximilians University,
Munich, May 1984). Stuppner, H. et al., "HPLC Analysis of the Main
Oxindole Alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa," Chromatographia 34,
no. 11/12 (1992): 597-600. Wagner, H. et al., "Die Alkaloide von Uncaria tomentosa und ihre Phagozytose-steigernde Wirkung, " Planta Medica 51 (1985): 419-423. Keplinger, H., "Oxindole
Alkaloids Having Properties Stimulating the Immunologic System and
Preparation Containing Same," United States Patent 5,302,61 1, April 12,
1994. Laus, G. and D. Keplinger, "Separation of Sterioisomeric Oxindole
Alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa by High Performance Liquid
Chromatography," Journal of Chromatography A 662 (1994):
243-249. Lavault, M. et al., "Alcaloides de L'Uncaria guianensis,"
Planta Medica 47 (1983): 244-245. Hemingway, S. R. and J. D.
Phillipson. 1974. Alkaloids from S. American Species of Uncaria (Rubiaceae), Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 26,
suppl. (1974): 113P. Raymond-Hamet, M., 1952. "Sur l'Alcaloide Principal
d'une Rubiacee des Regions Tropicales de l'Amerique de Sud: l'Ourouparia guianensis Aubelt," Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des
Seances de l'Academie des Sciences 235: 547-550. Gotuzzo, E. et
al., "En Marcha Seria Investigacion: Una de Gato y Pacientes con el
VIH," De Ciencia y Tecnologia no. 34 (October, 1993).
Inchaustegui, Gonzales, Roberto, Estudio Preliminar Sobre CAS y SIDA Utilizando Plantas Medicinales, Anos 1989-1994, Hospital IPSS,
Iquitos, Peru (Iquitos, Peru: Hospital del Instituto
Peruano de Seguridad Social Iquitos Comite ETS-SIDA, February 1993), 24
pp. Stuppner, H. et al., "A Differential Sensitivity of Oxindole
Alkaloids to Normal and Leukemic Cell Lines," Planta Medica 59,
suppl. (1993): A583. Peluso, G. et al., "Effetto Antiproliferativo su
Cellule Tumorali di Estrattie Metaboliti da Uncaria tomentosa. Studi in vitro Sulla Loro Azione DNA Polimerasi," 11 Congreso
Italo-Peruano de Etnomedicina Andina, Lima, Peru, October 27-30, 1993:
21-22. Rizzi, R. et al., "Mutagenic and Antimutagenic Activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its Extracts, " 1st Colloque
European D'Ethnopharmacologie, Metz, France, March 22-24, 1990 Rizzi, R.
et al., "Bacterial Cytotoxicity, Mutagenicity and Antimutagenicity of Uncaria tomentosa and its Extracts. Antimutagenic Activity of Uncaria tomentosa in Humans," lst Colloque European
D'Ethnopharmacologie, Metz, France, March 22-24, 1990 Rizzi, R. et al.,
"Mutagenic and Antimutagenic Activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its Extracts," Journal of Ethnopharmacology 38 (1993):
63-77. Aquino, R. et al., "Plant Metabolites. New Compounds and
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Uncaria tomentosa," Journal of
Natural Products, 54 (1991): 453-459. Aquino R., et.al.,
"New Polyhydroxylated Triterpenes from Uncaria Tomentosa Journal of
Natural Products, (1990), pp 559-564 Cerri, R. et al., "New
Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa," Journal of Natural
Products, 51 (1988): 257-261. Yasukawa, K. et al., "Effect
of Chemical Constituents from Plants on
12-0-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-Induced Inflammation in Mice,"
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 37 (1989): 1071-1073. Recio, M. C.
et al., "Structural Requirements for the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of
Natural Triterpenoids," Planta Medica 61, no. 2 (1995):
182-185. De Simone, F. et al, 1988. New Quinovic Acid Glycosides from
Uncaria Tomentosa. Journal of Natural Products Vol 51, No 2, pp
257-261 Mar-Apr Senatore, A. et al., "Ricerche Fitochimiche e Biologiche
Sull Uncaria tomentosa, " Bollettino Societa di Biologia
Sperimentale 65 (1989): 517-520. Fazzi, Marco A. Costa, Evaluation de la Uncaria tomentosa (Una de Gato) en lan
Prevencion de Ulceras Gastricas de Stress Producidas Experimentalmente
en Rats (Dissertation of the Faculty of Medicine, University
Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru, 1989). Aquino, R. et al., "Plant
Metabolites. Structure and In Vitro Antiviral Activity of
Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa and Guettarda platypoda," Journal of Natural Products 4 52 (1989):
679-685. Yano, S. et al., "Ca2, Channel Blocking Effects of Hirsutine,
an Indole Alkaloid from Uncaria Genus, in the Isolated Rat Aorta," Planta Medica 57 (1991): 403-405. Chan-Xun, C, et al., 1992.
Inhibitory effect of rhynchophylline on platelet aggregation and
thrombosis. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 13(2): 126-130 Jin,
R.M., et al., 1991. Effect of rhynchophylline on platlet aggregation and
experimental thrombosis. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 25: 246-249
Monograph: Cat's Claw. April, 1996. Lawrence Review of Natural
Products, Facts and Comparisons Inc.: St. Louis, MO..
Schwontkowski, Dr. Donna, 1993. HERBS OF THE AMAZON,
Traditional and Common Uses,Science Student BrainTrust Publishing,
Utah. Davis, Brent W. 1992. "A "New" World Class Herb for A.K. Practice:
Uncaria tomentosa - a.k.a. Unade Gato (UDG)" Collected Papers of the
International College of Applied Kinesiology - Summer 1992 Whitaker,
Julian. 1995. "Una de Gato." Health & Healing, Tomorrow's
Medicine Today, Vol 5., No 5. May 1995 Steinberg, Phillip, 1994.
"Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) A Wondrous Herb form the Peruvian Rain
Forest" Townsend Letter for Doctors, May 1994 pp 442-443 Jones,
Kenneth. 1994. The Herb Report: Una de Gato, Life-Giving Vine of Peru. Am Herb Assoc1994; 10(3):4 Urbina, Humberto Ruiz, Experiencias
con el Empleor de la Plantas 'Uncaria tomentosa' o 'Una de Gato' en
Clinica Veterinaria de Perros y Gatos, Lima, Peru, May,
1994, 11 pp. Kember Mejia and Elsa Reng, 1995. Plantas medicinales
de uso popular en la Amazonia Peruana.AECI and IIAP: Lima, Peru.
(75) Santa Maria A, et al. Evaluation of the toxicity of Uncaria
tomentosa by bioassays in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997
Aug;57(3):183-7. |
| Quoted References |
Una de Gato is considered one of the most important
botanicals in the rainforest. In Peru, Una de Gato tea is used as a
medicinal herb with almost unlimited curative properties. This herb is a
powerful cellular rejuvenator. It has been used for the treatment of
gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), ulcers, cancer, arthritis,
rheumatism, irregularities of the female cycle, and acne. It is also
used to treat organic depression. External applications of Una de Gato
include the treatment of wounds, fungus, fistulas and hemorrhoids.
European research shows that Una de Gato activates the immune system by
increasing lymphocytic (white blood cell) activity. Other sources
commend the effectiveness of leaf compresses against venereal diseases
like syphilis. It has a positive treatment effect in cases of rheumatic
disorders, neuralgias, chronic inflammation (vaginal or intestinal), and
viral diseases like herpes zoster (shingles). It can also help restore
proper intestinal flora and has diuretic properties." "Una de Gato from
the Peruvian rainforest is a favorite for stimulating the immune system.
World wide research done on this powerful herb has led scientists to
patent many of the single chemicals found in it for use in healing
cancer, arthritis, AIDS and other diseases. However, traditional wisdom
shows that using the whole plant can be far more powerful than any one
isolated ingredient. Dr. Brent W. Davis referred to Una de Gato as "the
opener of the way" because of its remarkable ability to cleanse the
entire intestinal tract. Because of this ability, Una de Gato can be
used for Crohn's Disease, hemorrhoids, parasites, leaky bowel syndrome,
ulcers, gastritis, allergic disorders, diverticulitis, stabilizing
intestinal flora and other gastrointestinal issues. Una de Gato is also
a powerful anti-inflammatory which makes it very useful for arthritis
and other inflammatory diseases. It also helps to increase T-lymphocyte
and microphage production, tonify the blood, and can be used as a broad
spectrum infection fighter. Una de Gato also helps repair the lipid
matrix in the cell walls and is particularity good for stopping the
expansion of virus laden cells. At the University of Milan, Renato Rizzi
led an experiment with Una de Gato as it relates to cancer causing
(mutagenic) substances in smokers. It is well known that the urine of
smokers contains mutagenic substances. When given Una de Gato for two
weeks, the smoker's urine returned to normal. This is important because
it shows Una de Gato can help lesson the risk of developing cancers and
other degenerative diseases."< BLOCKQUOTE> "ACTIONS: Immune system
booster, Tumor inhibitor, Infection fighter, Dispels inflammation.
TRADITIONAL USE: It is considered one of the most important botanicals
in the rainforest. By supporting and enhancing immune system function,
Una De Gato is indicated in a broad spectrum of conditions including all
types of infections. Urarina tribesman of Peru tell stories of Una De
Gato curing tumors. Una De Gato was one of the plants research by the
National Institute for Health as an anticancer agent. Studies from
various laboratories indicate it normalizes the immunoglobulins by
activating T-lymphocytes and macrophages. MERIDIAN INDICATIONS: Tonifies
the blood, Increases Liver / Spleen Qi, Releases congestion in liver
meridian. EVA POINTS: Liver, Spleen.
Uncaria guianensis (Aubl.)
Gmel. Rubiaceae. "Una de gato", "Cat's claw", "Paraguayo", "Garabato",
"Una de gavilan", "Hawk's claw". In Piura, the bark decoction,
considered antiinflammatory, antirheumatic, and contraceptive, is used
in treating gastric ulcers and tumors (FEO). Considered a remedy for
cancer of the female's urinary tract; also used for gastritis,
rheumatism and cirrhosis. The "Boras" use it for gonorrhea (RVM).
Colombian and Guianan Indians use it for dysentery (SAR). Nicole Maxwell
culimates her latest edition with an illustrated anecdote about this
plant, now exported by the tons to Europe, for various cancers. Nicole
even states that it turns grey hair black, including some of her own
(NIC). See following entry."
"Uncaria tomentosa (Aubl.) Gmel.
Rubiaceae. "Una de gato", "Cat's claw", "Paraguayo", "Garabato","Una de
gavilan,"Hawk's claw". Widely used in Peru for antiinflammatory,
contraceptive, and cytostatic activities, the plant has yielded an
antiinflammatory antiedemic glycoside (JNP54(2):453. 1991). In Piura,
the bark decoction, considered antiinflammatory, antirheuniatic, and
contraceptive, is used in treating gastric ulcers and tumors (FEO). In
her latest edition, Nicole Maxwell (1990) has added much information
which may reflect the potential of the cat's claw. She informs us that
Sidney McDaniel submitted samples to the NIH cancer screen.
The
most powerful immune-enhancing herb is Una de gato. Research from 1970 through the present (by Klaus Keplinger and others in Austria, Germany,
England, Hungary and Italy) has shown beneficial effects of Una de gato
in the treatments for cancer, genital herpes, systemic candidiasis and
AIDS. Six alkaloids isolated from the plant root have been found to
significantly enhance the ability of the white blood cells to attack,
engulf and digest harmful micro-organisms or foreign matter, thus
assisting the process of phagocytosis in the body.
My own preliminary
studies on the immune-enhancing properties of Una de gato have uncovered
the following:
An ability to stop viral infections in the early
stages (when an individual feels an infection starting and/or already
has a fever, fatigue, muscle aches and sore throat). One patient
reported that his viral infection symptoms cleared within 8 hours after
taking Una de gato.
An ability to help patients who are
chemically-sensitive, decreasing the fatigue which accompanies this
problem and reducing the severity of symptoms.
An ability to
significantly enhance emotional stability, even in the midst of extreme
stress from personal problems. One patient commented, "I just can't get
depressed anymore, no matter what happens. It's this Amazon
herb!"
An ability to help the body fight infections better in AIDS patients. One patient reported, "I ran out of the fungicide for the
skin rash on my face and used a bacteriocidal agent until I could get a
new prescription. The bactericide didn't work and the rash started
coming back. I used Una de gato and after just three days, the rash
cleared up on my face. I feel that it's my own body working against the
fungus as a result of the Una de gato.
An ability to decrease the
visible size of some skin, tumor or cyst growths within two weeks.
|
Una de gato also has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and
anti-oxidant properties. These properties explain its usefulness in the
treatment of arthritis, bursitis, allergies and numerous bowel and
intestinal disorders. There have been several case histories cited in
literature where Una de gato has been linked with the remission of
intractable brain and other tumors and give relief to the side-effects
of
chemotherapy.
|
|
|
|
|
