Botanical:  Uncaria tomentosa
Family:  Rubiaceae (madder)
Other common names:   Una de Gato, Hawk's Claw, Samento, Rangayo, Garabato Amarillo, Jipotatsa, Chacruk

Cat's Claw is an exotic gift from the Peruvian rainforests that is becoming widely recognized as a superior immune stimulant with antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory qualities, and that's just the beginning!  It is said to be a "life-giving" tonic that cleanses the intestinal tract, supports healthy blood pressure levels, and new research promises many other surprises.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History:
Cat's Claw, frequently called by its Spanish name, Una de Gato, is a tropical, creeping, woody vine that climbs upright, and when it connects to canopy trees, may reach a length of one hundred feet or more.  It is a native of the rainforests of the Peruvian Amazon, and its English name refers to the small, sharp spines on the plant's stem, which are curved back like a cat's claw.  It belongs to the same plant family as coffee, and the inner bark is used in herbal medicine.  The native peoples of South America have used Cat's Claw for centuries to treat intestinal problems, heal wounds, remedy gonorrhea and also as a contraceptive.  Current research is being carried out to reveal exciting applications for this herb, and it holds promise in treating a variety of illnesses that will, hopefully, bring positive results.  Some of the constituents in Cat's Claw include alkaloids, quinovic acid, glycosides, triterpenes, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and alloisopteropodine.

Beneficial Uses:
Cat's Claw is considered an herbal anti-inflammatory agent that is thought to be good for all forms of arthritis, rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases.  It is a rich source of sterols, the chemical compounds closely related to steroids, and the herb has been known to reduce swelling by approximately fifty percent in tests.

Long prized as a general tonic for its "life-giving" properties, Cat's Claw is considered to be one of the finest immune system stimulants, ranking among the upper tiers of other immune-boosting herbs.  It is believed to effectively cleanse and detoxify the intestinal tract and replenish friendly bacteria.  Most bowel diseases are the result of the disruption of the growth of beneficial flora, and without the proper balance, the immune system may be adversely affected.  Consequently, Cat's Claw not only enhances the natural defense system, but it also is said to relieve the discomforts of intestinal disorders, such as diverticulitis, leaky bowel, colitis and dysentery.

Cat's Claw may be beneficial in supporting the cardiovascular system by promoting healthy blood pressure levels and slowing the heart rate.  The alkaloid content is believed to relax and dilate peripheral blood vessels, lower cholesterol levels in the blood, restrict platelet aggregation (clotting), and may thus help prevent heart problems and arteriosclerosis.  Some USDA research has claimed that Cat's Claw seeds contain an enzyme that may be instrumental in converting saturated fats into unsaturated fats, and further studies may substantiate more positive results.

Cat's Claw is said to possess antiviral and antibacterial properties and has demonstrated the ability to combat and speed up the ridding of cold viruses and mononucleosis; and its immune-stimulant effects allow it to fight the invasion of Lyme disease, combat sinusitis and skin diseases and to act against Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium associated with gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Cat's Claw is a potent immuno-stimulant and antioxidant that fights free radical damage and has been used to support the body during chemotherapy and radiation treatments, helping to remove toxic metabolites.  Some preliminary studies in Italy say it stops the mutation of cells in long-term smokers and regulates the activity of white blood cells.  The herb is thought to decrease macrophages if they are overabundant and increase their number if they are deficient, a process that is believed to keep the body's natural antioxidants focused on unhealthy tissues, while not stimulating the body to produce more white cells that may damage healthy tissues.  By stimulating the immune system, Austrian researchers have confirmed Cat's Claw's support for a body weakened by chemotherapy and allows some people to take the full course of chemotherapy needed, as well as possibly improving the outcomes of such treatments.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not take Cat's Claw Herbal Supplement , nor should people with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, etc.  Those suffering from tuberculosis should avoid Cat's Claw.  It should always be taken with at least six ounces of water to maintain its efficacy.  Do not take Cat's Claw without talking to your doctor first if you are taking:  Blood thinning medicine (examples: warfarin, aspirin, enoxaparin).  Cat's Claw should not be used by organ transplant patients or anyone with an autoimmune disease, children under three years of age or by skin graft patients.  There have been reports that Cat's Claw may lower hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone.

Capsule Size:
We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products. Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs of powdered herb material.

Ingredients: 100% Cat's Claw Botanical Extract (4:1) - Our products contain 100% pure plant-based/natural materials using no fillers, grains, yeast, sugars, binders, excipients, starches, or synthetic materials.

* ORDERING INFORMATION *
Cat's Claw - Botanical Extract (4:1) Item # H-2680 (capsules)/B-2680 (bulk)				Click to enlarge
30 capsules	$6.99		600 capsules	$98.27
60 capsules	$12.99		1/4 lb. Powder	$13.46
90 capsules	$17.34		1/2 lb. Powder	$21.91
360 capsules	$64.99		1 lb. Powder	$38.82
If purchasing Bulk powder, please click here.