Cats Claw

Cat’s claw is thought to have the following health properties; antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, cytostatic, depurative, diuretic, hypotensive, immunostimulant, vermifuge.
It has been used as an herbal medicine for generations by several native tribes in
South America. It has been used traditionally to treat intestinal complaints, asthma, wounds, cancer, tumors, arthritis, inflammations, diabetes, irregularities of the menstrual cycle, fevers, ulcers, dysentery and rheumatism.

Reportedly, cat’s claw has been used traditionally as birth control by several different Peruvian indigenous tribes. The most immune-boosting constituent is believed to be Isopteropodin (Isomer A), which increases the immune response in the body and acts as an antioxidant to rid the body of free radicals.

Cat’s claw may also work to kill viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms that can cause diseases such as herpes and candida. AIDS patients and those who are HIV positive have been treated with Krallendon, an immune-boosting ingredient of cat’s claw.

Cat’s claw possesses anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to the glycosides present in the herb, which make it an effective natural remedy for the treatment of arthritis, gastritis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disorders. Additional uses as a medicinal herb include treatments for Crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis, and leaky bowel syndrome and it has a reputation as a good herbal remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

The alkaloids rhynchophylline, hirsutine, and mitraphylline that are found in cat’s claw have antihypertensive and vasodilating properties that may be beneficial in preventing strokes and heart attacks by preventing clots in blood vessels, reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, and lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Cat’s claw has been used as a disjunctive treatment for cancer, AIDS and other diseases that affect the immune system.