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- Also known as:
- Aun, huasca, Garabato, Griffe Du Chat, Hawk's claw, Life-giving Vine of
Peru, Paraguayo, Samento, Saventaro, Tambor huasca, Toron, Uña De Gato, Uña
de gavilan. Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis.
- What is it?
- A large woody vine found in tropical places in South America. It has
thorns that look like claws. The roots, bark, and leaves are used as a
dietary supplement. There are 34 types throughout the world. Only Uncaria
tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis are discussed here.
- History of use:
- The people of South America have used cat's Claw for nearly 2000 years. It
has been used to treat asthma, to recover from childbirth, and for wound
healing. Cat's claw has also been used for joint pain, treating stomach
problems and tumors, birth control, a tonic to ward off disease, to treat
bone pains and to cleanse the kidneys. Cancers of the urinary tract,
inflammation, cirrhosis, gonorrhea and diarrhea were also been treated by
cat's claw. Today, cat's claw is used for joint and muscle pain,
irregularities of the menstrual cycle, acne, fungus, wound healing, and
nerve pain. It is also used to treat cancer, immune disorders,
diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites,
and leaky bowel syndrome. It has been used with zidovudine (AZT) to treat
HIV. Cat's claw continues to be studied to see how effective it is against
viral infections.
- Safety and Effectiveness:
- Cat's Claw has a low toxicity. Juices from the stems and roots may help
boost the immune system. Do not give to children, pregnant women, or women
who breastfeed.
- Adverse Reactions:
- High doses may cause diarrhea, low blood pressure, dizziness, and bruised
or bleeding gums. DO NOT CONFUSE Cat's Claw with other dietary supplements
(ie. cat's foot, devils'claw). Many different plants are identified as
"Cat's Claw", so some people who think they are using Cat's Claw
are using something else. Cat's Claw may interact with some medications. Use
caution if you are taking lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral),
itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), and triazolam (Halcion).
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