Herbal Supplements For A Healthier Life

Botanical & Identity

Botanical Name

Uncaria tomentosa

Common Names

Cat’s Claw, Uña de Gato

Plant Family

Rubiaceae

Part Used

Inner bark and root

Taste Profile

Bitter, slightly earthy

Energetics

Cooling, drying, immune-modulating
Cat’s Claw

Summary & Classification

Short Summary

Cat’s Claw is a powerful Amazonian immune herb used to reduce inflammation, support detoxification, and modulate immune responses in chronic conditions. Known for its alkaloid content, it is used in autoimmunity, arthritis, infections, and cancer support protocols.

Herb Actions

immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lymphatic tonic, anti-viral

Herbal Category

immune support, inflammatory Conditions, detoxification

Medicine System

functional & integrative herbalism, south american ehnomedicine

Active Ingredients

Pentacyclic and Tetracyclic Oxindole Alkaloids
,
Quinovic acid glycosides
,
Proanthocyanidins
,
Sterols
.

Chemistry & Effectiveness

Active Ingredients

Mechanism of Action

Pentacyclic alkaloids stimulate immune surveillance and modulate TNF-alpha and IL-1 levels, reducing inflammatory signalling. Quinovic acid glycosides show antiviral properties. Proanthocyanidins protect tissue from oxidative damage.

Modern Applications

Used in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue, viral infections, digestive inflammation (IBD), and cancer adjunct protocols.

Traditional Uses & Preparation

Traditional Uses

Used by Asháninka and other Amazonian tribes for wound healing, gastrointestinal inflammation, and immune support. Traditionally prepared as a decoction from the inner bark.

Preparation & Usage

Commonly used as tincture, capsule, or decoction. Only sustainably harvested inner bark should be used.

Recommended Dosage

Decoction: 1 tsp inner bark per cup, simmered 20–30 min, 1–2x/day; Tincture: 2–4 ml, 2–3x/day; Capsules: 250–500 mg, 1–2x/day

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Avoid in organ transplant recipients and those using immunosuppressive drugs. Use cautiously in autoimmune diseases unless practitioner-guided.

Drug Interactions

May interact with immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, or blood pressure medication

Pregnancy & Lactation

not recommended

Side Effects

Generally well tolerated. Possible: dizziness, nausea, or allergic rash in rare cases.

Scientific & Source Info

Scientific References

– Keplinger, K. et al. (1999). Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s Claw): a potent immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory herb. – Mur, E. et al. (2002). Clinical improvement of rheumatoid arthritis with Cat’s Claw extract.

Sourcing Notes

Sustainably wild-harvested in the Amazon rainforest. Inner bark should be mature and processed gently to preserve alkaloid content. Quality often determined by chemotype (pentacyclic is preferred for immune activity).

Product Linkage

Used In Products

Inflammation capsules

Inflammation 120’s

R440.00