Cat's Claw Extracts Health Benefits
Leverages Cat"s Claw Extracts as a Health supplement
what is Cat's Claw
Cat’s Claw is a medicinal herb that has traditionally been used to stimulate the immune system. There are two most common species of Cat’s Claw: Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. But the most commercial preparations of cat’s claw contain Uncaria tomentosa which has been more extensively researched. It is believed that Cat’s Claw has been used from the Inca civilization for various health ailments including contraception, inflammation, cancer, fatigue syndromes, and viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), and for Alzheimer’s disease. A great use of Cat’s Claw is that it helps with chemotherapy. It is Cat’s Claw because the herb has thorns that resemble the claws of cats.
Benefits Cat's Claw
Cat’s Claw is rich in 3 major groups of chemical compounds which are alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. This supplement is so popular among users for its healing qualities that it was ranked as the 7th most popular herb in U.S. sales in 1997.[3]
As a nootropic, Cat’s Claw comes with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support DNA repair, immune function, and normal cell division. As a dietary supplement, it has been used for a variety of health conditions including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, and leaky bowel syndrome. It is considered to be one of the best antiviral herbs to boost the immune system and fight infection. It also has anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antioxidant properties. However, one of the most impressive effects of this supplement is its scientifically proven ability to repair DNA.[4]
The common health benefits of Cat’s Claw that mostly used as a health supplement include:
- Enhances immune function [5]
- Improves memory function [6]
- Repairs DNA [7]
- Helps with chemotherapy [8]
- Helps people who have Alzheimer disease [9]
- Helps people fight cancer [10]
- Relieves of arthritis [11]
- Decreases inflammation in osteoarthritis [12]
- Provides effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [13]
- Reduces high blood pressure [14]
- Helps fight the herpes virus [15]
- Helps with diabetes [16]
- Can be helpful in HIV [17]
- Improves digestive problems like crohn’s disease [18][19]
From some evidence it is found that this alkaloid may help improve cardiovascular conditions by opening blood vessels (vasodilation), lessening heart rate, and possibly reducing levels of serum cholesterol. The use of cat’s claw might be beneficial in patients with advanced cancer by improving their quality of life and reducing fatigue.
How it works
Cat’s claw supplements demonstrate several different properties which may support health and well-being. Cat’s Claw is a neuroprotectant and the supplement has been used for various issues including arthritis, asthma, chronic inflammation, immune disorders, pain, wound healing and tumors. Some recent research has starting to focus on Cat’s Claw’s cognitive benefits as well as to know if using Cat’s Claw protects brain function and cognition. In a study, the researchers claim that an extract of Cat’s Claw could enhance DNA repair in the brain. In a different study, the researchers show that Cat’s Claw extract may boost Tryptophan levels that could have a profound effect on serotonin and mood. Some other studies show that Cat’s Claw possess antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory, an immune modulator, anti-tumor, antihypertensive, as well as prevention of stroke.[21][22][23] Cat’s Claw is a powerful antioxidant which can help reduce cell and tissue damage from radical agents such as free radicals, food and water toxins, pollutants etc. By obstructing oxidative damage from free radicals, this component may help reduce the risk of developing health conditions which are associated with chronic exposure to pro-oxidant compounds. Studies also show that some alkaloid extracts of Cat’s Claw may help repair brain cells which are damaged by stroke or dysfunction of the acetylcholine receptors. The alkaloids in this herb may be helpful for improving memory due to cholinergic dysfunction and this effect may occur because of enhanced production of a neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Considerations
Cat’s Claw is generally safe for most people, when taken for a short-term. However, it may be associated with some side effects in some people and the adverse effects may include headache, dizziness, and vomiting. Also if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should avoid using this supplement.[24] Cat’s Claw may slow blood clotting and even it may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. As this herb lowers blood pressure, if your blood pressure is already too low, this might be a problem. Stop taking cat’s claw at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. It may also worsen leukemia. You are advised to consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Recommendations
An appropriate dose of Cat’s Claw depends on a person’s several factors like age, weight, sex, the reason for taking a supplement, state of health, and other factors. However, here are some recommended dosages that have been used in different issues in different studies:
- For cancer patient, a recommended dose of Cat’s Claw can be 100 mg 3 times per day for at least 8 weeks
- For osteoarthritis, a recommended dose of Cat’s Claw can be 100 mg per day of a specific freeze-dried cat’s claw extract
- For rheumatoid arthritis, a recommended dose of Cat’s Claw can be 60 mg daily in 3 divided doses of a specific cat’s claw extract that contains no chemicals called tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids.
You are recommended to consult your physician to choose an appropriate dose for your specific need.