Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Cat's Claw Extract Supplement: Accelerate Self Healing

By Dwight Diem

Cat's claw should not be confused with cat's foot, the red and white flowers of Antennaria dioica, or devil's claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, a shrubby vine that grows in southwest Africa and is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, there are several other plants that may be confused with cat's claw. They may be given the name cat's claw, but they are actually quite different.

Cat's Claw is a tropical woody vine that grows in the rain forests and jungles of Peru and has been referred to as "Miracle Herb of the Rain Forest ". The vine derives its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which look like a cat's claw.

It has been drawing increasingly more interest among the proponents of natural health care and Cats Claw has been the subject of medical research since the 1970's. These studies suggest that Cats Claw may help in the treatment of several diseases like arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, herpes, organic depression, menstrual problems and also beneficial for conditions of the stomach and intestines.

The active constituents are quite variable and depend upon the time of the year when the plant is harvested. While the stem bark has some activity, the root is three to four times more active than the stem bark. Some of the known active compounds in cat's claw include alkaloids, triterpenes, phytosterols, and proanthocyanidins.

The active ingredients in Cat's Claw are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals such as oxinole alkaloids, triterpines, glycosides, and sterols. These phytochemicals have adaptogenic, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

More research is needed to validate the safety of cat's claw. However, we do know that large quantities of cat's claw can cause low blood pressure in some people. Hence, it should be used with caution if a person is already using medications for high blood pressure, as cat's claw may potentiate the effect of the medication. Cat's claw is contraindicated in pregnancy and in nursing mothers. It may also be unsafe for young children.

It is also Used to treat and protect against arthritis and rheumatism, as well as, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, PMS, lupus, and prostrate problems, and used in the treatment of cancer, acne, diverticulitis, parasites, hemorrhoids, as well as varicose veins. Helps treat digestive disorders including ulcers, gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and conditions involving chronic inflammation, used in the treatment of herpes infections, and acts as an all round powerful antioxidant to help protect the body from free radicals.

The name cat's claw refers to the small pair of woody, curved, thornlike spines that occur on the leaf stem at the leaf junction. Uncaria has a long history of use in South America as an anti-inflammatory agent, for contraceptive activity, and to treat rheumatism, tumors, and intestinal ailments. - 17273

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