* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Name
Uncaria tomentosa (Wilidenow ex Roemer and Schultes) DC (Rubiaceae), known in Peru as Una de gato. This herb is totally unrelated to cat's foot flower, or cat's ear flower, Antennaria dioica L.
Source
Cat's claw comes from the inside of the bark of a South American tree, one that is closely related to Cinchona, the source of quinine. Cat's claw does not contain quinine, but it does contain many of the same compounds found in Cinchona. Cinnamon bark is another close relative.
History
Rainforest Indians of Eastern Peru have traditionally used this bark to treat stomach upsets and fevers. This herb has recently been discovered by herbal drug manufacturers, who have promoted it in much the same way as ginseng, for its "natural immune-supporting" activities and as an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimutagenic and antioxidant.
Traditional Claims
Cat's claw is used to treat fevers and stomach upsets.
Commission E Recommendations
Cat's claw is not on the Commission's recommended list.
Proven Effects
Beta-sitosterol is the main sterol contained in the bark, and its presence appears to account for this herb's anti-inflammatory properties. The bark also contains at least five different alkaloids (pteropodine, speciophylline, isopteropodine, uncarine F and isomytraphylline), all members of the oxindole group alkaloids characteristically found in plants belonging to the Rubiaceae family (like cinchona and cinnamon). There has never been a controlled clinical trial studying the effects of cat's claw in humans. Results from the few toxicology studies that have been performed suggest that extracts of the bark possess little inherent toxicity.
Dosage
Since it is not yet clear what conditions cat's claw should be used to treat, discussing drug dosages does not make a great deal of sense. Cat's claw is available in a number of different formulations, including dried powders, pills, and extracts. Unlike some herbs, such as chamomile, the active ingredients of cat's claw dissolve in water. Therefore, high concentration extracts can be produced, and teas made with cat's claw should be very effective.
User Group Forum
Share your questions and information with the ZooScape community!
Be the first to post!
Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 2-4 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea itself. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the serving pitcher straining the tea bags. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Cautions
Do not use if you are pregnant, lactating or are a transplant carrier.
Warnings
The results of animal studies suggest that extracts of the bark possess little inherent toxicity. But, since long-term clinical trials in humans are lacking, no one really knows for sure whether cat's claw can be taken safely over an extended period.
Drug Testing
The molecular structure of some of the alkaloids found in cat's claw is not that different from the structure of morphine, but no one has ever examined the standard workplace urine drug tests to see if they give false positive results when cat's claw has been taken.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
