Its name has been derived from its hook-like thorns that grow along the vine and resemble the claws of a cat. These attributes enable the vine to attach itself around trees climbing to a height up to 100 feet. The leaves are elliptic with a smooth edge, and grow in reverse whorls of two.
Cat’s claw
The root which could develop into the size of a watermelon, and the inside of the bark have traditionally been used in herbal remedies. Cat’s claw has a lot of groups of active components that account for much of the plant’s activities and uses. These include oxindole alkaloids (rhynchophylline, alloptropodine, alloisopteropodine, isopteropodine, and uncarine), quinovic acid, triterpenes, polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol), and catechin tannins. The major alkaloid rhynchophylline has shown to reduce blood clots in blood vessels, dilate peripheral blood vessels, lower the heart rate, and reduced blood levels of cholesterol.
These compounds have immune augmenting, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-ulcer, and anti-oxidant and adaptogen properties. The oxindole alkaloids from the root bark of cat’s claw are deemed to invoke its widely sought after medicinal effects as a treatment of inflammatory disorders. The anti inflammatory activity was assessed via in vitro procedure and animal studies. These Amazon rainforest herbs are thought to be valuable medicinal sources and therefore are protected in Peru.
Cat’s Claw extract
It is usually made in the plant’s inner bark and root. Cat’s Claw is regarded as an outstanding immune system booster, a lively antioxidant but the mechanism of action of the volcano herbs hasn’t been well established. There are claims made by some analysts seems to be that these special alkaloids are responsible for the ability of the plant to treat cancer and to inhibit viral diseases.
The immune-stimulating properties of cat’s claw permit to combat infections and increase speed rate at which the immune system eliminate cold viruses, and act against bacteria associated with both gastritis and peptic ulcers. These plant compounds are said to possess an ability to stimulate the activity of T cells, a kind of white blood cells that may hunt down and behave against virus-infected cells and tumor cells.
Conclusion
Cat’s Claw herb is available commercially and may be purchased as a supplement in several different dosage forms. These include: capsules, tinctures, tablets, and extracts generally standardized to 4% alkaloid content for successful outcomes. Although it seems to be a potent herb, it’s still really important to think about its side effects and the potential adverse and allergic reactions.