Cat’s claw – a cure for inflammation

Many people, even without realizing it, suffer from various types of problems resulting from increased inflammation in the body. Starting with skin problems such as atopic dermatitis, increased muscle soreness, rheumatic changes in joints, and autoimmune diseases that can have a significant impact on our lives.


Cat's Claw - what is it?

Many of us, instead of focusing on the main cause and the problem, which is the increased inflammation in the body, are trying to limit the symptoms themselves, which unfortunately only works for a short period, and problems sooner or later come back.

One of the most interesting natural ways to reduce inflammation of the body is supplementation with Uncaria tomentosa, commonly called Cat's Claw or Vilcacora. It is a species of vine belonging to the Rubiaceae family and comes from South America. It has long been used by Indian tribes because of its many therapeutic properties.

What is Cat's Claw consisted of?

The chap consists of such compounds as:

  • Tetracyclic oxoindole alkaloids (tchaffophyllin, isothinchophilin, corinthoksein, isocorinseine, hirsutein, hirsutine, corinthine)
  • Pentacyclic oxoindole alkaloids (unararyne, pteropodine, isopteropodine, specifylline, mitrafiline, isomitrafiline)
  • Glycosides
  • Triterpens
  • Catechins (procyanidins)
  • Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), phytosterols (b-phytosterol, campesterol)

Cat's Claw for inflammation

The vilcacora extract is still being tested in this regard. However, there are some interesting reasons for the fact that supplementation with Cat's Claw gives a significant reduction in inflammation.

In a randomized study conducted in 2002 by the Department of Internal Medicine, 40 people with rheumatoid arthritis were tested. The study lasted for 52 weeks, and the participants were receiving extracts from Uncaria tomentosa. After 24 weeks they observed a reduction in joint pain in 53.2% of people compared to placebo - 24.1%.

In another study conducted in 2001 by the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru, the effect of vilcacora extract on knee function was studied. 45 people with knee osteoarthritis participated in the study. 30 patients received feline extract and 15 placebo. After 4 weeks of study, there was no negative impact on liver function or other side effects. There was a decrease in knee pain in normal functioning. It has been determined that the polyphenol compounds present in the vinylacrylate are probably responsible for such results.

Cat's Claw for cancer

Suggested Cat's Claw supplement - Cat's Claw Extract from NOW Foods!
Suggested Cat's Claw supplement - Cat's Claw Extract from NOW Foods!

There are many opinions on the internet about the fact that cochlea has a significant effect on the development and even the reversal of cancers. These statements are, unfortunately, far-fetched. According to the American Society for Oncology, there are no significant human studies confirming the positive effect of vilcacora on the reduction of tumour growth. Only those on animals give an open road to trying it on people.

Cat's Claw for immunity

Accurate testing of the composition of the chock showed the presence of alkaloids. Some of them  may be responsible for increasing the production of white blood cells in rats. This can be attributed to the phagocytosis-stimulating properties of white blood cells that attack the organism. The isopteropodin, oxyndol alkaloid is present in the plant. It can have a positive effect on the body's resistance. Especially in states of significant decrease in the functioning of the immune system.

Studies in Moscow that lasted for 6 years have shown that the vilcacora extract may be immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory. This supplement works well for all types of autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, RA, diverticulitis, and various allergies.

Cat's Claw benefits - summary

The cat's claw undoubtedly has a number of proven properties that reduce the inflammation of the body and increase the function of the immune system. However, we should acknowledge its widely known antitumor properties with a great distance.

Tags: cat's claw, cat's claw benefits, cat's claw for inflammation, health, health product, supplements, Uncaria tomentosa, vilcacora

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