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This article first appeared in the by Al Adrian Cats'
Claw, Unicaria tomentosa, is a traditional phytomedicinal of the Ashaninka
Indians of Peru. The Ashaninkas drink a tea made of the bark once every week
or two for prophylaxis. In the event of an illness, they consume about a
liter every day until all symptoms have disappeared. The Ashaninkas have
traditionally used U. tomentosa for the treatment of cancer, arthritis,
various gastrointestinal complaints, and parasitic infections. In the U.S.,
several alternative practitioners have used Cats' Claw and have reported
significant improvement in patients suffering from Crohn's disease, ulcers,
asthma, arthritis, shingles and chronic fatigue. However, little clinical
evidence exists as yet to support its use for these conditions. Due to its
recent introduction to industrialized societies and the popularization by the
media of the work of ethnopharmacologists, Cats' Claw has gained an, as yet,
unsubstantiated reputation as a panacea for a wide varieties of ills. Only
further research will illuminate the true medicinal value of this potentially
important phytomedicinal. Both the roots and the bark of Cats'
Claw, a liana growing to 100 feet or more, are sources of a rich variety of
pharmacologically active compounds. Among some of the compounds found in U.
tomentosa are catechins, ellagic acid and other phenolic antioxidants which have
been correlated with a decrease in specific types of cancer. Gambirine,
rhynchophylline, and mitraphylline, studied for their hypotensive effects,
have also been isolated from Unicaria. The oxindole alkaloids, especially
isopteropodine and pteropodine, have been found by Dr. Klaus Keplinger, an
Austrian researcher, to stimulate immune function. Decoctions of U. tomentosa
have also been studied for their antimutagenic effects. In addition,
proanthocyanidins (antioxidant bioflavanoids which are currently receiving
much attention for their health promoting effects on the cardiovascular
system) have also been isolated from the bark. Since European reports on its clinical
use with AZT in treating AIDS were published, an enormous demand for the bark
has developed. This and other research conducted in Europe, Japan, and Peru
along with many anecdotal reports generated from several South American
clinics has led to an explosion of interest. The result has been a
proliferation of nonstandardized products. Some of these products consist of
insoluble outer bark material (it is now illegal to harvest the root). Some
are not standardized, or if standardized, are standardized to alkaloids other
than those investigated for their immune enhancing effects. Unlike these
substandard products, VRP's Cats'
Claw Capsules consist of 200 mg of a standardized water soluble 2%
oxindole alkaloid extract, the most potent available today. In addition,
preliminary analysis conducted on this excellent water soluble extract
suggest that it is approximately 50% proanthocyanidins. We at VRP are also pleased to associate
ourselves with a product whose sales generate funds for the preservation of
the rain forest and the traditional way of life of the Ashaninka Indians, who
harvest the material used in the manufacture of this exceptional extract. |