UNA DE GATO
"CAT'S CLAW"

Family: Rubiaceae.
Genus: Uncaria
Species: tomentosa. guianensis
Common names: Cat's Claw, Una de gato, Paraguayo, Garabato, Garbato casha, Samento, Toroñ, Tambor huasca, Aun huasca, Una de gavilan, Hawk's claw
Part Used: Bark, Root, Leaves

DESCRIPTION
Properties/Actions:	Antibacterial, Antimutagenic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antitumorous, Antiviral, Cytostatic, Depurative, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Immunostimulant, Vermifuge
Phytochemicals:	3beta,6beta, 7-Acetoxydihydronomiline SD CCO, 19alpha-trihydroxy- urs-12-en-28-oic-acid, 5alpha- carboxystrictosidine, Acetyluncaric-Acid PL JSG, Adipic-Acid, Alloisopteropodine, Allopteropodine, Angustine, Campesterol, Carboxystrictosidine, Catechol BR AYL, D-Catechin, DL-Catechol, Catechutannic Acid, Beta-sitosterol, Corynantheine, Corynoxeine, Dihydrocorynantheine, Dihydrocorynantheine-n-oxide, Dihydrogambirtannine, Ellagic Acid, L-Epicathechol, (-)-Epicathechin, Gallic-Acid, Hanadamine, Hirsutine, Hirsuteine, Hirsutine-N-Oxide, Hyperin, 3-ISO-19-EPI-Ajmalicine, Isocorynozeine, Isomitraphylline, Isopteropodine, Isorhynchophylline, Isorhynchophylline-N-Oxide, Isorotundifoline, Ketouncaric-Acid, Mitraphylline, 11-Methoxyyohimbine, Oleanolic-acid, Ourouparin, Oxogambirtannine, Pteropodine, Quinovic-acid-3beta-o-(Beta-d-glucopyranosyl -(1->3)beta-d- fucopyranosyl-(27->1)beta d-glucopyranosyl-ester, Quinovic-acid-3beta- o-beta-d-fucopyranoside, Quinovic-acid-3beta-o-beta-d-fucopyranosyl- (27->1)beta-d-glucopyranosylester, Quinovic-acid-3beta-o-beta-d- quinovopyranoside, Rhynchophylline, Rotundifoline, Speciophylline, Stigmasterol, Uncarine, Uncarine-f, Ursolic-acid
Traditional Remedy:	One-half cup bark vine decoction boiled with small amount of lemon juice 2-3 times daily. 1-5 grams of powdered bark in tablets or capsules twice daily can be substituted if desired. See the Cat's Claw FAQ about tinctures with this plant. See Traditional Herbal Remedies Preparation Methods page if necessary for definitions.

ETHNOBOTANY: WORLDWIDE USES
Colombia	Dysentery, Gonorrhea
Guiana	Dysentery
Peru	Abscesses, Arthritis, Asthma, Blood Cleanser, "Bone Pains", Cancer, Cirrhosis, Contraceptive, Cytostatic, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Disease Prevention, Dysentery, Fevers, Gastric Ulcers, Gastritis, Gonorrhea, Hemorrhages, Inflammations, Intestinal Affections, Kidney Cleanser, Menstrual Irregularity, Rheumatism, Skin Disorders, Stomach, Urinary Tract Disorders, Tumors, Wounds
Suriname	Dysentery, Intestinal Affections, Wounds

Una de Gato or Cat's Claw is a large woody vine that is indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America including Peru, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Trinidad, Venezuela, Suriname, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama. It's name is derived from the hook-like thorns that grow along the vine that resemble a claw of a cat. Two closely related species of Uncaria are used almost interchangeably in the rainforests - Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Both species are large woody vines that can reach over 100 feet high into the canopy with claw-like thorns, however, U. guianensis has thorns which are more curved and reddish-orange flowers, in comparison to U tomentosa's smaller yellowish-white flowers.

Both Uncaria species are used by the indigenous people of the rainforest in very similar ways with a very long history of use. Cat's Claw (U. tomentosa) has been used medicinally by the Aguaruna, Asháninka, Cashibo, Conibo and Shipibo tribes of Peru for at least 2,000 years.⁽¹⁾ The Asháninka Indian tribe in central Peru have been the most closely associated rainforest tribe with Cat's Claw. They have the longest recorded history of use with the plant and are also the largest commercial source of Cat's Claw from Peru today. The Asháninka use Cat's Claw to treat asthma, inflammations of the urinary tract, to recover from childbirth, as a kidney cleanser, to cure deep wounds, for arthritis, rheumatism and bone pain, to control inflammation and gastric ulcers, and for cancer.^{(1 - 4)} Indigenous tribes in Piura use Cat's Claw to treat tumors, inflammations, rheumatism and gastric ulcers.⁽⁵⁾ Indian tribes in Columbia use the vine to treat gonorrhea and dysentery.^{(6, 7)} Other Peruvian indigenous tribes use Cat's Claw to treat diabetes, urinary tract cancer in women, cirrhosis, gastritis, rheumatism, inflammations and tumors.^{(5, 7, 8)}The Cashibo tribe of eastern Peru believes that Cat's Claw "normalizes the body" and have used it since ancient times to treat fevers, abscesses and to cleanse the system.⁽¹⁾ Other documented indigenous uses in Peru include using this important vine for hemorrhages, impurities of the skin, as a blood cleanser, and for irregularity of the menstrual cycle.⁽¹⁾ Cat's Claw has also been reported to used as a contraceptive by several different tribes of Peru, however, only in excessive amounts. Dr. Fernando Cabieses, a noted authority on Peruvian medicinal plants, explains that the Asháninka boil 11-13 pounds of the root in water until it is reduced to a little more than a cup. This decoction is then taken daily during the period of menstruation for three consecutive months to supposedly cause sterility for three to four years.⁽⁹⁾

With so many documented uses of this important rainforest plant, it is not surprising that it came to the attention of western researchers and scientists. First written about in the mid-1960's by a European teacher, Arturo Brell, and U.S. University professor Eugene Whitworth, the ethnic uses began to be recorded, plant samples taken and initial screening of active constituents performed.⁽³⁾ Then in the early 1970's came Klaus Keplinger, a journalist and self-taught ethnologist from Innnsbruck, Austria who was responsible for organizing the first definitive studies on Cat's Claw. Keplinger's work in the 1970's and 1980's led to several extracts of cat's claw being sold in Austria and Germany as prescription medicines,^{(10 - 12)}

Four US patents describing the alkaloid extraction methods and the immunostimulating actions of these alkaloids found in Cat's Claw,^{(13 - 15)} and fueled worldwide interest in the medicinal properties of this valuable vine of the rainforest. In May of 1994, the World Health Organization sponsored the First International Conference on Cat's Claw in Geneva Switzerland. At the conference, Cat's Claw received official recognition as a medicinal plant and it was pointed out that not since quinine was discovered in the bark of a Peruvian tree in the 17^th century, has any other rainforest plant ever prompted such worldwide attention.⁽¹⁶⁾

The most attention to date has been on the oxindole alkaloids found in the bark and roots of Cat's Claw which have been documented to stimulate the immune system. Studies indicate at least six of these oxindole alkaloids can increase immune function by up to 50% in relatively small amounts.^{(3, 13 - 15, 17 - 26)} This has led to its use around the world as an adjunctive treatment for cancer and AIDS as well as other diseases which negatively impact the immunological system.^{(10 - 12, 27, 28)} In addition to it's immunostimulating activity for cancer patients, other anti-cancerous properties have been documented on the alkaloids as well as other constituents in Cat's Claw. Five of the oxindole alkaloids have been clinically documented with anti-leukemic properties,⁽²⁹⁾and various root and bark extracts have demonstrated anti-tumorous and antimutagenic properties.^{(10, 30 - 33)} Reports on observatory trials with cancer patients taking Cat's Claw in conjunction with traditional cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation reported fewer side effects to the traditional therapies like hair loss, weight loss, nausea, secondary infections and skin problems.⁽¹⁰⁾

Another significant area of study on Cat's Claw has focused on its anti-inflammatory properties. While plant sterols like Beta-sitosterol, acids and other antioxidants found in Cat's Claw account for some of these properties, new and novel phytochemicals called quinovic acid glycosides were found in the bark and roots and documented to be the most potent anti-inflammatory constituents found in the plant. These studies indicated that Cat's Claw and some of its constituents could inhibit inflammation from 46% to up 69% in various in vivo and in vitro tests.^{(8, 34 - 40)} This validated its long history of indigenous use for arthritis and rheumatism as well as other types of inflammation associated with various stomach disorders and ulcers where it was clinically shown to be effective.⁽⁴¹⁾ This same group of chemicals also demonstrated in vitro antiviral properties in another study.⁽⁴²⁾

Cat's Claw also contains the alkaloids, Rhynchophylline, Hirsutine, and Mitraphylline, which have demonstrated hypotensive and vasodilating properties.^{(43, 44)} Rhynchophylline has also shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis and may help prevent blood clots in blood vessels, ^{(44, 45)} as well as to relax the blood vessels of endothelial cells, dilate peripheral blood vessels, lower the heart rate and lower blood cholesterol.⁽⁴⁶⁾

In herbal medicine today, Cat's Claw is employed around the world for many different conditions. Dr. Schwontkowski reports it being used for the treatment of immune disorders, gastritis, ulcers, cancer, arthritis, rheumatism, irregularities of the female cycle, acne, organic depression, wounds, fungus, fistulas, hemorrhoids, rheumatic disorders, neuralgias, chronic inflammation (vaginal or intestinal), and viral diseases like herpes zoster (shingles).⁽⁴⁷⁾ Dr. Brent Davis refers to Cat's Claw as the "opener of the way" because of it ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and its effectiveness in treating stomach and bowel disorders such as Crohn's Disease, leaky bowel syndrome, ulcers, gastritis, diverticulitis and other inflammatory conditions of the bowel, stomach and intestines.⁽⁴⁸⁾ Dr. Julian Whitaker, M.D. reports using Cat's Claw for its immune stimulating effects, for cancer, in heart problems to help prevent strokes and heart attacks and to reduce blood clots, for diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome.⁽⁴⁹⁾ Phillip Steinberg, Certified Nutritional Consultant, reports Cat's Claw being beneficial in the treatment of cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, genital herpes and herpes zoster, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, PMS and irregularities of the female cycle, environmental toxin poisoning, numerous bowel and intestinal disorders, organic depression and HIV.⁽⁵⁰⁾ Kenneth Jones cites its usefulness in treating diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, parasites and leaky bowel syndrome.⁽⁵¹⁾ In Peruvian medicine, Cat's Claw is even being used in veterinary practices today with benefits in dogs and cats with hip dysplasia, arthritis, cancers, Parvo virus, dermatitis and other skin disorders, tumors, FIV, and feline leukemia.⁽⁵²⁾ In Peruvian herbal medicine, Cat's Claw is used for rheumatism, colic and stomach disorders, prostate inflammation, ulcers, skin disorders, fevers and coughs⁽⁵³⁾ as well as cancer and AIDS.⁽³⁾ Toxicity studies were performed in 1997, showing no toxicity for Cat's Claw at any of the dosages measured.⁽⁵⁴⁾

Footnotes:

Ocampo T., Palmiro, ed., Uncaria tomentosa, Aspectos Ethnomedicos, Medicos, Farmacologicos, Botanicos, Agronomicos, Comerciales, Legales, Anthropologicos, Sociales y Politicos (Lima, Peru: Instituto de Desarrollo Rural Perurano (IDDERP), 1994), 74 "Una de Gato Asháninka," ACPC (Lima, Peru: Association for the Conservation of the Patimony of Cutivireni), 4 pp., Undated Jones, Kenneth. 1995. Cat's Claw: Healing Vine of Peru. Sylvan Press: Seattle, Washington (180) Rutter, Richard, A., 1990. Catologo de Plantas Utiles de la Amazonia Peruana. Ministerio de Educacion, Instituto Linguistico de Verano: Pucallpa, Peru. (5) De Feo, V., "Medicinal and Magical Plants in the Northern Peruvian Andes," Fitoterapia 63 (1992): 417-440. (72) Schultes, R.E., and Raffauf, 1990. The Healing Forest. Medicinal and Toxic Plants of the Northwest Amazonia, R.F. Dioscorides Press: Portland Oregon.(1) Duke, James & Vasquez, Rudolfo, 1994 Amazonian Ethnobotanical Dictionary, CRC Press Inc.: Boca Raton, FL (10) Yepez, A.M. et al., 1991. Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria guianensis. Phytochemisty 30: 1635-1637 Cabieses, Fernando. 1994 The Saga of the Cat's Claw, Via Lactera Editores: Lima, Peru Krallendorn®, Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC Root Extract.- Information for Physicians, and Dispensing Chemists, 3rd revised edition (Volders, Austria: Immodal Pharmaka GmbH, September 1995), 20 pp. Keplinger, U.M, "Einfluss von Krallendorn extract auf Retrovirale Infektioned," Zurcher AIDS Kongress, Zurich, Switzerland, October 16 and 17, 1992, program and abstracts. Keplinger, U. M., "Therapy of HIV-Infected Individuals in the Pathological Categories CDC Al and CDC B2 with a Preparation Containing IMM-207," IV. 0sterreicbiicher AIDS-Kongress, Vienna, Austria, September 17 and 18, 1993, abstracts: 45. Keplinger, H. et al, "Oxindole Alkaloids Having Properties Stimulating the Immunologic System and Preparation Containing Same," United States Patent 5,302,61 1, April 12, 1994. Keplinger, H. et al, "Oxindole Alkaloids Having Properties Stimulating the Immunologic System and Preparation Containing the Same" United States Patent 4,940,725 July 10, 1990 Keplinger, H. et al, "Oxindole Alkaloids Having Properties Stimulating the Immunologic System and Preparation Containing the Same" United States Patent 4,844,901 July 4, 1989 Urbina, Humberto Ruiz, "Usos Medicinales de la Planta Peruana 'Una de Gato'," report presented at the "Una de Gato" First International Congress, Geneva, May 30-31, 1994, 9 pp. Montenegro De Matta, S. et al., "Alkaloids and Procyanidins of an Uncaria sp. from Peru," Il Farmaco Ed. Sc. 31 (1976): 527-535. Ozaki, Y. et al., "Pharmacological Studies on Uncaria and Amsonia Alkaloids," Japanese Journal of Pharmacology (suppl.) 30 (1980): 137P. Kreutzkamp, B., Niedermolekulare Inhalstoffe mit Immunstimulierenden Eigenschaften aus Uncaria tomentosa, Okoubaka aubrevillei und anderen Drogen (Dissertation of the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy of Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, May 1984). Stuppner, H. et al., "HPLC Analysis of the Main Oxindole Alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa," Chromatographia 34, no. 11/12 (1992): 597-600. Wagner, H. et al., "Die Alkaloide von Uncaria tomentosa und ihre Phagozytose-steigernde Wirkung, " Planta Medica 51 (1985): 419-423. Keplinger, H., "Oxindole Alkaloids Having Properties Stimulating the Immunologic System and Preparation Containing Same," United States Patent 5,302,61 1, April 12, 1994. Laus, G. and D. Keplinger, "Separation of Sterioisomeric Oxindole Alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa by High Performance Liquid Chromatography," Journal of Chromatography A 662 (1994): 243-249. Lavault, M. et al., "Alcaloides de L'Uncaria guianensis," Planta Medica 47 (1983): 244-245. Hemingway, S. R. and J. D. Phillipson. 1974. Alkaloids from S. American Species of Uncaria (Rubiaceae), Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 26, suppl. (1974): 113P. Raymond-Hamet, M., 1952. "Sur l'Alcaloide Principal d'une Rubiacee des Regions Tropicales de l'Amerique de Sud: l'Ourouparia guianensis Aubelt," Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Seances de l'Academie des Sciences 235: 547-550. Gotuzzo, E. et al., "En Marcha Seria Investigacion: Una de Gato y Pacientes con el VIH," De Ciencia y Tecnologia no. 34 (October, 1993). Inchaustegui, Gonzales, Roberto, Estudio Preliminar Sobre CAS y SIDA Utilizando Plantas Medicinales, Anos 1989-1994, Hospital IPSS, Iquitos, Peru (Iquitos, Peru: Hospital del Instituto Peruano de Seguridad Social Iquitos Comite ETS-SIDA, February 1993), 24 pp. Stuppner, H. et al., "A Differential Sensitivity of Oxindole Alkaloids to Normal and Leukemic Cell Lines," Planta Medica 59, suppl. (1993): A583. Peluso, G. et al., "Effetto Antiproliferativo su Cellule Tumorali di Estrattie Metaboliti da Uncaria tomentosa. Studi in vitro Sulla Loro Azione DNA Polimerasi," 11 Congreso Italo-Peruano de Etnomedicina Andina, Lima, Peru, October 27-30, 1993: 21-22. Rizzi, R. et al., "Mutagenic and Antimutagenic Activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its Extracts, " 1st Colloque European D'Ethnopharmacologie, Metz, France, March 22-24, 1990 Rizzi, R. et al., "Bacterial Cytotoxicity, Mutagenicity and Antimutagenicity of Uncaria tomentosa and its Extracts. Antimutagenic Activity of Uncaria tomentosa in Humans," lst Colloque European D'Ethnopharmacologie, Metz, France, March 22-24, 1990 Rizzi, R. et al., "Mutagenic and Antimutagenic Activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its Extracts," Journal of Ethnopharmacology 38 (1993): 63-77. Aquino, R. et al., "Plant Metabolites. New Compounds and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Uncaria tomentosa," Journal of Natural Products, 54 (1991): 453-459. Aquino R., et.al., "New Polyhydroxylated Triterpenes from Uncaria Tomentosa Journal of Natural Products, (1990), pp 559-564 Cerri, R. et al., "New Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa," Journal of Natural Products, 51 (1988): 257-261. Yasukawa, K. et al., "Effect of Chemical Constituents from Plants on 12-0-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-Induced Inflammation in Mice," Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 37 (1989): 1071-1073. Recio, M. C. et al., "Structural Requirements for the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Natural Triterpenoids," Planta Medica 61, no. 2 (1995): 182-185. De Simone, F. et al, 1988. New Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria Tomentosa. Journal of Natural Products Vol 51, No 2, pp 257-261 Mar-Apr Senatore, A. et al., "Ricerche Fitochimiche e Biologiche Sull Uncaria tomentosa, " Bollettino Societa di Biologia Sperimentale 65 (1989): 517-520. Fazzi, Marco A. Costa, Evaluation de la Uncaria tomentosa (Una de Gato) en lan Prevencion de Ulceras Gastricas de Stress Producidas Experimentalmente en Rats (Dissertation of the Faculty of Medicine, University Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru, 1989). Aquino, R. et al., "Plant Metabolites. Structure and In Vitro Antiviral Activity of Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa and Guettarda platypoda," Journal of Natural Products 4 52 (1989): 679-685. Yano, S. et al., "Ca2, Channel Blocking Effects of Hirsutine, an Indole Alkaloid from Uncaria Genus, in the Isolated Rat Aorta," Planta Medica 57 (1991): 403-405. Chan-Xun, C, et al., 1992. Inhibitory effect of rhynchophylline on platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 13(2): 126-130 Jin, R.M., et al., 1991. Effect of rhynchophylline on platlet aggregation and experimental thrombosis. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 25: 246-249 Monograph: Cat's Claw. April, 1996. Lawrence Review of Natural Products, Facts and Comparisons Inc.: St. Louis, MO.. Schwontkowski, Dr. Donna, 1993. HERBS OF THE AMAZON, Traditional and Common Uses,Science Student BrainTrust Publishing, Utah. Davis, Brent W. 1992. "A "New" World Class Herb for A.K. Practice: Uncaria tomentosa - a.k.a. Unade Gato (UDG)" Collected Papers of the International College of Applied Kinesiology - Summer 1992 Whitaker, Julian. 1995. "Una de Gato." Health & Healing, Tomorrow's Medicine Today, Vol 5., No 5. May 1995 Steinberg, Phillip, 1994. "Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) A Wondrous Herb form the Peruvian Rain Forest" Townsend Letter for Doctors, May 1994 pp 442-443 Jones, Kenneth. 1994. The Herb Report: Una de Gato, Life-Giving Vine of Peru. Am Herb Assoc1994; 10(3):4 Urbina, Humberto Ruiz, Experiencias con el Empleor de la Plantas 'Uncaria tomentosa' o 'Una de Gato' en Clinica Veterinaria de Perros y Gatos, Lima, Peru, May, 1994, 11 pp. Kember Mejia and Elsa Reng, 1995. Plantas medicinales de uso popular en la Amazonia Peruana.AECI and IIAP: Lima, Peru. (75) Santa Maria A, et al. Evaluation of the toxicity of Uncaria tomentosa by bioassays in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Aug;57(3):183-7.

Quoted References

Una de Gato is considered one of the most important botanicals in the rainforest. In Peru, Una de Gato tea is used as a medicinal herb with almost unlimited curative properties. This herb is a powerful cellular rejuvenator. It has been used for the treatment of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), ulcers, cancer, arthritis, rheumatism, irregularities of the female cycle, and acne. It is also used to treat organic depression. External applications of Una de Gato include the treatment of wounds, fungus, fistulas and hemorrhoids. European research shows that Una de Gato activates the immune system by increasing lymphocytic (white blood cell) activity. Other sources commend the effectiveness of leaf compresses against venereal diseases like syphilis. It has a positive treatment effect in cases of rheumatic disorders, neuralgias, chronic inflammation (vaginal or intestinal), and viral diseases like herpes zoster (shingles). It can also help restore proper intestinal flora and has diuretic properties." "Una de Gato from the Peruvian rainforest is a favorite for stimulating the immune system. World wide research done on this powerful herb has led scientists to patent many of the single chemicals found in it for use in healing cancer, arthritis, AIDS and other diseases. However, traditional wisdom shows that using the whole plant can be far more powerful than any one isolated ingredient. Dr. Brent W. Davis referred to Una de Gato as "the opener of the way" because of its remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract. Because of this ability, Una de Gato can be used for Crohn's Disease, hemorrhoids, parasites, leaky bowel syndrome, ulcers, gastritis, allergic disorders, diverticulitis, stabilizing intestinal flora and other gastrointestinal issues. Una de Gato is also a powerful anti-inflammatory which makes it very useful for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. It also helps to increase T-lymphocyte and microphage production, tonify the blood, and can be used as a broad spectrum infection fighter. Una de Gato also helps repair the lipid matrix in the cell walls and is particularity good for stopping the expansion of virus laden cells. At the University of Milan, Renato Rizzi led an experiment with Una de Gato as it relates to cancer causing (mutagenic) substances in smokers. It is well known that the urine of smokers contains mutagenic substances. When given Una de Gato for two weeks, the smoker's urine returned to normal. This is important because it shows Una de Gato can help lesson the risk of developing cancers and other degenerative diseases."< BLOCKQUOTE> "ACTIONS: Immune system booster, Tumor inhibitor, Infection fighter, Dispels inflammation. TRADITIONAL USE: It is considered one of the most important botanicals in the rainforest. By supporting and enhancing immune system function, Una De Gato is indicated in a broad spectrum of conditions including all types of infections. Urarina tribesman of Peru tell stories of Una De Gato curing tumors. Una De Gato was one of the plants research by the National Institute for Health as an anticancer agent. Studies from various laboratories indicate it normalizes the immunoglobulins by activating T-lymphocytes and macrophages. MERIDIAN INDICATIONS: Tonifies the blood, Increases Liver / Spleen Qi, Releases congestion in liver meridian. EVA POINTS: Liver, Spleen.

Uncaria guianensis (Aubl.) Gmel. Rubiaceae. "Una de gato", "Cat's claw", "Paraguayo", "Garabato", "Una de gavilan", "Hawk's claw". In Piura, the bark decoction, considered antiinflammatory, antirheumatic, and contraceptive, is used in treating gastric ulcers and tumors (FEO). Considered a remedy for cancer of the female's urinary tract; also used for gastritis, rheumatism and cirrhosis. The "Boras" use it for gonorrhea (RVM). Colombian and Guianan Indians use it for dysentery (SAR). Nicole Maxwell culimates her latest edition with an illustrated anecdote about this plant, now exported by the tons to Europe, for various cancers. Nicole even states that it turns grey hair black, including some of her own (NIC). See following entry."
"Uncaria tomentosa (Aubl.) Gmel. Rubiaceae. "Una de gato", "Cat's claw", "Paraguayo", "Garabato","Una de gavilan,"Hawk's claw". Widely used in Peru for antiinflammatory, contraceptive, and cytostatic activities, the plant has yielded an antiinflammatory antiedemic glycoside (JNP54(2):453. 1991). In Piura, the bark decoction, considered antiinflammatory, antirheuniatic, and contraceptive, is used in treating gastric ulcers and tumors (FEO). In her latest edition, Nicole Maxwell (1990) has added much information which may reflect the potential of the cat's claw. She informs us that Sidney McDaniel submitted samples to the NIH cancer screen.

The most powerful immune-enhancing herb is Una de gato. Research from 1970 through the present (by Klaus Keplinger and others in Austria, Germany, England, Hungary and Italy) has shown beneficial effects of Una de gato in the treatments for cancer, genital herpes, systemic candidiasis and AIDS. Six alkaloids isolated from the plant root have been found to significantly enhance the ability of the white blood cells to attack, engulf and digest harmful micro-organisms or foreign matter, thus assisting the process of phagocytosis in the body.
My own preliminary studies on the immune-enhancing properties of Una de gato have uncovered the following:

An ability to stop viral infections in the early stages (when an individual feels an infection starting and/or already has a fever, fatigue, muscle aches and sore throat). One patient reported that his viral infection symptoms cleared within 8 hours after taking Una de gato.

An ability to help patients who are chemically-sensitive, decreasing the fatigue which accompanies this problem and reducing the severity of symptoms.

An ability to significantly enhance emotional stability, even in the midst of extreme stress from personal problems. One patient commented, "I just can't get depressed anymore, no matter what happens. It's this Amazon herb!"

An ability to help the body fight infections better in AIDS patients. One patient reported, "I ran out of the fungicide for the skin rash on my face and used a bacteriocidal agent until I could get a new prescription. The bactericide didn't work and the rash started coming back. I used Una de gato and after just three days, the rash cleared up on my face. I feel that it's my own body working against the fungus as a result of the Una de gato.

An ability to decrease the visible size of some skin, tumor or cyst growths within two weeks.

Una de gato also has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. These properties explain its usefulness in the treatment of arthritis, bursitis, allergies and numerous bowel and intestinal disorders. There have been several case histories cited in literature where Una de gato has been linked with the remission of intractable brain and other tumors and give relief to the side-effects of chemotherapy.