What Are the Benefits of Using Cats Claw?

Cat's claw (uncaria tomentosa) is a vine native to the rain forests of South and Central America. It gets its name from its claw-like thorns. Native peoples have long used cat's claw for a broad variety of medicinal purposes, including contraception, aiding digestion, and arthritis. Since the 1990s, scientists have been working to uncover many of the secrets behind the health benefits of cat's claw.

Increased Immune Function

• Some studies of cat's claw suggest that it can stimulate the body's response to infection. A 2001 study showed that patients taking cat's claw extract made more antibodies in response to the pneumonia vaccine. The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange reported in 2005 that one study found that taking cat's claw slowly increased immune function in people with HIV. Take cat's claw powder in capsule form to stay healthy through the next flu season, or to recover faster if you catch a cold.

Reduced Inflammation

• If you suffer from arthritis or other chronic inflammation conditions, take cat's claw capsules or apply a gel containing cat's claw to soothe the fire. Some of the chemicals in cat's claw actively scavenge free radicals and oxidants, the molecules that cause cell damage and inflammation, according to a 2005 study by Goncalves, Dinis, and Batista. A 2001 study by Piscoya, et. al found that arthritis patients taking cat's claw experienced significant pain reduction.

Antiviral Effects

• Cat's claw targets viruses and slows down their ability to reproduce. A 2007 study found that cat's claw shows strong antiviral activity against the Dengue fever virus. Another study noted that cat's claw inhibits the virus that causes the common cold. As researchers become increasingly concerned about the rise of influenza worldwide, it's more important than ever to have effective tools against viruses. Take cat's claw capsules to slow down a virus and give your body a chance to fight back.

Antibacterial Effects

• Cat's claw has demonstrated antibacterial effects. In a 2003 study, William Lee Cowden and colleagues used a special preparation of cat's claw to treat patients suffering from advanced chronic Lyme disease. At the end of the six-month study, 85% of the patients tested negative for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Cat's claw may also be effective against salmonella. Boil a teaspoon of cat's claw powder in a cup of water. Drink one cup to cleanse your digestive system, or use it as a rinse to wash out cuts and prevent infection.