Its name is derived from its hooked spines that grow along the length of the vine and resemble a cat’s claws. These characteristics allow the vine to cling to trees climbing as high as 100 feet. The leaves are elliptical with a smooth edge and grow in opposite whorls of two. The root, which can grow to the size of a watermelon, and the inner rind have traditionally been used in herbal remedies.
Cat’s claw has several groups of active components that explain a large part of the actions and uses of the plant. These include oxindole alkaloids (rhynchophyllin, alloptropodin, alloisopteropodin, isopteropodin, and uncarine), quinovic acid, triterpenes, polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol), and catechin tannins.
The main alkaloid rhynchophylline has been shown to prevent blood clots in blood vessels, dilate peripheral blood vessels, slow heart rate, and lower blood cholesterol levels. These compounds possess immunostimulant, antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiulcer, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties.
Oxindol alkaloids from the cat’s claw root bark are considered to invoke their most sought after medicinal effects as treatment of inflammatory disorders. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by in vitro processes and animal studies.
These herbs from the Amazon rainforest are considered valuable medicinal resources and are protected in Peru. Cat’s claw extract is usually made from the inner bark and root of the plant.
Cat’s claw is considered an excellent immune system booster, a dynamic antioxidant, but the mechanism of action of these rainforest herbs has not been well established. Some analysts claim that these unique alkaloids are responsible for the plant’s ability to treat cancer and inhibit viral infections.
The immunostimulating properties of cat’s claw help fight infections and increase the speed with which the immune system gets rid of cold viruses and works against bacteria related to both gastritis and peptic ulcers. These plant chemicals are said to have the ability to stimulate the activity of T cells, a type of white blood cell that can hunt down and act against virus-infected cells and tumor cells.
The herb cat’s claw is commercially available and can be purchased as a supplement in many different dosage forms. These include: capsules, tinctures, tablets, and extracts generally standardized to 4 percent alkaloid content for effective results. Although it appears to be a powerful herb, it is very important to consider its side effects and possible adverse and allergic reactions.