About Peruvian Medicines - Cat's Claw

Like many medicinal plants from the Amazon, Ua de Gato has been used by Indians

, particularly the Ashninka tribe in Peru, for many hundreds of years. The English translation of the name is Cat's Claw while the indigenous people call it vilcacora. Only recently has this plant starting being used more widely in other parts of the world.

There are two variations of Ua de Gato, Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. It is the Uncaria tomentosa that is more widely used medicinally and has stronger properties than the other. Within the Uncaria tomentosa, there are two chemotypes. They look exactly the same and it's impossible to tell them apart until they are tested chemically. However, one has alkaloids that strengthen the immune system while the other reduces the speed and strength of the contractions of the heart.

The plant starts out as a bush but eventually grows into a climbing vine that can continue growing over 30 meters into the trees. The vine grows extremely quickly and, if it is harvested correctly about 3 feet above the ground, it will grow back to its full height in just a few years. It has thorns that are sharp and curved, thus earning it its name.

Tribes in Peru use the plant for many conditions including for urinary tract disease, rheumatic problems, diabetes, gastro-intestinal disorders, as a contraceptive and more. Modern uses include for ulcers, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, gastritis and other digestive disorders. It is also used for side effects from chemotherapy.

Research on the constituents have shown that it contains alkaloids which strengthen the immune system and that it may have an effect on inhibiting the growth of tumors. This is one of the areas that current research is being focused on, as a means to fight cancer

It also can be used as an anti-oxidant, thereby destroying free radicals which can damage the cells. Toxins in the environment and stress both contribute to the formation of free radicals. There is some evidence that it can help with the pain of arthritis, if not the inflammation. It appears to help in the inhibiting the formation of arterial plaque and to reduce blood pressure.

For medicinal purposes, it is the inner bark and root that are used. The root may be better as an anti-inflammatory. However, this is not always removed in an effort to enable the plant to re-grow. This may account for some observations that current extractions don't seem to aid with this aspect of arthritis although it is traditionally used for it.

Although some companies are taking care not to destroy the plants as they are being harvested, others are not so careful. The increased demand for Ua de Gato could end up making the vine endangered if this continues. And, of course, the general destruction of the rainforest is no help either.

by: Matt James Barker

POST COMMENT

The Internal Medicine Clinic Intended For Chest Aches Medicine For Sinus Therapy For Diverse Causes Ashwagandha-the Natural Medicine A Miracle In Your Medicine Cabinet - Dr. Oz Medicine For Sinus Treatment For Various Causes Chiropractic Medicine Nyc, Opting As A Career How Pain Medicine Will Benefit You? Medicines: No Side Effects Cost Effective Medicine Formulations To Cure Infectious Diseases Treat Diabetic Nephropathy By Micro-chinese Medicine The Best Medicine For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Evaluation Of Complimentary Medicine. Technological Innovation Of Animal Medicine Applications