The power of cat's claw: Relieves pain and inflammation, stimulates immunity, fights cancer and promotes DNA repair

The power of cat's claw: Relieves pain and inflammation, stimulates immunity, fights cancer and promotes DNA repair

Cat's claw is an herb native to Central and South America that has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries to treat various health ailments. Studies show that cat's claw has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support DNA repair, joint health, immune function and normal cell division. Cat's claw has two known species and its phytochemicals include more than 30 known components, including alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterol fractions and other compounds. Although cat's claw was previously thought to owe its effectiveness to oxindole alkaloids, it is now known that water-soluble cat's claw extracts, which do not contain significant amounts of alkaloids, possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This discovery has led researchers to conclude that quinic acid esters are the active components of water-soluble cat's claw extract.

Strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Cat's claw extract exhibits powerful antioxidant effects as it quenches dangerous peroxyl and superoxide radicals. Laboratory analyzes show that the antioxidant power of cat's claw exceeds that of many extracts from fruits, vegetables, grains and medicinal plants. Chronic inflammation is the basis of many diseases that affect aging adults, and cat's claw is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, an inflammatory messenger that drives both acute and chronic inflammation. Cat's claw also inhibits the activation of nuclear factor kappa beta, an inflammatory "switch" linked to cancer and other fatal diseases. Cat's claw can also help relieve arthritis pain and discomfort by suppressing inflammation to promote healthy joint structure and function.

Protect cartilage

Cat's claw can protect cartilage, which is the tissue that acts as a shock absorber on joint surfaces where bones meet. Loss of cartilage, which is a characteristic feature of osteoarthritis, occurs when cartilage degradation exceeds its regeneration. Cat's claw helped restore levels of the joint-protecting insulin-like growth factor-1 when human cartilage cells were exposed to the joint-destroying interleukin-1 beta. By suppressing inflammatory agents that can break down cartilage, cat's claw can help maintain healthy cartilage in aging joints. In a clinical study, scientists found that cat's claw provided relief to adults with osteoarthritis, as a significant reduction in pain associated with physical activity was observed in those who received the cat's claw supplement.

Strengthens the immune system

Cat's claw naturally strengthens the immune system, which strengthens its defenses against the multitude of pathogens that one encounters daily in the air, water and environment. In a study of the effects of cat's claw on the immune system of rats, cat's claw supplementation for eight weeks significantly increased the animals' white blood cell counts, suggesting an improved ability to fight off infectious invaders. Adult men who took cat's claw for six months experienced an increase in their white blood cells, indicating improved immune function. Another clinical trial shows that cat's claw may help increase the effectiveness of vaccines, as adults who took cat's claw for two months before receiving a pneumonia vaccine had antibody titers that remained at higher levels for five months longer than controls.

Cat's claw and DNA repair

Studies have shown that cat's claw can protect DNA from oxidative stress, which is essential for protection against cancer. DNA is highly susceptible to damage from free radical attacks, which can contribute to the development of cancer and other deadly diseases.

In one study, scientists conducted a study on cultured human skin cells to determine whether cat's claw extract could protect sensitive DNA from oxidative stress. They found that an aqueous extract of cat's claw protects skin cells from death caused by ultraviolet radiation by increasing the cells' ability to repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet light.11

Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in modern cancer treatment. However, its major disadvantage is that it can damage DNA in healthy cells. As adult volunteers who had previously undergone chemotherapy supplemented with water-soluble cat's claw extract for eight weeks, they showed significantly reduced DNA damage and increased DNA repair. Participants also showed an increase in white blood cell proliferation. This is an important finding because chemotherapy typically suppresses white blood cell counts, increasing susceptibility to infections. Cat's claw can therefore provide crucial DNA and white blood cell support to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.12

Cat's claw and cancer proliferation

Cat's claw can be a powerful ally in the fight against cancer by preventing the abnormal cell division that characterizes this dreaded disease. Exciting laboratory results suggest that cat's claw extract prevented the proliferation of human breast cancer cells in the laboratory.13

Cat's claw also shows activity against leukemia cells (cancer of the blood-producing cells in the bone marrow). European researchers found that cat's claw inhibited the growth of human leukemia cells in the laboratory, causing them to undergo programmed self-destruction (apoptosis). Certain components in cat's claw not only stopped the growth of cancer cells, but killed the cancer cells completely.14

The exact mechanism by which cat's claw fights cancer is not yet fully understood. Scientists believe that its ability to regulate certain immune system cytokines may help boost the body's defense against cancer.15,16

Safety and dosage instructions

Cat's claw is generally safe and well tolerated, with diarrhea being the only possible side effect reported in some cases. However, because cat's claw can stimulate the immune system, it should be avoided by people undergoing organ transplants, skin transplants, and immunosuppressive therapy. Although there is some evidence that cat's claw may benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis, it should not be used long-term in people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus or multiple sclerosis until more studies are available. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under three years of age should also avoid using cat's claw.
Cat’s Claw can be consumed in various forms, including tea, capsule, tincture, or extract. The recommended dosage varies depending on the shape of the cat's claw and the intended use. It is always best to consult a doctor before adding Cat’s Claw to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.

Una De Gato (Cat's Claw) Health…

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Health Benefits of Una De Gato (Cat's Claw).

Commercially available cat's claw preparations can vary in dosage and standardization of the active ingredients. The typical dosage of a cat's claw supplement is up to 350 mg daily, standardized to contain 8% carboxyalkyl ester.

The health-promoting properties of cat's claw extracts are remarkable and serve as a prime example of the incredible potential that can lie in the wide variety of plant species in the Amazon rainforest. Used by indigenous cultures for centuries, cat's claw has demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as immune-modulating abilities. This emerging botanical ingredient could be an essential new tool for treating joint problems, protecting DNA integrity and boosting the body's defense against cancer.

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