Herbal Protection from the Amazon - CAT’S CLAW

CAT’S CLAW - Herbal Protection from the Amazon ...

Darrell Miller

06/01/05

Date: June 01, 2005 09:45 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: CAT’S CLAW - Herbal Protection from the Amazon ...

Cat's Claw

Another health secret of the Amazon rainforests is now being revealed in an exciting new product from Source Naturals called CAT’S CLAW or Uncaria tomentosa. Like Pau D’ Arco before it, the herb Cat’s Claw has been used in traditional Peruvian herbalism for hundreds of years, but it is only now getting the attention it deserves in the United States.

Source Naturals® Cat’s Claw – An Amazonian Treasure for the Western World

This unique herb is actually a high-climbing vine found in the highlands of the Peruvian Amazon. It is named for its claw-like thorns that resemble a cat’s claw. The bark from the Uncaria tomentosa vine is harvested for two important reasons: first, many of the highly active components are found in the bark; and second, the bark can be harvested without needless destruction of the vine, thereby protecting the delicate Amazon ecosystem.

The biologically active constituents in Source Naturals CAT’S CLAW have uniquely protective properties. Researchers have discovered that components extracted from the herb can enhance the body’s natural defenses, help to keep the system balanced in the face of environmental stressors, and can support intestinal health.

Ongoing studies are being performed to determine the exact constituents in the vine which are responsible for these activities. Oxindole alkaloids, a group of compounds that strongly affect human physiology, have been identified in some of the vine extracts. Researchers have also isolated compounds, called quinovic acid glycosides, that seem to have high free radical scavenging potential. In addition, polyphenols, triterpenes and plant steroids have been isolated from herb extracts.

campesterol, stigmasterol, and Betasitosterol hold the most promise. Betasitosterol is a white, waxy substance that has been extensively studied because of its close resemblance in structure and properties to cholesterol, and for its powerful shielding potential. Betasitosterol so closely resembles cholesterol that it binds the cholesterol absorptive sites and prevents cholesterol absorption. The presence of these additional compounds may further explain the herb’s protective and rejuvenating characteristics. While research unravels the multi-faceted properties of this unique Amazonian herb, the intrinsic benefits can be enjoyed by all who choose to be proactive in their quest for optimal health.

Reference:

• Aquino et al. J. of Nat. Prod. 52: 679-685, 1989.

• Aquino et al. J. of Nat. Prod. 53: 559-564, 1990.

• Cerri et al. J. of Nat. Prod. 51: 257-261, 1988.

• Montenegro de Matta et al. Il Farmaco Ed. Sc. 51: 527-535, 1975.

• Stuppner et al. Chromatographia. 34: 597-600, 1992.

The above information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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