Ingredient sheet: Cat's claw
What is cat's claw ( Uncaria tomentosa )?
Cat's claw ( Uncaria tomentosa ), also known as Peruvian liana , is a vine used in herbal medicine. It originates from the Amazon rainforest.
It has been used for over 2000 years by the indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest. It is still relatively unknown in France, but it is a very interesting plant in herbal medicine with numerous properties.
It is used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving (analgesic) properties.
What are the properties and benefits of cat's claw?
Although native to the Amazon rainforest, Uncaria tomentosa is listed in the French pharmacopoeia.
Cat's claw, a treasure trove of active compounds
A cat's claw contains more than 50 constituents, among which are molecules belonging to the following families:
- Alkaloids (especially pentacyclic and tetracyclic alkaloids)
- Polyphenols
- Triterpenes
- Sterols
It is possible to compile a non-exhaustive list of compounds present in cat's claw extracts. This list represents only a portion of the active compounds:
- Pteropodin (or Uncarin C)
- Isopteropodine (or Uncarin E)
- Speciophylline (or Uncarine D)
- Speciofiline (or Uncarine F)
- Mitraphylline (or Ajmalicine oxindole B)
- Benzoic acid
- Salicylic acid
- parahydroxybenzoic acid
- Protocatechuic acid
- Gallic acid
- Vanillic acid
- Syringic acid
- Isomitraphyllin
- Caffeine acid
- Coumaric acid
- Feluric acid
- Isofeluric acid
- Proanthocyanidins
- Condensed tannins
- A wide variety of triterpenes and phytosterols
What are the pharmacological properties of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa)?
The cat's claw has several interesting effects, including:
- immunostimulatory effects (via action on leukocytes and cytokine production)
- an anti-inflammatory action used in the relief of symptoms of chronic inflammation (via an action on NFkb and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα)
- an antioxidant effect due to a scavenger effect on free radicals and the stimulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT)
What are the health claims for cat claw?
Cat claw does not yet have any validated health claims. However, its effects, particularly its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, are documented (see ANSES opinion).
What are the side effects and contraindications of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa)?
Side effects may sometimes occur following the ingestion of cat claw and cease upon discontinuation of use, such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Digestive problems (diarrhea, vomiting)
Due to its numerous active compounds, cat's claw can interact with certain medications. Precautions should be taken, and medical advice should be sought, when consuming cat's claw and using the following medications:
- Anticoagulants
- Antihistamines
- Antifungals
- Antiretrovirals
- Chemotherapy
- Statins
- Diuretics
- Immunosuppressants
The cat's claw at Phytocea
At Phytocea , we chose to incorporate cat's claw into the ReLive formula for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. ReLive is a dietary supplement for menstrual cramps.
ReLive is designed to relieve menstrual pain and associated discomfort such as nausea and digestive problems or PMS.
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