Herbal Information for Cat's Claw in Powder Form

Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as Cat's Claw, is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America. It's recognized for its distinctive hook-like thorns that resemble a cat's claw, which is how it got its name. Here’s a detailed look at this plant:
Description

• Scientific Classification: Uncaria tomentosa belongs to the Rubiaceae family.
• Physical Appearance: The vine can grow up to 30 meters in length. It has curved, thorny hooks that help it climb, and it bears green leaves and small yellow flowers.

Traditional Uses

• Medicinal Purposes: Traditionally used by indigenous peoples for its healing properties.
• Common Applications: Used in folk medicine for treating a variety of conditions including inflammatory disorders, viral infections, and digestive problems.

Uses of Cat's Claw in Managing Lyme Disease

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

• Lyme Disease: Known for causing chronic inflammation in various tissues, including joints, skin, and the nervous system.
• Cat's Claw's Role: Contains compounds that help reduce inflammation, which can alleviate symptoms such as joint pain and swelling associated with Lyme disease.

2. Immune System Support

• Lyme Disease: A complex infection that can suppress and evade the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off the bacteria.
• Cat's Claw's Role: Boosts immune function through its immune-modulating effects, helping the body to better recognize and combat the Borrelia bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.

3. Antimicrobial Activity

• Lyme Disease: Caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which can persist in the body and be difficult to eradicate completely.
• Cat's Claw's Role: Has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties that may help in directly combating the bacteria and supporting conventional treatments like antibiotics.

4. Antioxidant Effects

• Lyme Disease: Often leads to oxidative stress, damaging cells and contributing to chronic symptoms.
• Cat's Claw's Role: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, and potentially mitigating some of the oxidative stress associated with the disease.

5. Neuroprotective Benefits

• Lyme Disease: Can affect the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as headaches, cognitive difficulties, and neuropathy.
• Cat's Claw's Role: Contains neuroprotective compounds that may help protect nerve cells and improve neurological health, potentially reducing some of the cognitive and sensory symptoms of Lyme disease.

6. Synergistic Effects with Other Treatments

• Lyme Disease: Often requires a multifaceted treatment approach, including antibiotics and supportive therapies.
• Cat's Claw's Role: Can complement conventional treatments, enhancing their effectiveness and helping to manage symptoms more comprehensively.

7. Potential for Reducing Herxheimer Reaction

• Lyme Disease: Treatment can lead to a Herxheimer reaction, where symptoms temporarily worsen as bacteria die off and release toxins.
• Cat's Claw's Role: May help mitigate this reaction due to its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, easing the process of bacterial die-off and reducing symptom flare-ups.

Active Compounds

• Alkaloids: Known for immune-boosting effects.
• Glycosides: May have antioxidant properties.
• Polyphenols and Triterpenes: Contribute to anti-inflammatory effects.

Health Benefits

1. Immune Support: Believed to stimulate the immune system.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Used to alleviate conditions like arthritis.
3. Antioxidant: Helps to combat oxidative stress.
4. Digestive Health: Traditionally used to treat ulcers and digestive disorders.

Modern Uses

• Supplements: Available in various forms including capsules, tinctures, and teas.
• Research: Ongoing studies on its efficacy in treating diseases such as cancer and viral infections.

Common Name: Cat's Claw

Botanical Name:  Uncaria tomentosa

Other Names: Una de gato, Life-giving vine of Peru, Hawk's claw

Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.

Package Size:   1 pound

Form: Fine Powder

Note:  This is a raw powder and is not an extract which means it will not dissolved when water is added to the powder.   There will sediment at the bottom of your cup.  

Origin:  Peru

Wildcrafted:   Yes

Brand: Starwest Botanicals

Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

• Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing infants should not take cat's claw. It is very dangerous for the fetus!
• Cat's claw stimulates the immune system; therefore anyone who has a condition which affects the immune system should avoid cat's claw.
• Cat's claw should be avoided in the two weeks both before and after a surgical procedure, or by anyone suffering from a bleeding disorder.
• There is also the possibility that cat's claw may interact with other medications. If you are already taking oral contraceptives, antifungal medication like ketoconazole, allergy medications such as fexofenadine, cholesterol medications such as lovastatin or certain cancer medications, you should avoid cat's claw.
• Cat's claw should not be used by individuals with skin grafts or tuberculosis or by those receiving organ transplants.
  

California Prop 65 

Naturally Occurring Components:  Alkaloids, Glycosides, Lipids, Phytosterols, Triterpens, Flavanols

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is an herb known for its traditional medicinal uses. Here are common ways to use it:

1. Tea: You can brew cat's claw bark into a tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried bark in hot water for about 10-15 minutes. Drink this tea up to three times daily.

2. Capsules or Tablets: Cat's claw supplements are available in capsule or tablet form. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label, typically 250-1000 mg per day, divided into several doses.

3. Tincture: Cat's claw tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts. Follow the dosage recommended on the product, usually 1-2 mL, diluted in water, up to three times per day.

4. Topical Use: Some preparations are available for topical use, though this is less common compared to internal consumption. Follow specific product instructions if using topically.

Summary of Cat's Claw

• Supports Immune System
• Benefits Digestive System
• Aids in Joint Flexibility
• Promotes a Healthy Cardiovascular system
  
• Clinical research on Cat's Claw is showing positive results for neutralizing free radicals.
• This plant is found in the Peruvian Amazon Rain Forest. It has been used for hundreds of years.
• Do not mix this Unicaria tomentosa with Uncaria rhynchophylla twig & thorn, they are two different plants.

 About Starwest Botanicals Quality Control

Starwest Botanicals validated quality assurance testing includes:
• Organoleptic testing to ensure proper appearance, color, aroma and flavor.
• Microscopic and Macroscopic inspection for foreign matter.
• HPTLC for identification, to verify purity and authenticity.
• ICP-MS heavy metal analysis.
• Microbiology testing for pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella.
• Chemical analyses for moisture content, volatile oil, ash and acid insoluble ash.

Audits all suppliers yearly to assure they meet our GMP requirements

Laboratory Analysis

Samples are retained from all shipments are thoroughly tested and compared to our extensive reference library of dried herbs and botanicals to verify authenticity. All lot samples are kept for five years and can be traced for verification.

Starwest Botanicals utilizes not only their in-house laboratory, but also independent labs and consultants to guarantee their analyses are complete. Testing includes organoleptic analysis for aroma, color, flavor and texture. Physical testing involves moisture, volatile oil content, heavy metals, microbiology, thin layer chromatography, and other tests specific to each herb.

Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years, in all cultures. In this day and age Western Bulk Herbs and Spices should be regarded as an added element to present-day healthcare, and not as a replacement. Botanical herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, support, and balance.

References:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/cats-claw
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/uncaria-tomentosa
https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal%20facts%20sheet/cats-claw.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncaria_tomentosa
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=catsclaw
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/cat-claw
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cats-claw
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-395/cats-claw
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25495394
<a href="http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/uncaria+tomentosa">uncaria tomentosa</a>