Family: Rubiacea
Cats Claw is an important Rainforest plant that has been scientifically tested to confirm or dispute the traditional medical claims made for it.
There are two types of plant known as Cat’s Claw in the rainforest, Uncaria tomentosa (uña de gato blanca) which grows at higher altitude, and Uncaria guianensis (uña de gato rosada) with more curled claws.
Cat’s Claw – Uncaria tomentosa has been used medicinally by the Ashaninka tribe in Peru for 2,000 years.
Constituents: Oxidole alkaloids, quinovic acid glycosides, tannins, catechins and procyanidins, plant sterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol), carboxyl alkyl esters.
Actions: Immune-stimulant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions, anti-oxidant.
Further reading:
The Cat’s Claw TOA – POA debate (Raintree)
Raintree’s Technical Data Report on Cat’s Claw
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Harvesting Cats Claw in the rain forest
Showing the difference between the two Cats Claw species (In Spanish)
