Summary
Medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and antitumor effect, used mainly to treat joint pain.
names
Portuguese name: cat’s claw, cat’s claw
Binomial name: Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.ex Schult.) DC
French name: Liane du Pérou, griffe de chat
English name: cat’s claw, cat’s claw
German name: Katzenkralle
Name Italian: unghia di gatto
Spanish name: uña de gato
Family
Rubiaceae
Constituents
Alkaloids (mitraphylline, isopterpodine and pteropodine), quinovic glycosidic acid, flavonoids, triterpenes, procyanidins and phytosterols.
parts used
bark, root, leaf
Effects
Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antihypertensive
Indications
– Joint pain ( arthritis , rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosis or osteoarthritis) and acute muscle pain
– Cancer
– During chemotherapy
– Type 1 diabetes (prevents progression)
– A study showed action against the complications caused by dengue (pressure drop and hemorrhage), more studies need to be carried out, but possibly in the future we will have drugs against dengue based on cat’s claw.
Secundary effects
In high doses, cat’s claw can cause intestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation, depending on the person’s sensitivity. In addition to fatigue, fever, pancreatic symptoms and optic nerve changes.
There are studies that indicate antiplatelet effects.
contraindications
This plant should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under 3 years of age, transplant recipients or those who intend to perform an organ transplant.
It should not be used by women who are trying to get pregnant, there is a study that suggests a possible contraceptive effect.
People who have a history of bleeding, coagulation disorders or who take anticoagulants should take cat’s claw with care, as it has antiplatelet potential.
Interactions
Interaction with laxatives may occur, causing colic and diarrhea.
Possible interaction with antiretroviral protease inhibitors (such as atazanavir, ritonavir and saquinavir), cyclosporine, calcium channel blockers, reverse transcriptase inhibitors and other drugs influenced by the CYP3A4 enzyme.
Preparations
Internal use
– Capsules or tablet
– Infusion (tea, aqueous extract, decoction), 5 g of bark / 150 mL of water: take 150 mL, 2 to 3 times a day.
– Tincture
Where does it grow?
Plant native to the Amazon rainforest (Brazilian and Peruvian), but also found in other tropical areas, cat’s claw can be multiplied by cuttings through budding in places with at least 50% shade.
When to harvest cat’s claw?
The harvesting or cutting of this plant must be done at minimum intervals of 10 years, for the same plant. In addition, it is recommended to leave at least 1 meter of trunk for the emergence of a new trunk (budding).
This plant is at risk of extinction, due to extractivism for medicinal purposes, therefore it is important to carry out a sustainable harvest, following the minimum time, always preserving some untouched species and never cutting 40% of the plants.
Comments
– The name cat’s claw was given due to the small hooked thorns similar to cat’s claws. Peruvian Indians have been using this plant for over 2,000 years and there are indications that the Incas already knew about it since antiquity.
– Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is often confused with the species Uncaria guianensis, which is very common in Brazil and is used for practically the same purposes.
– Recognized as a medicinal plant by the WHO (World Health Organization) in 1994, it is currently listed in the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the SUS (RENISUS).
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