Cat's Claw

Uncaria tomentosa

Physical Characteristics

Uncaria tomentosa is an evergreen Climber growing to 25 m (82ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; Caribbean - Trinidad;

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Sap Stem Edible Uses: Drink The stems are a source of a potable sap that is used to quench thirst and as a restorative drink[331 , 646 ]. A watery, astringent taste[646 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antiarthritic Antiasthmatic Antiinflammatory Antirheumatic Astringent Blood purifier Cancer Febrifuge Kidney Mouthwash Skin Urinary Cat's claw has a long history of traditional use, being employed in the treatment of a range of conditions including inflammations (especially rheumatism), arthritis, urinary tract infections and gastric ulcers. It has also been used as a blood purifier; to cleanse the kidneys; to recover from childbirth or treat menstrual irregularities; as a treatment for asthma[646 ]. Applied externally, it is used as a wash for wounds in order to promote healing, to cleanse the skin of impurities etc[646 ]. The plant is widely used in modern herbal medicine, where it is primarily valued for its stimulatory effect upon the immune system[646 ]. The part most commonly used is the stem bark[646 ]. Cat's claw has many modern applications, which is a common trait of herbs with immune stimulatory activity, and includes: disease prevention, cancer, recovery from chemotherapy side effects, recovery from childbirth, urinary tract infections, wounds, fevers, haemorrhages, and weakness. Applications for cat?s claw which have had some clinical research include viral infections, pain and symptoms of Herpes infections, and for inflammatory conditions, such as Rheumatoid arthritis[646 ]. Research has shown that the plant is anti-inflammatory, immune system stimulant, cytoprotective and antioxidant[646 ]. The whole plant is used in a gargle to remedy mouth ulcers[348 ].

Known Hazards

None known