Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Cat's Claw Extract Supplement: Lower Stress

By Kelvin Hall

Cat's claw should not be confused with cat's foot, the red and white flowers of Antennaria dioica, or devil's claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, a shrubby vine that grows in southwest Africa and is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, there are several other plants that may be confused with cat's claw. They may be given the name cat's claw, but they are actually quite different.

Cat's Claw is a tropical woody vine that grows in the rain forests and jungles of Peru and has been referred to as "Miracle Herb of the Rain Forest ". The vine derives its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which look like a cat's claw.

Cat's claw has been used, in combination with the drug AZT, for individuals who are HIV positive. Research continues to explore the usefulness of cat's claw for viral infections such as HIV and herpes.

Cats Claw is proven to boost the immune system. Cat's claw is valued largely because of its immune-building properties and although not as well known as more popular herbs such as Echinacea, goldenseal, Pau D'Arco, garlic, and ginseng is seen as being just as important. With the spread of HIV medical research has intensified in this area as well.

The active ingredients in Cat's Claw are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals such as oxinole alkaloids, triterpines, glycosides, and sterols. These phytochemicals have adaptogenic, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

More research is needed to validate the safety of cat's claw. However, we do know that large quantities of cat's claw can cause low blood pressure in some people. Hence, it should be used with caution if a person is already using medications for high blood pressure, as cat's claw may potentiate the effect of the medication. Cat's claw is contraindicated in pregnancy and in nursing mothers. It may also be unsafe for young children.

It is also Used to treat and protect against arthritis and rheumatism, as well as, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, PMS, lupus, and prostrate problems, and used in the treatment of cancer, acne, diverticulitis, parasites, hemorrhoids, as well as varicose veins. Helps treat digestive disorders including ulcers, gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and conditions involving chronic inflammation, used in the treatment of herpes infections, and acts as an all round powerful antioxidant to help protect the body from free radicals.

Cat's claw appears to possess immune-enhancing properties without any unwanted side effects. Further research is needed to verify other potentially therapeutic properties of this herb from South America.

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