Cats Claw 60capsules

Description

Other Names:

Rubiaceae (family) / Uncaria Surinamensis / Nauclea Aculeate / N. Tomentosa / Ourouparia Tomentosa / Uña De Gato / Paraguayo / Garabato / Garbato Casha / Samento / Toroñ / Tambor Huasca / Uña huasca / Uña De Gavilan / Hawk’s Claw / Saventaro

Botanical Description:

• When growing naturally, the stems of this huge woody climbing shrub frequently reach a length of up to one hundred metres with a diameter of over 20 cm.
• The plant climbs up the trunks of its supporting trees and spreads out into their crowns in the forest canopy.
• The roots grow out horizontally along the boundary layer between loose organic material and firm clay soil at a depth of a few centimetres below the surface.
• In the sunlight the plant produces whip-like shoots on which the oval leaves are arranged in pairs at intervals of 10 – 15 cm.
• The leaf axils bear slightly curved, sickle-shaped thorns.
• During the blossoming period Uncaria Tomentosa produces panicles of yellow flower heads approx. 2 cm in diameter in place of the thorns.

Part of Plant Used:

• Vine bark
• Root

Main Uses:

A herbal food supplement traditionally used as a tonic for the immune system and natural antioxidant.

Contra-indications:

• Allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
• People with autoimmune diseases, skin grafts, tuberculosis, or those receiving organ transplants should not use cat’s claw because of its possible effects on the immune system.
• Use with caution if you are using anti-inflammatory medications.
• Not recommended for organ transplant recipients, it may stimulate the immune response and cause a rejection of the organ or tissue.
• Cat’s claw has also been reported to potentiate, or intensify, the effects of antihypertensive (medications given to control high blood pressure). Persons taking such drugs should use cat’s claw only on the advice of a physician.
• Low blood pressure: There is some evidence that cat’s claw might lower blood pressure. If your blood pressure is already too low, this might be a problem.
• Leukaemia: Cat’s claw might worsen this condition. Don’t use it if you have leukaemia.
• Surgery: There is a concern that cat’s claw might make blood pressure control difficult during surgery. Stop taking cat’s claw at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Warnings:

• Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time.
•  When taken for any ailment if symptoms persist for more than one week consult your doctor or herbal practitioner.
• Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation may be hazardous. Always consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner.

Interactions:

• Cat’s claw may interact with the following medications: Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication), Diuretics (water pills), Estrogens or progestin’s, including birth control pills, Antihypertensive (blood pressure) medication, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Cat’s claw should not be combined with hormonal drugs, insulin, or vaccines.
• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with cats claw.
• Not to be taken with Immunosuppressive medications.
• There are no known interactions; however, with the proliferation of available drugs it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before taking this or any other supplements.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Cat’s claw may cause miscarriage and should not be taken by pregnant women
• Not recommended for breast feeding women.