alkaloid mitraphylline isolated from the cat’s claw herb
Known as the Life-Giving Vine to the Aguaruna, Cashibo, Conibo, Shipibo and most notably the Asháninka tribes who have been using cats claw for at least 2,000 years, however this plant earned it common name - Cats Claw from the curved thorns on the stem that resemble the claws of a cat. This herb has a lengthly history of use as a folk medicine by native peoples of the amazon.
It is thought that the Asháninka taught all other Amazonian Indians in the area about the qualities of this amazing plant. For the Asháninka Indians Cat's Claw is the totality of their culture. Traditionally every adult from the tribe carries the bark with them in a little woven pouch - the vine is thought to be holy to all Incan people and they consider it a god incarnate called ‘kug – kukjagui’ - the father of all other forest gods.
Cat's claw is widely thought of as one of the most important botanical herbs found in the rain forest as it is used as a cleansing and supportive herb of the immune system, cardiovascular system, and intestinal system.
Although research on cat's claw began in the 1970s, it didn't gain worldwide attention until the 1990s, when studies showed it to be a possible treatment for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS ) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection; cancer; and other ailments
The active compounds in cat's claw include oxidole alkaloids, triterpenes, phytosterols, and proanthocyanidins. Researchers have isolated unique alkaloids in the bark and roots that activate the immune system by increasing white blood cell activity. Rynchophylline, another alkaloid isolated from cat's claw, has antihypertensive properties that may be beneficial in lowering the risk of strokes and heart attacks by reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, and lowering blood cholesterol levels.
This Ancient plant also contains quinovic acid glycosides which have documented anti-inflammatory benefits, and are effective in relieving the stiffness and swelling prevalent in arthritis, rheumatism, and joint pain.
cats claw bark is also used to treat intestinal complaints, asthma, wounds as well as an adjunctive treatment for cancer and AIDS.
This exotic and highly medicinal vine, has come a long way from the amazon, and has now naturalized in south africa. We stock powdered cats claw bark.
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