Family: Rubiaceae Scientific name: Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis Common name: Cat's Claw, Uña de gato, Samento, Garabato Part of the plant: Internal part of the bark, stem or roots Origin: Amazon Rainforest of Peru Value: Medicinal plant

Cat's Claw - Cat’sPUNCH

For over 2000 years, the Ashaninka and other tribes of the Amazon forest of Peru consider the "Cat's Claw" as a sacred plant, due to its multiple tonic effects.

The "Cat's Claw" is a vine that grows slowly at a rate of 1.50m per year; the inner bark of the plant contains alkaloids, glycosides of quinovique acid and terpenes.

This plant was named because of its large curved spines.

It seems this is the oxindole alkaloids, that is giving the "Cat's Claw" its effectiveness, particularly to stimulate the immune system. Alkaloids and other plant constituents, such as glycosides, may explain the anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to inhibit the multiplication of cancer cells, and antioxidants.

It is used successfully in all inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and rheumatism.

The main effects of this plant are: