Cat's Claw - Una de Gato

The Peruvians have used the Una de Gato as a healing tonic for centuries, trusting in it's cleansing abilities.  Una de Gato has a profound ablility to cleanse the intestinal tract and provide relief from problems in the stomach and bowels.  Patients with colitis, gastritis, Crohn's disease, even ulcers have benefited from Una de Gato.

Because of its wide range of healing potentials, Una de Gato is gaining popularity at a tremendous pace.  This woody vine grows in the Amazon Basin rain forest of Peru.  It is a traditional remedy of the indigenous people and is highly revered as one of their most useful and deeply acting herbs.

Indications for Use

• Resistant cases of dysbiosis
• Intestinal antiseptic
• Parasitism (especially of Blastocystis hominis, Entamoebas, and Giardia)
• Leaky Gut Syndrome
• General Detoxification
• Immune stimulation (especially tonifying to the spleen)
• Inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract (such as IBS, ulcers, gastritis, and diverticulitis, Crohn's, colitis, etc..)
• Dermatological disorders
• Allergic disorders
• Chronic inflammation
• Chemo and rediotherapy may be more efficient with concomitant UDG therapy
• Fibromyalgia Syndrom

Constitution and Presentation

• Tendency toward neuralogic disorganization and/or disturbance in neurotransmitters
• History of frequent or prolonged antibiotic use (particularly tetracycline)
• Intestinal flora abnomalities/dysbiosis
• Infection (often subclinical) in the male or female organs
• Depression and/or agitation
• Inability to concentrate with impaired short term memory
• Increased muscle tonus associated with weak connective tissues

The first published chemical analysis of Uncaria tomentosa appeared in 1974.  Two primary alkaloid were chromatographically indentified as Rynchophyllin and Isorynschphyllin, as well as 5 secondary alkaloids.  In 1985, Dr. B. Kreutzkamp and co-workers in Germany undertook more extensive analysis of Una de Gato and came up with a classification of 6 alkaloids, the most immunologically active one being Isopteropodin.  It has been reported in the literature that several color variations of fresh Uncaria tomentosa wood correspond with different concentrations of alkaloids, the darker colored wood being the richest in Isopteropodin.

Some of the different alkaloids have been experimentally shown to be:

• Immunostimulating by way of enhancing phagocytosis
• Ganglion-blocking with an enhancing effect on parasympathic tone
• Inhibitory to striated muscle contraction
• Hpotensive, Uterostimulant and antipyretic
• Diuretic

Side Effects or Contraindications

Some people experience transient constipation and/or diarrhea.  It is generally an indication that Una de Gato is working well.  In the patients who have benefited most from Una de Gato, the herb tends to progressively alter bowl consistency from hard or normal to loose.  Una de Gato is contraindicated for transplant carriers, because of possible graft rejection.  During pregnancy Una de Gato should not be used.

Because of the mode of action of Uncaria extract, side-effects do not appear if the recommended dose is taken.  In association with individuals who have frequently used laxatives, ther may be temporary disorders of intestinal peristalsis, which disappear spontaneously after a few days.

*  These statements have not been evaluated by theFDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.