The uña de gato or cat's claw has become very popular in the Western world since the 1970s. Herbalists in Europe and the United States use uña de gato to treat a variety of ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, gastritis and gastric ulcers, immune system disorders, and as an adjunct to the treatment of cancer and AIDS.
It strengthens the immune system and relieves inflammatory pain.
It is indicated in the treatment of tachycardias, arrhythmias, joint pain (rheumatism, arthritis), hypertension, candidiasis (infections caused by yeasts of the Candida genus) and urinary infections such as cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).
It cleans the body and the digestive tract, helping to treat intestinal diseases (Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome) and digestive disorders.
Anti-pain properties in case of osteoarthritis
Studies carried out in Peru have shown its effectiveness in relieving pain in case of osteoarthritis, without having the side effects of other anti-inflammatories such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
Panti-inflammatory properties
Uña de gato has been shown in different laboratories around the world to decrease the in vitro production of many pro-inflammatory substances in mouse cells.
Immunostimulating properties
Uña de gato stimulates phagocytosis in human macrophages. Phagocytosis is the initial step and the first line of immunological defense.
Properties antioxidants
Uña de gato attenuates oxidative stress-induced cell death in cultured human and mouse cells. A recent study compared the in vitro antioxidant capacity of extracts of uña de gato, with extracts of other medicinal plants and foods such as cereals, fruits and vegetables. In all the tests carried out, it was the uña de gato that revealed the greatest antioxidant power (this is its richness in pro anthocyanidins, a family of molecules known for their antioxidant properties and their ability to eliminate free radicals.
Toxicity
At the recommended doses, no acute or chronic toxic effects have been reported in studies carried out on laboratory animals or in humans.
Precautions and contraindications
In case of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or lupus, it is recommended to avoid taking cat's claw in order to avoid stimulating the immune system which, in these diseases, attacks the organism it is supposed to protect. Cat's claw is also not recommended for children under 3 years of age and, in the absence of studies on the subject, for women who have just given birth and those who are breastfeeding.
Cat's claw has no side effects, except for very rare cases of mild intestinal disorders in sensitive people due to its high tannin content.
Traditionally, pregnant women are recommended to avoid cat's claw since it has been used as a contraceptive and an abortifacient.
Finally, cat's claw could counter the effect of drugs prescribed to patients with the aim of inhibiting immune reactions that could cause a rejection phenomenon.
Drug interactions: no study has been carried out on the subject, however it is possible that the plant reinforces the effect of hypotensive or anticoagulant drugs.