- Modulates the immune system
- Improves the body's immune system
- Supports the fight against cancer
- Eliminates bone and joint pains
- Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis
- Combats harmful viruses
- Has antioxidant effects
- Suppresses inflammation
Swanson Cat's Claw is a dietary supplement that includes an extract from the bark ofCat's Claw . In the literature, this plant goes by many other names, the most popular of which are: Cat's Claw, Cat's Claw and Vilcacora.
The formulation promotes immunity and strengthens the body's health. Due to its strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, it is readily used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal ailments. It can also support the treatment of more serious conditions, such as cancer.
Cat's Claw, or more properly, cat's claw(Uncaria tomentosa) is a vine that grows in the tropical forests of the Amazon. Its bark is a valued medicinal resource - it contains more than 50 various biologically active substances that have beneficial effects on the human body. Oxoindole alkaloids (including mitraphylline, rynchophylline, isopteropodine, unkaryls C, D and E, and hirsutein) are considered to be the most active; also important is the presence of triperpenes, procyanides, plant steroids (e.g., the potent anti-inflammatory β-sitosterol) and quinic acid glycosides (showing strong antiviral activity).
Strengthening the immune system
Cat's Claw is a potent modulator of the immune system. It affects a great many elements of the immune system, on which the cellular and non-specific immunity of the body depends.
Oxoindole alkaloids present in the bark of the plant increase the level of key cells of the immune system (mainly B and T lymphocytes) and increase the activity of granulocytes. In addition, they increase the efficiency of the phagocytosis process, as a result of which health-threatening microorganisms and malformed cells are engulfed by specialized foraging cells. They also stimulate macrophages to produce two cytokines IL-1 and IL-2, which are one of the key components of the immune system.
Reduction of inflammation
Scientific studies have proven that Cat's Claw extracts suppress inflammation as effectively as popular NSAID pharmaceuticals (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen). They have the advantage over them that they do not cause any side effects, i.e. they do not irritate the stomach and do not destroy joint cartilage.
The main mechanism responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of Cat's Claw is the strong inhibition of the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the reduction of NF-kB synthesis. Reducing the release of eicosanoids, including the most active prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), also plays an important role.
Due to their potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, Cat's Claw bark extracts are readily used for the relief of musculoskeletal disorders. They can support the treatment of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis. In a study on people with severe osteoarthritis in the knee area, it was shown that as little as four weeks of supplementation with Cat's Claw bark extract was enough to relieve pain, increase joint mobility and resolve morning stiffness. Importantly, throughout the supplementation period, all hematological parameters and liver tests of the test subjects did not deviate from normal.
Fighting free radicals and oxidative stress
Cat's Claw bark contains a great number of compounds with antioxidant activity. Alkaloids, proanthocyanidins and catechins easily extinguish free radicals and reduce the intensity of oxidative stress. In addition, they can protect vitamin C from oxidation, thus increasing its antioxidant capacity.
Anti-cancer potential
Cat's Claw extracts are used in the prevention and treatment of serious autoimmune disorders and cancer. In a study involving patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, it was shown that the inclusion of supplementation with Cat's Claw extracts negated some of the negative effects of the treatment. Many patients were able to avoid neutropenia, which is a very common consequence of chemotherapy.
In addition, in clinical trials, Cat's Claw extracts have been shown to directly inhibit the growth of tumor cell lines of breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. In addition, they induce apoptosis (programmed death) in pathological cells.
Antiviral properties
Oxoindole alkaloids present in Cat's Claw bark exhibit potent antiviral activity. In in vitrostudies , they have been shown to inhibit the replication of the influenza A virus and effectively combat the herpes virus. They prevent it from attaching to cells, thus limiting the spread of the virus in the body.
One study showed that people with herpes labialis who took Cat's Claw extracts had significantly fewer symptoms of the disease (swelling, redness, pain) than the group treated with a common antiviral drug (Acyclovir).
In conclusion, Cat's Claw is a supplement that effectively supports the body's immunity and can lower the risk of many serious illnesses. It will be ideal for people with weakened immune systems or chronic inflammatory conditions. Supplementation may also be considered by those who struggle with recurrent viral infections (such as hard-to-treat herpes).
