Friday, September 25, 2009

Cat's Claw Extract Supplement: Natural Ways To Feel Better

By Tyjuan Giordano

Cats Claw may not be as well known as some other herbs but the protection it can give to the body and its overall health benefits have seen it rise dramatically in popularity. Let's take a closer look at Cats Claw and its immense health benefits.

Cat's Claw is a tropical woody vine that grows in the rain forests and jungles of Peru and has been referred to as "Miracle Herb of the Rain Forest ". The vine derives its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which look like a cat's claw.

There are a number of herbs that contain substances that enhance the activity of the immune system. These botanical products include echinacea, garlic, astragalus, ginseng, licorice, and cat's claw.

The active constituents are quite variable and depend upon the time of the year when the plant is harvested. While the stem bark has some activity, the root is three to four times more active than the stem bark. Some of the known active compounds in cat's claw include alkaloids, triterpenes, phytosterols, and proanthocyanidins.

Cat's claw's immune stimulating effect is a result of its alkaloid components. The alkaloids also possess some ability to inhibit blood clots and relax the blood vessel walls. The phytosterols are reported to have anti-inflammatory activity through their effect in stimulating interleukin production. An aqueous extract of cat's claw has shown some ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cells. The proanthocyanidins and several alkaloids appear to possess the tumor-inhibiting properties.

But what are cat's claw benefits? Helps the body fight off infections by helping the body's immune system, helps Protect the body against degenerative diseases and aging. Seen to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks by reducing the heart rate lowering blood pressure, improving circulation as well as controlling cholesterol

It is also Used to treat and protect against arthritis and rheumatism, as well as, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, PMS, lupus, and prostrate problems, and used in the treatment of cancer, acne, diverticulitis, parasites, hemorrhoids, as well as varicose veins. Helps treat digestive disorders including ulcers, gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and conditions involving chronic inflammation, used in the treatment of herpes infections, and acts as an all round powerful antioxidant to help protect the body from free radicals.

Cat's claw appears to possess immune-enhancing properties without any unwanted side effects. Further research is needed to verify other potentially therapeutic properties of this herb from South America.

About the Author:

No comments: