( 1 reviews )
-
( 5 of 5 found this review helpful ) Posted: Dec 1 2005
VERY GOOD STUFF -- WORKS WELL WILL OTHER HERBS LIKE ECHINACEA, SUPER POTENCY MAKES THIS "NOW" STANDARDIZED PRODUCT A BEST BUY: This particular version of "Standardized Cat's Claw" is a 15:1 concentrated extract from the inner bark, and will yield about 10 mg. of alkaloids, which is the active medicinal constituent of "Cat's Claw". This compares to 7 mg. for "Nature's Way" and about 1 mg. for most raw herbal capsules like "Swanson". Though there are other differences to consider, this particular product has a relatively enormous guaranteed alkaloid content, making it a BEST BUY! WHAT IS "CAT'S CLAW"? Cat's claw is a popular herb from the root bark of the "Uncaria tomentosa" tree which grows mostly in Peru. South American folk medicine uses "Cat's Claw" for treating intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound healing. Alkaloids are the active constituents in Cat's Claw and they have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which is why they may boost one's immune system. Research has also shown that "Cat's Claw" is very effective against Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis when taken long term in standardized dosages. This may include more than just pain reduction and might help to restore damaged cartilage, particularly for Osteoarthritis. Even cancer may be treated some day with this herb as research has been done and has shown promise for the future. According to "Healthnotes", "Cat's Claw" is useful for the following ailments: [HIGHLY DOCUMENTED for] - Osteoarthritis. [ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE for] - HIV support, Immune function, Rheumatoid Arthritis including Gout. IN COMBO WITH ECHINACEA: When we get sick with bronchitis or the flu, among the cures we use are the "Echinacea + Cat's Claw + Licorice" combination. They work well together and are especially effective against upper respiratory tract infections and yeast infections. We do rotate these herbs, as some of them do lose their immune-boosting properties after 2 weeks or so of continuous usage. Sambucol [from NATURE'S WAY] is another that we use in the same way, also with very good results. ABOUT BRANDS & TYPES: I lean toward the same three -- "Swanson's", "Nature's Way" and "NOW", because I have used them all over a period of years with good effects and they all have excellent quality control. "Nature's Way" and "Now" are available in both the raw herb with a guaranteed level of aklaloids, which is the active medicinal constituent, and the "STANDARDIZED FORM" as shown here. For gout and severe osteoarthritus as well as other intense uses, I would use the "Standardized Cat's Claw" like the one offered here or by "Nature's Way". SAFETY RECORD: "Cat's Claw" has a terrific safety record and, according to Dr. James A. Duke, "is probably as safe as coffee". [I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY PRODUCT OR COMPANY
