Devil's Claw is indigenous to Southern and Eastern Africa. The roots are collected at the end of the rainy season. The name of Devil's Claw is derived from the herb's unusual fruits, which seem to be covered with numerous small hooks. This valuable plant has been found effective in the treatment of some cases of arthritis. This action appears to be due to the presence of a glycoside called harpagoside that reduces inflammation in the joints. Unfortunately, Devil's Claw is not always effective, but it is well worth considering in cases of arthritis where there is inflammation and pain. The British Herbal Pharmacopoea recognizes Devil's Claw as having anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, sedative, and diuretic properties. This plant also aids in liver and gall-bladder complaints. Devil's Claw tuber contains three important constituents belonging to the iridoid glycoside family: harpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide. The secondary tubers of the herb contain twice as much harpagoside as the primary tubers. As such, these secondary tubers contain the preferable concentration of active ingredients. Harpagoside and other iridoid glycosides found in the plant may be responsible for the herb's anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Devil's Claw is also considered by herbalists to be a potent bitter. Bitter principles, like the iridoid glycosides found in Devil's Claw, stimulate the stomach to increase the production of acid, thereby helping to improve digestion. |
|
Cat's Claw is also known by the names Una de Gato, Samento, Chacruk, Jipotatsa, Rangayo, and Garabato Amarillo. It's also called "Opener of the Way" because of its well-known cleansing properties. Native to South America, Cat's Claw has claw-like spines on its stems, hence the name. It is a giant woody vine that can grow over 100 feet. The root and bark of Cat's Claw is used by the indigenous peoples of the Rainforest for birth control, arthritic conditions, asthma, cancer, fevers, ulcers, menstrual regulation, general weakness, wounds, detoxification, and rejuvenation. In most areas, only the inner bark of the plant is harvested, so that the root can be left to regenerate for future harvesting. The inner bark provides all of the beneficial alkaloids found in this medicinal plant. Cat's Claw contains powerful antioxidants, such as proanthocyanidins, which help fight against free radical damage, strengthen the cardiovascular and immune systems, protect collagen, and reduce swelling and inflammation. Cat's Claw is considered beneficial not only for the immune system, but for the digestive and structural systems as well. Cats Claw helps to activate macrophages, lymphocytes and leukocytes. It also inhibits blood platelet aggregation. Research on this plant is very recent, but more needs to be done. The common name Cat's Claw also includes the species Uncaria guianensis, which is used interchangeably with Uncaria tomentosa.
|
