Botanical Overview
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria guianensis) belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. This species belongs to the Pedaliaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
Other names for the plant include uña de gato, Paraguayo and vincaria. Uncaria guianensis contains many phytochemicals ((-)-epicatechin, alkaloid, beta-Sitosterol, campesterol, campherol, catechol, catechutannic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, hyperin, oleanolic acid, rutin, stigmasterol, ursolic acid) and proanthocyanidin B1 and proanthocyanidin B2, B type proanthocyanidins, in the root.
Family Context
The Pedaliaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Sesame — 69 documented uses
- Devil’s Claw — 6 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Cat’s Claw has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, and others.
Traditional Uses
Cat’s Claw has been traditionally used for digestive health.
Digestive health.
- Dysentery
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Flavonoid: antioxidant compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage
- Phenolic: antioxidant compounds that neutralize free radicals
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities