Source Naturals, Cat's Claw Liquid Extract, 2 oz

Cat's Claw Liquid Extract
Una de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa)

Another health secret of the Amazon rainforests is now being revealed in an exciting new product from Source Naturals called Cat's Claw or Una de Gato, Uncaria tomentosa. Like Pau D' Arco before it, the herb Cat's Claw has been used in traditional Peruvian herbalism for hundreds of years, but it is only now getting the attention it deserves in the United States.

Source Naturals Cat's Claw - An Amazonian Treasure for the Western World
This unique herb is actually a high-climbing vine found in the highlands of the Peruvian Amazon. Cat's Claw is named for its claw-like thorns that resemble a cat's claw. The bark from the Uncaria tomentosa vine is harvested for two important reasons: first, many of the highly active components are found in the bark; and second, the bark can be harvested without needless destruction of the vine, thereby protecting the delicate Amazon ecosystem.

The biologically active constituents in Source Naturals Cat's Claw have uniquely protective properties. Researchers have discovered that components extracted from the herb can enhance the body's natural defenses, help to keep the system balanced in the face of environmental stressors, and can support intestinal health.

Ongoing studies are being performed to determine the exact constituents in the vine which are responsible for these activities. Oxindole alkaloids, a group of compounds that strongly affect human physiology, have been identified in some of the vine extracts. Researchers have also isolated compounds, called quinovic acid glycosides, that seem to have high free radical scavenging potential. In addition, polyphenols, triterpenes and plant steroids have been isolated from herb extracts.

Among the plant steroids isolated, campesterol, stigmasterol, and Betasitosterol hold the most promise. Betasitosterol is a white, waxy substance that has been extensively studied because of its close resemblance in structure and properties to cholesterol, and for its powerful shielding potential. Betasitosterol so closely resembles cholesterol that it binds the cholesterol absorptive sites and prevents cholesterol absorption. The presence of these additional compounds may further explain the herb's protective and rejuvenating characteristics. While research unravels the multi-faceted properties of this unique Amazonian herb, the intrinsic benefits can be enjoyed by all who choose to be proactive in their quest for optimal health.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1/2 teaspoon
Amount %DV
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) 2.5 ml

Other Ingredients: grain alcohol (70%) and purified water.

Warning: Not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Suggested Use: 35 drops of Cat's Claw Liquid Extract (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) in water 3 times daily, between meals.