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Cat's claw, also known as vilcacora or fluffy claw, is another herb "for everything", which is attributed with unique healing properties. Some argue that cat's claw is a medicine for cancer, diabetes, hypertension and rheumatism. Meanwhile, vilcacora is only a dietary supplement, and research into its effects is still ongoing. Find out what the action of cat's claw has.

Cat's claw , also known asvilcacoraorfluffy claw( Uncaria tomentosa ), is anotherherbthat is credited with uniquehealing properties . The leaves, bark and root of the direwolf cortex are used to make preparations that are recommended for almost everything.

The herb from the rainforests of South America can be used to treat allergic diseases, asthma, Crohn's disease, hypertension, nervous system diseases (Alzheimer's disease, depression, neurosis, Parkinson's disease), rheumatism, arthritis, skin diseases, mycoses , inflammation of the genitals and urinary system.

Some people argue that cat's claw is also a cure for serious diseases such as diabetes or AIDS. However, by a few years, vilcacora is gaining fame as acancer drug . How much truth is in that?

Cat's claw (vilcacora) - properties

As we learn from the website of the American Cancer Society, there are no human studies that would unequivocally confirm the healing effect of vilcacora. There are only results from laboratory and animal studies that suggest that the herb may have a positive effect on he alth.

During the research, some substances were identified in vilcacora, incl. alkaloids. The results of studies by Canadian scientists suggest that some of these alkaloids may stimulate white blood cells. ed.] rats.

Other studies have found that alkaloids stimulate phagocytosis, a process by which white blood cells seek out and destroy invading bacteria. Therefore, the herb may have immunostimulatory properties, i.e. it may strengthen the immune system. Also found in vilcacora are antioxidants - compounds that block the action of free radicals that can damage cells.

Studies also show that certain alkaloids contained in cat's claw can reduce inflammation, slow downheart beat, delay the growth of tumors and possibly lower blood pressure. However, as specialists from the American Cancer Society emphasize - human studies have not yet confirmed that vilcacora or extracts from this herb have any of these effects.

Important

Cat's claw (vilcacora) - contraindications

The use of cat's claw is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb should also be given up by people suffering from

  • hemophilia
  • insulin-dependent diabetes
  • hypotension
  • struggling with autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus or multiple sclerosis), as well as people after transplant

Studies have also shown that cat's claw contains tannins, which, in excessive amounts, can cause stomach upset and even damage the kidneys, so people with this organ insufficiency should not reach for this herb as well. In addition, vilcacora should not be given to children.

Cat's claw (vilcacora) is not a cancer cure!

Research on the potential anti-cancer effects of vilcacora is carried out all over the world. In Poland, scientists from the Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw and the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznań have undertaken to investigate the anti-cancer properties of vilcacora. Some argue that this herb may help fight leukemia.

There are no human studies to prove that direwolf cures or supports the treatment of cancer. It is not proven to be anti-cancer through a sound scientific verification process.

Unfortunately, the available scientific evidence does not support the thesis that cat's claw can treat this blood disease. All because the results of the laboratory tests were inconsistent. Some of them suggested that the herb does not destroy leukemia cancer cells, and in addition, it can help them survive (which is why the herb should not be used by people struggling with this cancer).

Other lab studies suggest that the chemicals in vilcacora may slow the growth of breast cancer cells and Ewing's sarcoma cells. Subsequent scientific studies have shown that vilcacora inhibits the effects of chemotherapy.

Important

Cat's claw (vilcacora) - drug interactions

People who are taking medications to regulate blood pressure, thin the blood, insulin or hormones should not consume vilcacora. People who are taking other medications should consult a physician before consuming the herb. Mixing certain herbs with medications can sometimes have serious he alth consequences.

Herbs can change the effects of drugs - strengthen or weaken the recommended dose and cause the harmful effects of the prescribedmedications (it is believed that cat's claw may enhance the effects of some sedatives and sleeping pills).

In addition, any herb, even taken by he althy people, can be harmful if used improperly.

Cat's claw (vilcacora) is just a supplement

In conclusion, the available scientific evidence does not support that cat's claw can cure cancer or other diseases in humans. Animal studies and laboratory tests to date are promising, but more observations are needed to find out if the herb produces the same effects in humans.

Until clinical trials on humans confirm unequivocally that vilcacora has healing properties, the herb can only be used as a dietary supplement.

It should be remembered, however, that supplements, unlike drugs, do not need to be tested for safety and effectiveness before being released to the market.

Fortunately, existing animal studies suggest that vilcacora is unlikely to be toxic. The onlyside effectsthat may occur after consuming the herb are mild rash, low blood pressure, drowsiness and diarrhea.

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