1 ounce $1.55

General Description: Unicaria tamentosa is a large woody vine (liana) that has downward pointing hook-like thorns and ovate oblong leaves and has been known to reach heights of 100 feet. Native to the rainforests of South and Central America, Uña de gato has been used by native tribes in Peru for well over 2000 years and only entered international trade in the 1980s after promising research showed anti cancer and immune stimulant activities.

Chemical Composition: Complex chemistry of alkaloids: oxindole, rhynchophylline; triterpenes, procyanidins, plant sterols: beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, capesterol; antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory glycosides including quinovic acid.

Pharmacology or Biological Activities:
Diuretic depurative herb with Anti inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti hypertensive, anti viral, immunostimulating, and anti cancer effects. May lower serum cholesterol levels and decrease heart rate. Contraceptive and abortifacient in very high doses. Contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation and for children under 4 years old. May cause diarrhea during 1st 10 days of use.

Traditional/Historical Medicine: The inner bark is used internally for chronic inflammatory disorders, digestive tract disorders including gastritis, Crohn's disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel; viral diseases, allergic conditions, arthritic and rheumatic disorders, used for its antimutagenic effects in cancer patients and also used in conjunction with AZT for anti-AIDS therapies.

click on buttons for our product

References:

Herb Society of America new Encyclopedia of Herbs and their Uses (Deni Brown)

Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook

The Green Pharmacy (James Duke Ph.D.)

PDR for Herbal Medicines (2nd edition)