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How It Works Cat's claw has a variety of chemical compounds that affect its use as a herbal remedy. The most studied is a group of oxindole alkaloids that hav been documented to have immune-stimulant and antileukemic properties. The two cat’s claw chemotypes have differing types oxindole alkaloids. The “good” type have pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POA), while the unhelpful chemotype have tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOA). It is suggested that the POA’s interact directly with white blood cells to increase the human immune system through suppression of TNF alpha synthesis. TNF alpha functions to induce apoptotic cell death, to induce inflammation, and to inhibit tumorigenesis and viral replication. When purchasing cat’s claw, it is suggested by many to determine how much of each oxindole alkaloid is in the preparation, as the amount of each can affect the efficacy of the supplement. This has only been proven in market driven research, meaning that the distiction between POA’s and TOA’s and their ability or inablity to stimulate the immune system has only been proven by groups trying to sell cat’s claw or groups affiliated with people trying to sell cat’s claw. In fact a 2002 study found that both types of cat’s claw provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Nevertheless, it is something to consider when purchasing cat’s claw. Another group of chemicals called quinovic acid glycosides have shown the most anti-inflammatory effects of the chemicals found in the plant. Plant sterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol) also account for the plant's anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidant chemicals, as well as a class of compounds known as carboxyl alkyl esters, documented with immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, and cell-repairing properties have been found to come from the plant’s bark as well. Cat's claw contains the chemicals rhynchophylline, hirsutine, and mitraphylline, which have demonstrated hypotensive and vasodilating properties. These chemicals are also likely responsible for the herbal’s anticoagulant effects. Cat’s claw is also being researched as being helpful to people with Alzheimer’s. The thought is that there is a benefit from dilation of the blood vessels to the brain and also the know antioxidant effects found in this herbal remedy. |
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