Cat’s claw extract comes from the plant, cat’s claw (scientific name: Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC., abbreviated as U. tomentosa) belongs to the family of Rubiaceae and is also known as cat’s claw. The following is a detailed introduction to cat’s claw extract:
1. Main Ingredients
Cat’s claw contains more than 50 kinds of phytochemicals, among which oxindole alkaloids (including penta-epoxyindole alkaloids and tetra-epoxyindole alkaloids) are its main active ingredients. In addition, cat’s claw is also rich in flavonoids, polyphenols and alkaloids and polysaccharide components.
2. The efficacy and function
Antiviral: Studies have shown that cat’s claw extract has an inhibitory effect on a variety of viruses. For example, it can significantly inhibit the 3CLpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 and disrupt the receptor-binding domain interface of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (RBD-ACE-2) as well as the SARS-CoV-2 spiny glycoprotein, thus showing inhibitory effects on the new coronavirus. Also, cat’s claw exhibited antiviral effects on human monocytes infected with dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
Anti-tuberculosis: Cat’s claw extract has also shown significant activity against tuberculosis. The root extract was shown to inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv as well as multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis.
Anti-inflammatory: Cat’s claw extract is rich in active ingredients such as polyphenols and alkaloids, which are effective in inhibiting inflammatory responses in the body. By reducing inflammatory mediators in the body, cat’s claw can be used to assist in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Antimicrobial: Cat’s claw has an inhibitory effect on a wide range of bacteria and fungi, including common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which makes cat’s claw an effective natural antimicrobial agent that can be used to prevent and treat infectious diseases.
PROMOTES WOUND HEALING: Extracts of cat’s claw are believed to accelerate the healing process of wounds. Its active ingredients promote cell regeneration and enhance local blood circulation to help heal wounds.
Enhance immunity: The polysaccharide component in cat’s claw extract can significantly improve the immune function of the body. Relevant animal experiments show that cat’s claw extract can promote leukocyte proliferation and enhance the phagocytosis of macrophages, thus enhancing the overall function of the immune system.
Regulate intestinal function: Cat’s claw can promote intestinal health, relieve constipation and indigestion. Its fiber content can increase intestinal peristalsis and help food digestion.
3. Applications and Products
At present, there are a variety of cat’s claw extract-related products on the market, such as tea, capsules, creams and so on. Some of these products, such as “SCEP”, have been combined with other natural ingredients, such as quercetin, to further enhance their efficacy. These products are widely used in health care and complementary therapies.