Rating:

This particular “Standardized Nature’s Way Cat’s Claw” is different from either the raw herb or standardized products as each capsule is “standardized to 4% alkaloids (measured as isoteropodine) from the bark or wild-harvested – 175 mg.” from plants in Peru and Brazil, plus it contains 160 mg. of the raw herb. I presume that the raw herb is still the guaranteed to be .3% formula, because that is all Nature’s Way uses in its NON-STANDARDIZED formulas. In essence by containing standardized and non-standardized Cat’s Claw, Nature’s Way covers all the bases for the arguments for and against either type in practical everyday applications. That means that we can assume each capsule contains 7 mg. of alkaloids from standardized “Cat’s Claw” + about .5 mg of alkaloids from the crude herb and other naturally occurring components. Total alkaloids should weigh in at 7.5 mg compared to about 10 mg. for the “NOW” standardized “Cat’s Claw”. In this instance the “NOW” brand has a significant edge over the “Nature’s Way” in terms of guaranteed alkaloid content, but the “Nature’s Way” standardized capsules contains a more complete herbal package.

VERY GOOD STUFF — WORKS WELL WILL OTHER HERBS LIKE ECHINACEA,

WHAT IS “CAT’S CLAW”?

Cat’s claw is a popular herb from the root bark of the “Uncaria tomentosa” tree which grows mostly in Peru. South American folk medicine uses “Cat’s Claw” for treating intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound healing. Alkaloids are the active constituents in Cat’s Claw and they have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which is why they may boost one’s immune system. Research has also shown that “Cat’s Claw” is very effective against Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis when taken long term in standardized dosages. This may include more than just pain reduction and might help to restore damaged cartilage, particularly for Osteoarthritis. Even cancer may be treated some day with this herb as research has been done and has shown promise for the future.

According to “Healthnotes”, “Cat’s Claw” is useful for the following ailments:

[HIGHLY DOCUMENTED for] – Osteoarthritis.

[ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE for] – HIV support, Immune function, Rheumatoid Arthritis including Gout.

IN COMBO WITH ECHINACEA:

When we get sick with bronchitis or the flu, among the cures we use are the “Echinacea + Cat’s Claw + Licorice” combination. They work well together and are especially effective against upper respiratory tract infections and yeast infections. We do rotate these herbs, as some of them do lose their immune-boosting properties after 2 weeks or so of continuous usage. Sambucol [from NATURE'S WAY] is another that we use in the same way, also with very good results.

ABOUT BRANDS & TYPES:

I lean toward the same three — “Swanson’s”, “Nature’s Way” and “NOW”, because I have used them all over a period of years with good effects and they all have excellent quality control. “Nature’s Way” and “Now” are available in both the raw herb with a guaranteed level of aklaloids, which is the active medicinal constituent, and the “STANDARDIZED FORM” as shown here.

For gout and severe osteoarthritus as well as other intense uses, I would use the “Standardized Cat’s Claw” like the one offered here or by “Nature’s Way”. While the “Now” brand does have more guaranteed alkaloid content, 10 vs. 7, I have had the best results from similarly configured products from “Nature’s Way”, like “Standardized Hawthorn”. I would suggest trying these both out for yourself, with these facts in mind, and make your own conclusions.

SAFETY RECORD:

“Cat’s Claw” has a terrific safety record and, according to Dr. James A. Duke, “is probably as safe as coffee”.

[I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY PRODUCT OR COMPANY