Purchase a one pound package of Raintree's sustainably harvested pure Cat's claw vine bark powder - rich in active and beneficial phytochemicals that occur naturally in this plant. Some of the active ingredients documented and researched in cat's claw are 6 oxindole alkaloids. These alkaloids have been documented worldwide by independent research and patented to nutritionally support the immune system.* Based on independent assays, Raintree's cat's claw has the highest alkaloid content of any other available, assaying in a range of 1.2% to 1.58%. This plant has been milled into a fine powder which is suitable to stuff into capsules or to prepare your own teas, tinctures or extracts.

Is this a "TOA-Free" product? No! The main TOA alkaloid, isorhynchophylline, has been documented and patented to increase immune function (phagocytosis).* Raintree's cat's claw has been sustainably wild harvested in the Peruvian Amazon. It has grown naturally in the rainforest without pesticides or fertilizers. See pictures of Raintree's harvesting program of cat's claw here. This plant is non-irradiated and non-fumigated. This Raintree product is Unconditionally Guaranteed. To learn more about Raintree's plant harvesting and processing methods, please see the main page for bulk plants.

Traditional Uses:* as an immune stimulant and an adjunctive therapy for cancer (to reduce side effects of chemotherapy and protect cells); as a bowel cleanser and anti-inflammatory for Crohn's, colitis, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other bowel problems; as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis (all kinds) and muscle pains/strains/injuries; as a general daily tonic (to tone, balance, and strengthen all body functions); for stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis and as an ulcer preventative/ stomach and bowel protector.

Ingredients: Pure 100% cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) inner vine bark. This plant has been sustainably wild harvested in the Peruvian Amazon (grown without any fertilizers or pesticides) and is non-irradiated and non-fumigated.

Suggested Use: This plant is best prepared as a decoction. Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Bring to a boil and gently boil in a covered pot for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and settle for 10 minutes and strain warm liquid into a cup (leaving the settled powder in the bottom of the pan). It is traditionally taken in 1 cup dosages, 2-3 times daily.

Contraindications:

Cat's claw has been documented with immunostimulant effects and is contraindicated before or following any organ or bone marrow transplant or skin graft.

Cat's claw has been documented with antifertility properties and is contraindicated in persons seeking to get pregnant. Cat's claw has been documented with chemicals which can reduce platelet aggregation and thin the blood. It is contraindicated in persons with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia. Drug Interactions: Based upon animals studies, cat's claw may protect against gastrointestinal damage associated with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. May potentiate coumadin and blood-thinning drugs.

Other Practitioner Observations:

Cat's claw requires sufficient stomach acid to help break down the tannins and alkaloids during digestion and to aid in absorption. Avoid taking capsules at the same time as antacids.

Large dosages of cat's claw (3-4 gram dosages) have been reported to cause some abdominal pain or gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea (due to the tannin content of the vine bark). The diarrhea or loose stools tend to be mild and go away with continued use. Discontinue use or reduce dosage if diarrhea persists longer than 3-4 days.

Retail Price 20.00