On November 28, 1988 and June 17. 1993 articles about Uncaria tomentosa Appeared in El Comercio,. the major metropolitan newspaper in Lima, Peru. The first article stated the Uncaria! tomentosa had been proven to be effective in the treatment of allergies and Neurobronchitis The article then went on to talk about Dr, Keplinger's success in using Uncaria tomentosa to treat genital "herpes and herpes zoster. It It ended with a discussion of his results in treating seven AIDS patients who displayed various progressions of the disease. According to the article, he as not able to help two of these patients: however, the well-being of the other five improved to such an extent that their symptoms disappeared. The second article spoke about how immodel, a laboratory in Austria under the direction of Dr. Keplinger is using a medicine extracted from the vine of Uncaria tomentosa along with AZ1. This combination is being used to impede the multiplication of the HIV virus in the blood, activate the cells of the immune system and stop the development of cancerous cells. The article went on the state that immodel has commercialized this medicine under the name "Krallendorn" and has successfully been using it for the past six years to treat people infected wit the AIDS virus. According to Immodel, practically none of the cases not yet showing symptoms of the disease developed further. The cases that displayed the first symptoms of the disease showed an improvement in blood analysis and a disappearance of clinical symptoms within the first year. " a situation that continues to this day? Finally, the article mentions that Krallenforn has also been effective in decreasing the unpleasant side effects of both AZT and radiation therapy when used in cancer treatment.

Besides, Isopteropodine and the other oxindole alkaloids, Italian nd Peruvian researchers have isolated other beneficial constituents inherent in the herb including? several polyphenols and triterpines and the plant steroids Beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campersterol. The presence of these additional compounds might further explain the herb's antioxidant properties, its ability to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, and the anti-viral anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties also attributed to this herb. In Peru and other Spanish speaking countries, the common name for Uncaria tomentosa is "Una de Gato. " in English, "Cat's Claw." It is important to note that there is another uncaria species that grows in the lowlands of the Peruvian rain forests knows s "Uncria guianensis." This herb is also called Una de Gato and Ct's Claw. Uncaria guianensis has been shown to have some of the same characteristics as Uncaria tomentosa with one major exception, it does not contain the most important alkaloid, isopteropodine. This would most likely result in the species being less effective for immune system applications. It is there fore important to be aware that products being marketed as "Cat's Claw" or "Una de Gato" can be either Uncaria tomentosa or Uncaria guianensis.

In the highly acclaimed, best selling book Vibrational Healing but Dr. Richard Gerber, M.D., Cat's Claw is mentioned as " a unique herbal remedy that has been used for many years by native healers of Peru." he further states, "the herb shows great promise for the treatment of Arthritis when taken internally, either by making a tea or taking capsules of the herb." Dr. Gerber also explains that European studies have determined that Uncaria tomentosa has very low toxicity even if taken in large amounts? and that it may be beneficial for those individuals who suffer from painful joints and cannot take conventional medicines because of unpleasant side effects of radiation and chemotherapy associated with cancer treatments.

In the words of Dr Brent Davis, "Uncaria tomentosa is a world class herb which has the power to arrest and reverse deep-seated pathology, allowing a more rapid return to health in the context of concomitant A.K. therapies." In closing, I would like to share my personal experience with Uncaria tomentosa. For approximately the past 20 years I have been plagued by a chronic urinary tract problem involving and unspecified inflammatory condition of the urethra and other symptoms commonly associated with an enlarged prostate gland. Throughout these years I visited a number of different doctors, both allopathic and holistic. I tried conventional medicines, numerous vitamin and mineral regimens, herbal remedy combinations and an array of other natural products with minimal results. In September of 1993,  I was given an opportunity to sample several ounces of Uncaria tomentosa. I began experimenting with the herb by brewing it as a tea and drinking three cups per day. About half- way into my third day of doing this, I began to notice the chronic urinary symptoms starting to diminish. About half-way into the second week the symptoms were virtually eliminated. Since that initial experiment, as I continue to drink the tea daily, my resistance to colds, flu, and other types of infection remains high. I am now able to perform heavier and more physically taxing work without the tired.,, sore muscles I would have normally experienced in the past. Because of the numerous beneficial elements on this plant, the many years of use ass as traditional medicine, coupled with my experience using this herb, I have become to believe that Uncaria tomentosa has tremendous potential as a successful preventative and treatment for many of today's serious health problems.

About the Author. Phillip N. Steinberg is a graduate of The nutritionist Institute of America and has been an owner/ operator of several health and natural product stores. He has also lectured and conducted workshops in alternative healing methods including acupressure, and polarity therapy. At present, Mr Steingerg is working as a consultant to the natural products industry, and as a freelance writer dealing with topics pertaining to nutrition and holistic health.