Uncaria tomentosa
Origin: Dried root bark of a woody vine that grows in the Amazon rain forests in Peru and other South American countries.
Dosage: Capsules, tablets, liquid and tea bags; 250 mg to 1,000 mg daily. Buy only products that contain Uncaria tomentosa. Another plant (Acacia greggi), which also has the name cat’s claw, is highly toxic.
Claims: Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties; may stimulate immune system.
What we know: Researchers in Peru state that anti-inflammatory properties may result from the ability to inhibit the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).
Studies: In 2002, the Journal of Rheumatology published a randomized double-blind study of cat’s claw for the treatment of RA. Researchers found the supplement modestly reduced joint swelling and pain in 40 people with RA.
Cat’s claw can cause headache, dizziness and vomiting, and can lower blood pressure, so don’t use if taking an anti-hypertensive medication or blood thinner. Do not use if you have tuberculosis or are taking drugs that suppress the immune system.
Hyaluronic Acid is found in all connective tissue, joints, body cavities, joint spaces, and tissue surfaces. The highest levels are found in the synovial fluid of all joints and the skin. There are also high levels of Hyaluronic Acid found in the eyes, cartilage, heart, intervertebral discs of the spine and in the fluids of the inner and middle ear.
The level of Hyaluronic Acid in the human body declines with age, causing problems with the structural integrity of the body. Hyaluronic Acid is important in the lubrication of joints, integrity of tissues, fighting bacterial invasiveness, elasticity of skin, vision, and molecular transport between cells. Hyaluronic Acid fills the intercellular space between collagen and other cells, providing support and the essential framework for tissues. In the joint, Hyaluronic Acid also acts as a shock absorber and structural stabilizer.
Hope this helps. God Bless.
I believe that this area might be for comments and not for questions. That is probably why there are no answers to these questions.
http://community.arthritis.org/community/app/nf/vistafs.aspx
All the best,
The Editors
Arthritis Today
Leave a Comment