Vioxx, Celebrex Alternative

12/30/04

WHAT'S AN ARTHRITIS SUFFERER TO DO?
First the pain and arthritis drug rofecoxib (Vioxx) was pulled from the market due to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Next came the news that another COX-2 inhibitor, the anti-inflammatory drug valdecoxib (Bextra), can double the risk for heart attack and stroke. Then headlines focused on celecoxib (Celebrex) and the warning that it could increase risk for heart attack. Another arthritis drug -- infliximab (Remicade) -- is on cancer-causing alert. And now, there are warnings of the heart risks connected to the over-the-counter drug naproxen. What's an arthritis sufferer to do?

A growing number of arthritis sufferers are seeking relief through alternative approaches. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 64% of Arthritis Today readers have used a dietary supplement in the past six months, as compared with 49% of the general population. (Order a free copy of Arthritis Today's Supplement Guide at www.arthritis.org.)

With their trust shattered, arthritis sufferers now are looking beyond conventional drugs for solutions.

REVIEWING YOUR OPTIONS:

Among Medicine Plants™ suggestions are:

Saventaro® (TOA Free Cat's Claw):
A new botanical nutrient, Uncaria Tomentosa, is being called by many the "Miracle Herb from the Rain Forest of Peru". Trademarked Saventaro, it has been drawing increasingly more interest among the proponents of natural health care. Although virtually unheard of in the United States until recently, the beneficial effects of the Peruvian herb Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as "una de gato" in Spanish and "cat's claw" in English, have been studied at research facilities in Peru, Austria, Germany, England, Hungary and Italy, since the 1970's. These studies suggest that the herb may be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, herpes, organic depression, menstrual irregularities and disorders of the stomach and intestines. (References 1, 2, 3)

Properties attributed to cat's claw include:

Adaptogenic

Anti-microbial

Antioxidant

Anti-viral

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-tumorThis emergence of knowledge about the activity of Saventaro, (TOA Free Cat's Claw) could not have come at a better time! Many people have become fearful that the war on cancer is being lost, that new potentially deadly viruses are evolving, and that more deadly "super-bacteria" are developing due to over use of prescription antibiotics. This is why increased attention is being placed upon "Nature's Pharmacy", the botanical or herbal nutrients that offer so much hope.

In referring to cat's claw, Newsweek reported that this "rain forest herb has been long used to treat asthma, ulcers, and cancer. ("Nature's Biggest Sellers", Newsweek, November 6, 1995, page 68) In an article in Newlife, this herb was described as having so many therapeutic uses that it far surpasses such well known botanicals as Echinacea, Golden Seal, Astragalus, Siberian Ginseng, as well as Reishi and Shaitake mushrooms. ("Cat's Claw - A Wonder Herb from the Peruvian Rain Forest", Newlife, February, 1995)

Dr. Brent Davis described cat's claw as "The Opener of the Way" in referring to its ability to detoxify the intestinal Tract and to treat a variety of stomach and bowel disorders. ( Cat's Claw News, May/June, 1995)

The anti-inflammatory qualities of cat's claw have been found to be useful in the treatment of arthritis. ( Journal of Natural Products, 54: Page 453, 1991; Arthritis News, 1: Summer, 1989)

The possible anti-cancer qualities of cat's claw were explored in a study on the mutagenic (ability to create mutations) activity in cigarette smokers' urine. Non-smokers did not show mutagenic activity in their urine, while cigarette smokers did. After taking this natural plant substance, smokers' urine showed a dramatic decrease of mutagenic activity. ("Mutagenic and Antimutagenic Activity of Uncaria", Journal of Ethnopharmacy, 38: page 63, 1993)

The anti-inflammatory effects of cat's claw have proven beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis and gout. As an antioxidant, it also helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Its beneficial effects in treating arthritis pain may also be due, in part, to its ability to cleanse the digestive tract and aid in removing toxins from the body. Arthritis, joint pain and inflammation as well as chronic fatigue, allergies, immune deficiency and a host of other conditions have been associated with defects in intestinal permeability (leaky bowel syndrome! and toxin overload. (References 9, 10)

Some of the glycosides present in the herb may also add protection from pain. This may explain, in part, how cat's claw has been helpful in reducing pain associated with chemotherapy, radiation treatment and AZT use. (Reference l1)

A wealth of beneficial phytochemicals have been found in cat's claw including quinovic acid glycosides, several oxindol alkaloids, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, triterpines and the plant sterols beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol. (References l, 3) Researchers believe that the activity of the whole plant extract is greater than the sum of its parts. (References 3, 5, 7)
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The following are quotes that have been extracted from the compilation of many documents from around the world. These are the opinions and claims of each individual author:

Excerpted from the book: Herbs of the Amazon - Traditional and Common Uses, by Dr. Donna Schwontkowski, Doctor of Chiropractic: "Una de Gato is considered one of the most important botanicals in the rain forest. In Peru, Una de Gato tea is used as a medicinal herb with almost unlimited curative properties. This herb is a powerful cellular rejuvenator. It has been used for the treatment of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), ulcers, cancer, arthritis, rheumatism, irregularities of the female cycle, and acne. It is also used to treat organic depression. External applications of Una de Gato include the treatment of wounds, fungus, fistulas and hemorrhoids. European research shows that Una de Gato activates the immune system by increasing lymphocytic (white blood cell) activity."

Excerpted from the book: Traditional Uses of Rainforest Botanicals by John Easterling: "It is considered one of the most important botanicals in the Rainforest. By supporting and enhancing immune system function, Una de Gato is indicated in a broad spectrum of conditions including all types of infections. Urarina tribesmen of Peru tell stories of Una de Gato curing tumors. Una de Gato was one of the plants researched by the National Institute for Health as an anti-cancer agent. Studies from various laboratories indicate it normalizes the immunoglobins by activating T-lymphocytes and macrophages."

Excerpted from The Herb Quarterly, Winter 1994, in an article titled "Cat's Claw, A Wondrous Herb From the Amazon Rain Forest" by Phillip Steinberg: "In July 1989, U.S. Patent No 4,844,901 was issued to an Austrian scientist named Klaus Keplinger, and a second patent, No. 4,940,725, was issued to him in July 1990. These patents explain how Dr. Keplinger isolated six oxindole alkaloids from the root of Uncaria tomentosa and that four of these alkaloids have been proven to be "suitable for the unspecified stimulation of the immunologic system". According to Keplinger's research, these four alkaloids have been shown to have a pronounced enhancement effect on phagocytosis (the ability of the white blood cells and macrophages to attack, engulf and digest harmful micro-organisms, foreign matter, and debris.) According to both patents, the most immunologically active alkaloid is isopteropodine or isomer A. Besides isomer A and the other three immuno-stimulating alkaloids, there exists another alkaloid known as rynchophylline. This alkaloid has been studied at the Shanghai College of Traditional Medicine. According to their findings, rynchophylline has demonstrated an ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and Thrombosis, which suggests that rynchophylline may be useful in preventing strokes and reducing the risk of heart attack by lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, and inhibiting both the formation of plaque on the arterial walls and the formation of blood clots in the brain, heart, and arteries."

To order Saventaro® (TOA Free Cat's Claw), Uncaria tomentosa, use the secure orer page by clicking on Saventaro® at the top or bottom of this page.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: One capsule three times daily for the first 10 days and one capsule daily thereafter.

Contains NO sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial coloring, preservatives, ortetracyclic oxindole alkaloids.
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Saventaro® is a registered trademark of IMMODAL Pharmaka GmbH (Austria) and is made in the USA under license from IMMODAL.

Be well always,
Stephanie Sulger, RN, MS
Health Specialist
Medicine Plants™

Health Disclaimer! The information presented on this site should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. You should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Saventaro® (Cat's Claw)

$15.00 per bottle of 30 capsules
Begin with 3 capsules a day for 10 days and then 1 capsule a day for maintenance.

MACA 750™

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