Enhance Your Immune System with Cat’s Claw (Saventaro®)

Enhance Your Immune System with Cat’s Claw (Saventaro®)

06/30/08

To the Asháninka Indians in the Central Peruvian rain forest where Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tormentosa) is harvested, the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of Uncaria tomentosa is a beneficial plant that they appropriately call savéntaro (saveshi=plant, antearo=potent). Its claw-like thorns are responsible for its more common name “Cat’s Claw”. This high-climbing, woody vine grows at the base of tall trees in the rainforest and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses. Research is increasing the popularity of Cat’s Claw in the treatment of asthma, arthritis & joint pain, bladder infections, allergies, HIV virus, herpes, prostate problems, and atherosclerosis. Yes, Cat’s Claw (Saventaro) is well known for its ability to support and enhance natural immunity and modify the acquired immune system.

The Immune System
Immunity is the general ability of an individual to resist a pathogen (a foreign substance that causes infection) and is composed of two responses: natural immunity, and acquired immunity.1 Natural immunity exists naturally and does not require prior sensitization to an antigen. Acquired immunity is generally acquired by infection or vaccination. Both natural and acquired immunity rely on the activity of white blood cells (leukocytes). However, natural immunity is mediated primarily by granulocytes (white blood cells that can engulf particles such as bacteria), while acquired immune responses are mediated by lymphocytes (white blood cells classified as either B or T lymphocytes).2

Saventaro®’s Effect on the Natural Immune System
POAs from the root of Unicaria tomentosa have been shown to enhance the natural immune system. More specifically, certain POAs directly increased the rate of phagocytosis (the process of engulfing and destroying foreign particles) mediated by granulocytes.3,4 Extracts of Unicaria tomentosa have also been shown to increase interleukin production (important cytokines made by white blood cells to communicate and orchestrate the attack of offending particles) by
macrophages (key players in the immune response to foreign invaders such as infectious microorganisms).11

Saventaro®’s Effect on the Acquired Immune System
POAs from the root of Uncaria tomentosa exert their effects on the acquired immune system through a novel immune modulating factor. This factor causes an increase in the proliferation of resting and weakly activated lymphocytes (B, T4, and T8), while at the same time it inhibits the proliferation of highly activated lymphoblasts (B and T). The discovery of the action of this factor by the makers of Saventaro is the subject of a pending patent.2, 6

Research has shown that levels of resting and weakly activated B and T lymphocytes are significantly increased by the addition of POAs.6 This increase in B lymphocyte proliferation can result in an increased supply of antibodies.12 Enhanced proliferation of T4 lymphocytes can improve communication of the immune system as a whole and provide overall immune support.7 Increased proliferation of T8 lymphocytes can also support immune resistance to pathogens.7

Study results found that endothelial cells (which line the entire circulatory system, reduces friction, and allows blood to be pumped farther) in the presence of POAs, release the “immune modulating factor” that decreases the proliferation of highly activated B and T lymphoblasts (immature cells), which plays a role in supporting a healthy immune system. 7-l0

Conversely, TOAs inhibit the ability of POAs to enhance the release of this immune modulating factor. With as little as 1% TOA content in an Unicaria. tomentosa product causes a 30% reduction of the inhibitory effects of POAs on lymphoblasts (immature cells).10 Due to this antagonistic immunological effect, strictly controlled and lab tested harvesting and manufacturing procedures are required to ensure that only TOA-free Unicaria tomentosa raw materials are used in Saventaro.5, 6

Saventaro for Autoimmune Diseases
Saventaro is one of the few cat's claw products that has been clinically studied in autoimmune disease. The study was done on Rheumatoid Arthritis patients (see clinical trial overview below). Since research has shown that cat's claw can boost immune function (T and B cell levels), one may question its use in autoimmune diseases, where the immune system is already overactive. However, POAs increase or reduce the reactivity of the immune system, depending on the initial status. These chemical constituents can thus stimulate a weak immune system and suppress and overactive immune system. The Rheumatoid Arthritis clinical trial clearly indicated that cat's claw can actually quiet an overactive immune system and may therefore benefit those who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus Erythematosus, and allergies.

Clinical Trial: Saventaro [Uncaria tomentosa] in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

• A six-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis
• Patients were given 3 capsules daily or a placebo
Findings:
• Significant reduction in the number of tender joints
• 94% of treated group experienced a decrease in joint pain
• Significant reduction of severity of pain
• Stabilization of the development of rheumatism factor
• Improvement of functional capacity
• No interaction with basic medication (e.g., NSAIDs)
• No undesirable effects observed

Read more about additional benefits of Saventaro.
CFIDS/CFS and Saventaro® .
Fibromyalgia and Saventaro®.

To order Saventaro® from Medicine Plants™ use the secure order page by clicking on Saventaro® at the top of this page or call our Toll Free Order Line 800-584-0228.

Be well,
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.

1. American Institute of Immunology, Center of Immunology. Available at: http://tqd.advanced.org/12429/Immune/indext.html. Accessed November 29, 1999.
2. Janeway CA, Travers P. Basic concepts in immunology. In: Immunobiology: The immune system in health and disease. 2nd ed. London, England: Current Biology Ltd;1996:1:1-1:32.
3. Wagner H, Kreutzkamp B, Jurcic K. Die alkaloide von uncaria tomentosa und ihre phagozytose-steigernde wirkung (The alkaloids of Uncaria tomentosa and their phagocytosis increasing effects). Planta Medica. 1998;51:419-423.
4. Kreutzkamp B. Niedermolekulare Inhaltsstoffe mit immunstimulierenden Eigenschaften aus Uncaria tomentosa, Okouba aubrivellei und andere Drogen, Inaugural Dissertation, Universität München.1994:71-72.
5. Keplinger K, Laus G, Wurm M, Dierich MP, Teppner H. Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) D.C.-ethnomedicinal use and new pharmacological, toxicological and botanical results. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999;64:23-34.
6. Wurm M, Kacani L, Laus G, Keplinger K, Dierich MP. Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa induce human endothelial cells to release a lymphocyte-proliferation-regulating factor. Planta Medica. 1998;65:701-704.
7. Information from IMMODAL (Summary and Assessment of Pharmacodynamical Examinations).
8. Kavanaugh A. Immunomodulatory intervention in rheumatoid arthritis. Medscape Rheumatology. 1999. Available at: www.medscape.com/Medscape/Rheumatology/journal/1999/v01….pnt-mr1214.01.htm. Accessed December 21, 1999.
9. Yocum DE. T cells: Pathogenic cells and therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 1999;29:27-35.
10. Shi JS, Huang B, Wu Q, Ren RX, Xie XL. Effects of rhynchophylline on motor activity of mice and serotonin and dopamine in rat brain. Acta Pharm Sinica. 1993;14:114-117.
11. 11. LeMaire I, Assinewe V, Cano P, Awang D, Arnason JT. Stimulation of interleukin-1 and-6 production in alveolar macrophages by the neotropical liana, Uncaria tomentosa (uña de gato). J Ethnopharmacol. 1999;64:109-115.
12. Information from IMMODAL (Summary and Assessment of Pharmacodynamical Examinations).

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.

Rhosavin100™

Rhodiola rosea
60 capsules/100mg.
1 or 2 bottles $18.95 ea.
3 to 5 bottles $17.95 ea.
6 to 11 bottles $16.95 ea.

You may also order by calling
Toll Free (800) 584-0228.

Eskimo® PurEFA™ Natural Stable Fish Oil®

150 softgels/1000 mg.
Extensively Researched Fish Oil

FALL SPECIAL!

Now through
December 21, 2008
SAVE up to $5 per bottle
Buy Any Quantity For Just $34.95 each

MACA 750™

90 capsules/750mg each capsule
1 or 2 bottles $19.95ea.
3 to 5 bottles $18.95ea.
6 to 11 bottles $17.95ea.
12+ (1 case) $15.00/ea.

FORM A GROUP,
BUY TOGETHER!

You may also order by calling
Toll Free (800) 584-0228.

If you would like to place an order by phone, please call us Toll Free at 1-800-584-0228. Wholesale and bulk pricing is available. Ask the operator to have our distribution department contact you.
© 2003 - 2010 Medicine Plants LLC