Cat's Claw is a Powerful Antioxidant

Cat's Claw is a Powerful Antioxidant

Erica
3 minute read

Cat's claw is a powerful antioxidant.  Cat's Claw, also known as Uncaria Tormentosa, is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other parts of South and Central America.  

Cat's Claw is a powerful antioxidant and has been used for centuries in South America to treat inflammation, arthritis, stomach ulcers, dysentery and fevers.  It is also used as a form of birth control.  Studies also suggest that Cat's Claw can stimulate the immune system, promote intestinal health by helping to relax smooth muscles, optimizing blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and acting as diuretic to help the body remove waste.  Cat's Claw also acts as an antioxidant and protects cells from oxidative stress, which is linked to every major disease.  Because of its antioxidant properties, it can be used to kill tumors and cancer cells and "may be the single most important herb for Lyme-triggered arthritis" because "it's also high in free-radical scavenging (antioxidant) activity" (Dog's Naturally).

Since Cat's Claw is a powerful antioxidant and supports immune function, it is an excellent alternative to treat Osteoarthritis instead of Librela, the new scary Osteoarthritis medication manufactured by Zoetis that claims to be "the first and only monthly injectable anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy for dogs with osteoarthritis pain."  However, the side effects are risky. 

Unlike Librela, Cat's Claw is an effective and safe alternative.  According to this study Cat's Claw was used to treat Osteoarthritis of the knee, "collect safety and tolerance information and compare the antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions of Cat's Claw in vitro.  The study concluded that there were not any negative side effects on blood or liver function and that Cat's Claw was an effective treatment for Osteoarthritis.  

Cat's Claw can be given in capsule form, which you can open and mix into food or a liquid extract that can be mixed into food or water. You can purchase it online at Chewy or Amazon.  I like this particular brand and blend because it doesn't have any fillers and is the most natural. 

From my research, While Cat's Claw is generally safe and well-tolerated by most dogs, it's always a good idea to monitor your dog for potential side effects when introducing anything new to their diet.  Some things to watch out for: 

  • Digestive Issues: Some dogs may experience diarrhea or vomiting after being introduced to Cat's Claw 
  • Interaction with other Meds:. If your dog is on medication such as blood thinners or immunosuppressants, Cat's Claw could interfere with their effectiveness.

So, if you are looking for a natural antioxidant that has the power to boost immune function, kill or prevent cancer and support your dog's longevity, cat's claw could be part of his or her diet. 

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