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una de gato
Scientific Name: Martynia annua
Family: Pedaliaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Cat's Claw, also known as Una de Gato, is a vine with a rich history of traditional use in South and Central America.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant has curved thorns resembling a cat's claw.
Considerations for Children
- The plant has curved thorns resembling a cat's claw.
Common Names
- Scientific Name: Uncaria tomentosa
- Common Names: Cat's Claw, Una de Gato, Ua de Gato, Saventaro, Paraguayo, Garabato, Garbato casha, Samento, Toro, Tambor huasca, Ua huasca, Ua de gavilan, Hawk's claw
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) D.C.
- The plant is also referred to as Uncaria guianensis.
Distribution and Habitat
- Cat's Claw is native to South and Central America.
- It thrives in the tropical jungles of these regions, including the Peruvian Amazon.
- Specific mentions include Nuevo Leon, Mexico and Quertaro, Mexico.
Morphological Characteristics
- Uncaria tomentosa is a woody vine.
- It grows curved thorns that resemble a cat's claw, hence the common name.
- The vine can reach up to 15 meters in height.
Traditional Uses
- Historically, Cat's Claw has been used in Peruvian medicine to treat a wide range of ailments.
- These include digestive complaints, arthritis, wounds, stomach problems, and potentially cancer.
- The inner bark and root are traditionally used to make tea.
- The Ashanika Indians esteem una de gato tea as a sacred beverage.
Pharmacological Actions
- Cat's Claw exhibits antioxidant properties.
- It possesses anti-inflammatory activity.
- It is believed to have immunomodulatory effects.
- It also displays anti-tumor, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.