FACTS

Practically overnight, this once obscure herb, native to South and Central America, has leaped to fame, primarily because of its reputation for strengthening the immune system. More than four dozen bands of cat's claw products are now prominently displayed in natural food stores throughout the United States.

The cat's claw story is a fascinating one because it underscores many of the problems involved in getting funding for herbal research. For centuries, herbal healers in Peru and other Latin American countries have used cat's claw to treat health problems ranging form arthritis to cancer to intestinal disorders. In the 1970's, cat's claw made headlines around the world when several well-known Peruvians-including a popular actor and a government official-publicly announced that this herb had cured their cancers. These anecdotal success stories attracted the attention of the National Cancer Institute, which tested several compounds from this plant against leukemia cells. The early results were very promising, but because of the lack of funding, research was halted, at least in this country. Since herbs cannot be patented, pharmaceutical companies have little interest in supporting this research because they will not be able to recoup the investment.

Nevertheless, research continued outside the United States, primarily in Europe and Latin America. Periodically, new and exciting information was revealed about cat's claw. In 1991, researchers discovered that cat's claw contained a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and this discovery confirmed its reputation as a treatment for arthritis. Cat's claw was back in the news again in 1993, when European researchers reported the results of a study in which HIV-positive patients were given standardized cat's claw root extract. As you probably know, the AIDS virus knocks out the body's own disease-fighting T-cells, anything that can boost T-cells is nothing short of miraculous. Fourteen patients participated in the study, which lasted six years. Five of the patients were symptom free at the beginning of the study, and amazingly, they stayed that way. The other patents, who had experienced some symptoms at the beginning of the study, and amazingly they stayed that way. The other patients, who had experienced some symptoms at the beginning of the study, showed improvement during the first year of treatment with cat's claw. What was truly remarkable was that during the first two and a half years of the study their T-cell count increased, which indicated that their immune systems were getting stronger. After that, the T-cells reached a plateau.

While cat's claw is certainly not a cure for AIDS, researchers expressed cautious optimism that it may help extend the lives of AIDS patients. Needless to say, there was a run on cat's claw, and thereafter signs began to appear in the windows of natural food stores: "We have cat's claw." As much as I like to see an herb finally get the recognition it deserves I must point out that the most ardent supporters of cat's claws are quick to say that more research needs to be done before it can be proclaimed as treatment for AIDS or cancer. However, we can safely say that this herb does appear to bolster the immune function, which can help the body fight against infections of all kinds-perhaps even cancer. In addition, I have heard numerous anecdotal reports from people with arthritis who claimed that cat's claw has helped relieve their symptoms. Since cat's claw is non-toxic and safe, at least at recommended doses, there is certainly no harm in trying it.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS

• Enhances immune function.
• Reduces pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
• May help prevent or treat cancer.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT

Take up to three 500-mg. Capsules daily.

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