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Exerpted from
A "New" World Class Herb for A.K. Practice:
Uncaria tomentosa - a.k.a. Una de Gato (UDG)
By Brent W. Davis, D.C.
Collected Papers of the International College of Applied Kinesiology - Summer 1992.
"I took six weeks to attend the International Congress on Traditional Medicines in Peru, and to do long awaited herbal research in Brazil. Many of the presenters at the congress on traditional medicines were holistic medical physicians who had used herbs in clinical practice for years. UDG was discussed as one of about a dozen herbs which are used consistently to cure cancer and other serious disorders. Since 1988 I have been clinically evaluating many of the great South American herbs mentioned at the congress (and from other avenues as well) in terms of their applications in general practice - not for their oncolytic properties. In some profoundly important areas, Uncaria tomentosa stands out above many others."
"UDG was brought to the attention of European practitioners in the early 1980's. A few years before, the modern rediscovery of Una de Gato took place. Apparently in the early 70's an Austrian journalist traveling in Peru happened upon the herb which he gave to an ailing relative who took it and subsequently was cured of cancer. The journalist then invested a great deal of time and effort researching Uncaria tomentosa, and he came to the conclusion that the central woody portion of the plant is the useful part. He developed this opinion on the basis of chemical analyses and clinical evaluation done in Germany and Austria which showed that a very active alkaloid is in the highest concentration in that part of the plant. He and other collaborators filed for international patents on this "active ingredient" which may appear in the marketplace in the near future."
"Pharmacology: The first published chemical analysis of Uncaria tomentosa appeared in 1974(1) . Two primary alkaloids were chromatographically identifies as Rynchophyllin and Isorynchophyllin, as well as 5 secondary alkaloids. In 1985, Dr. B. Kreutzkamp and co-workers in Germany undertook more extensive analysis of UDG and came up with a classification of 6 alkaloids, the most immunologically active one being Isopteropodin(2). It has been reported in the literature that several color variations of fresh Uncaria tomentosa wood correspond with different concentrations of alkaloids, the darker colored wood being the richest in Isopteropodin.
Different of the alkaloids have been experimentally shown to be:
1. Immunostimulating by way of enhancing phagocytosis:
2. Ganglion-blocking with an enhancing effect on parasympathetic tone:
3. Inhibitory to striated muscle contraction;
4. Hypotensive, uterostimulant and antipyretic;
5. Diuretic."
"European Application of UDG Therapy
In a presentation to heilpraktikers in Europe, German doctor of medicine, Iwan Diehl, summarized well the therapeutic usage of the wood of UDG by German and Austrian physicians:
Effectiveness: Because of the mode of action of Uncaria extract, side-effects do not appear if the recommended dose is taken. In association with individuals who have frequently used laxatives, there may be temporary disorders of intestinal peristalsis, which disappear spontaneously after a few days. For the alkaloids of Uncaria extract, the following effects have been proven:
- Stimulation of the non-specific immune system with activation of macrophages and granulocytes to eliminate non-physiological substances;
- Enhancement of the sensitivity and reactivity of the immune system to seize and to eliminate very weak antigens;
- Inhibition of inflammation by a repairing incorporation of lipids into the lipid matrix of damaged cell membranes;
- Selective inhibition of growth of malignant cells by simultaneous improvement of erythrocyte and macrophage function;
- Enhancement of the growth inhibitory effect of (pharmaceutical) cytostatics by an intact immune system;
- Selective growth inhibition of virustransformed cells.
Indications: A positive influence has been observed on the following disorders:
- Dermatological disorders
- Allergic disorders
- Rheumatic disorders
- Chronic inflammation
- Viral diseases (herpes zoster)
- Malignant diseases (cytostasis and radiotherapy are more efficient under a concomitant therapy with Uncaria)
Uncaria is contraindicated for transplant carriers, because of a possible graft rejection. During pregnancy, Uncaria should not be used. In cases of treatment with H2-antagonists (e.g. anti-ulcer medication), a potentiation of the H2-antagonist might be expected."
"In my experience on approximately 150 patients during the last four years (who have received adjunctive monotherapy with UDG), I have seen Uncaria tomentosa break through severe intestinal derangements that no other available products can touch, including the strong & very useful undecylenic acid."
"Administration
UDG wood is administered as a tea, or in tablets, in the amount of 3 to 25 grams per day, or that equivalent if a concentrate is used. Sensitive individuals may require less than 3 g."
"I generally do not use over 5 grams per day - more commonly 3 grams/day. One phase of treatment normally lasts 10-14 days. Then other formulations can be used, cycling back to UDG in tough cases in perhaps 7-10 days. Individuals who treat advanced stages of pathology might routinely use between 10-20 grams per day for several weeks at a time."
"Care with UDG
Possible contraindication. Peruvian and European practitioners say there are no side-effects from UDG use. In my experience, that is not entirely true. What I find interesting is that the appearance of what seems to be an undesirable side-effect, is generally an indication that UDG is working well. The undesirable side-effect is diarrhea. In the patients who have benefited most from UDG wood, the herb tends to progressively alter bowel consistency from hard or normal to loose. It's kind of like the ascorbic acid advocates "take it ‘til it runs and then back off" phenomenon. In rare cases UDG causes what appears to be full blown dysentery. I am hypothesizing that in the latter, actual encystment of some other type of sequestration of parasites has occurred in the patient's past, and that UDG breaks open the encystment, and that is why the previously intractable problem finally moves toward resolution."
"After a positive pre-administration clinical screening which shows compatibility with Uncaria tomentosa, there is no substitute for trial. As you are learning about UDG, try monitoring its effects as a monotherapy for 7 to 14 days on several well chosen cases. It can be impressive."
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