An herb (Uncaria tomentosa). This herb is grown as a vine commonly known as Cat's Claw and has been used traditionally for thousands of years. Recently, several of the alkaloid chemical constituents of the plant have been isolated and available in standardized amounts. These alkaloids have been shown to have profound beneficial properties affecting immune function. Harvesting the inner bark, which contains all the beneficial compounds, avoids killing the plant thus, protecting the Peruvian rainforest.

It is has the ability to act as na antioxidant, protecting the body from free radical damage and destroying or neutralizing carinogens before they can damage the cells. It has been recognized that the herb helps support the body during chemotherapy and radiation, and may even inhibit hte growth of cancer cells. It has also been used successfully to treat conditions asssociated with a weakened immune system such as AIDS, herpes, and Epstenin-Barr syndrome. Its ability to strengthen the innume function really is remarkable. Other clinical reasearch has found that cat's claw has the ability to reduce inflammation. It has also been used to help with allergies, hemorrhoids, ulcers, parasites, Crohn's disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.

The plant, Uncaria tomentosa, derives its name from the pattern of thorns found on the vines. It grows in the Peruvian rain forest and was traditionaly used by the indigenous people to treat cancer and arthritis. It contains immune-enhancing substances, including several antioxidant compounds, which may account for the antitumor properties reported for cat's claw.

Rhino] Lower branch of Unconformity