Hi
Your question is not a stupid question. In fact there are probably others who wonder the same thing.
In recent times TOA Free Cat's Claw has been studied for its ability to support gastrointestinal and immune functions. In the gastrointestinal tract, it has been shown to help control inflammation and microbial balance, and soothe irritated tissue. Research into its ability to support the immune system has shown that it has antioxidant properties, which may support the body’s inhibition of the development of potentially aberrant cells.
The Possible Benefits of Prima Uña de Gato (TOA Free Cat’s Claw)
A Dietary Supplement
Provides active ingredients that can help modulate and support immune function, and is free of tetra cyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs). It can help regulate inflammation and microbial balance in the gastrointestinal system. It also provides antioxidant activity and support of circulation.
Uña de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa), or cat’s claw Has long been used by indigenous healers in the rainforests of the Peruvian Andes and elsewhere in South America. It can support circulation through the strengthening of capillaries.
Prima Uña de Gato is a standardized whole herb, manufactured using a proprietary process that does not involve the use of solvents. Regular cat’s claw contains both tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids and pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids, whereas Prima Uña de Gato is standardized to 0.5% pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs), and is 100% free of tetra cyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs). Why is this distinction important? Regular cat’s claw typically has a total alkaloid content of 3.0%, with up to 20-25% of that alkaloid content in the form of TOAs. Prima Uña de Gato extract, standardized to a minimum of 0.5% POA, is free of TOA. The POA content of Prima Uña de Gato is much more effective, because immune enhancement is diminished when the two chemo types are mixed. TOAs are chemical antagonists that act upon the central nervous system and can greatly inhibit the positive effect of the POAs. POAs primarily affect the immune cells responsible for nonspecific and cellular immunity, and demonstrate powerful immune system modulating properties. In short, Prima Uña de Gato, containing only POAs, may have more benefit for immune enhancement than a standard cat’s claw containing both penta cyclic and tetra cyclic alkaloids.
TOA-free chemo type cat’s claw can help to restore and boost the immune system. The POAs are the active ingredients that provide the principal immunomodulating and immunostimulating activity. POAs are actively involved in the functional mechanisms of both innate and acquired immunity, assisting in the maintenance of the immune system’s structural and functional integrity. In addition, Prima Uña de Gato contains quinovic acid glycosides, the natural compounds upon which the synthetic antibiotic quinolones are based.
TOA-free cat’s claw was introduced into Bulgaria, which has a high occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi, in January 2001, where it quickly became the most widely sold natural remedy in that country. TOA-free chemo type cat’s claw has been used by Dr. Atanas Tzonkov in Bulgaria's largest private medical clinic, in the nutritional support for thousands of patients, involving over 100 conditions. Also in 2001, the Hungarian National Institute of Pharmacy (OGYI), equivalent to the U.S. FDA, approved TOA-free chemo type cat’s claw for over-the-counter use.
Prima Uña de Gato offers a significant advancement in our understanding of the best utilization of Uncaria tomentosa. The Prima Uña de Gato formula is potentized with minerals and enzymes to support detoxification, and has been clinically tested. Atanas Tzonkov, director of the Lechitel Clinic in Sofia, Bulgaria, has stated that TOA-free chemotype cat’s claw can fortify a person’s own self-healing power which Nature has built into his spirit, mind and body.
Take Care & Be Well
Health Dr. 2
by Guest on Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:00 am 
