Cat's Claw by Marian Brown, Certified Herbalist. In the early 1970's, research began on Una de Gato after stories of cancer recovery surfaced. Mr. Klaus Keplinger, an Austrian, spearheaded the research, and in 1989 Keplinger filed the first U.S. patents on alkaloids isolated from Una de Gato.
Alkaloids are among the most common active organic compounds found in plants.
It is from alkaloids that many plants derive their pharmacological powers, which is why alkaloids are the focus of most pharmaceutical research. Six oxindole alkaloids are prevalent in Una de Gato bark. These alkaloids seem to give Una de Gato its unique healing benefits and the ability to enhance the immune system and gastro-intestinal tract. Rynchophylline, one alkaloid identified in Una de Gato, has the potential for preventing strokes and heart attacks. Rynchophylline reduces the build up of plaque in the arteries, thus reducing clot formation.