Medical Researches
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
Cat's claw shows anti-cancer promiseTreatment with Promotes Apoptosis in B16-BL6 Mouse Melanoma Cells and Inhibits the Growth of B16-BL6 Tumours.
Study supports cat's claw effectiveness.
We explored the potential of cat's claw, a medicinal plant from Peru, as a treatment for cancer using B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells. In controlled experiments, we treated these cancer cells with both ethanol and phosphate-buffered saline extracts of cat's claw. The results were promising, showing a remarkable reduction in cell growth—up to 80% less compared to untreated cells—and a notable increase in apoptosis, which is a form of programmed cell death essential for eliminating cancer cells.
Our in vivo studies with C57/bl mice provided further insights. Mice treated with both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of cat's claw showed a substantial decrease in tumor weight by an average of 59% and a reduction in tumor size by about 40%. We also performed histochemical analysis, which revealed a significant drop in the Ki-67 marker—indicative of cell proliferation—in the tumors of treated mice. While there was a slight increase in TUNEL staining, it was not statistically significant.
Additionally, we observed that cat's claw extracts reduced markers of angiogenesis and limited T cell infiltration into the tumors. Overall, our research indicates that cat's claw exhibits powerful anti-cancer properties, enlightening its potential as a complementary treatment in cancer therapy.
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Cat's claw shows cancer potentialCharacterization and in vitro antitumor activity of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Uncaria tomentosa extract.
Relevant cancer treatment study
We explored the potential of Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as cat’s claw, and its ability to combat cancer when delivered through specially designed nanoparticles. By creating these nanoparticles from materials like poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) and poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), we aimed to enhance the extract’s anticancer properties.
Our study showed that both types of nanoparticles effectively reduced the viability of prostate cancer cells, specifically the DU145 and LNCaP lines. Interestingly, while the UT-PLGA nanoparticles demonstrated a stronger impact on DU145 cells, the UT-PCL nanoparticles excelled against LNCaP cells. This suggests that the targeted delivery using nanoparticles might improve the effectiveness of cat's claw.
Overall, our findings indicate that incorporating cat's claw into nanoparticle systems may enhance its anticancer activities, paving the way for more efficient treatments in prostate cancer. This research highlights the exciting potential of natural extracts combined with modern technology to create innovative cancer therapies.
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We explored the effects of an aqueous extract from Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as cat's claw, on squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. This type of cancer begins in the skin's squamous layer and can become quite aggressive if not treated in time. Our findings revealed that the cat's claw extract reduced the growth of SCC cells in a dose-dependent manner while also increasing levels of oxidative stress in these cells.
We observed that the extract interfered with the normal cell cycle and significantly decreased cell viability. This cell death was associated with increased reactive oxygen species—which indicates oxidative DNA damage—and a reduction in a key prosurvival protein involved in DNA repair. Interestingly, our results suggest that non metastatic SCC cells are more sensitive to the cat's claw treatment than normal keratinocyte cells.
Overall, the study indicates that cat's claw may have potential as a natural treatment option for precancerous conditions and early-stage squamous cell carcinomas. There was also a preliminary analysis of the chemical components of the extract, which showed promise with low-medium molecular weight metabolites that appear to have anticancer properties.
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Cat's claw enhances chemotherapy effectsUncaria tomentosa Leaves Decoction Modulates Differently ROS Production in Cancer and Normal Cells, and Effects Cisplatin Cytotoxicity.
Limited isolation of effects observed
We investigated how cat's claw, a traditional Peruvian remedy, affects both cancerous and normal cells, particularly in the context of chemotherapy with cisplatin. Our study highlighted that the leaves of this woody vine, when processed into a decoction, demonstrated different impacts on cancer cells compared to healthy cells.
We found that the extract was not harmful to normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells, which kept their viability intact. In contrast, cancerous HepG2 liver cells experienced a significant cytotoxic effect when treated with the extract. This treatment prompted an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cancer cells, which lowered their glutathione (GSH) levels, eventually leading to cell death through the activation of specific apoptosis pathways.
In a fascinating twist, we noted that the decoction not only heightened the effectiveness of cisplatin against HepG2 cells but also seemed to protect normal cells from the harmful effects of this chemotherapy drug. This suggests a potential dual action where the cat's claw extract enhances cancer treatment while safeguarding healthy tissues. Additional research is essential to confirm these findings and uncover the underlying mechanisms at play, particularly regarding its use alongside traditional cancer therapies.
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Cat's claw shows cancer potentialUncaria tomentosa exerts extensive anti-neoplastic effects against the Walker-256 tumour by modulating oxidative stress and not by alkaloid activity.
Focus on overall extract effects
We investigated the effects of Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as cat's claw, on cancer growth using an experimental model with Walker-256 tumour cells in rats. A hydroethanolic extract of cat's claw and two fractions derived from it were compared to assess their anti-cancer properties over a two-week treatment period.
The whole extract and one of its fractions, rich in antioxidant substances, notably reduced tumour weight and volume, indicating their potential effectiveness. In addition to shrinking tumours, these treatments also seemed to enhance survival rates among the rats. Interestingly, the fraction containing pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids did not yield any significant benefits in this context.
This study emphasizes the role of oxidative stress modulation in the anti-cancer activity of cat's claw, highlighting that the beneficial outcomes were likely due to a combination of various antioxidants rather than alkaloids alone. Overall, our findings suggest that cat’s claw extract exhibits promising anti-tumour effects that warrant further investigation.
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