Cat's Claw Breakdown!
Cat’s Claw, also known as Uncaria tomentosa, is rapidly becoming a popular nootropic aiding in reducing brain fog, memory loss, depression, neurodegenerative disorders and diseases, and even Lyme disease.
Native to Central and South America, cat’s claw has been used for hundreds of years in traditional folk medicine to treat a variety of health complaints. The reputed health benefits of this indigenous herb have led scientists in the United States and other countries to closely examine its effects in the body. Their findings suggest that this little-known botanical agent exerts powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support DNA repair, joint health, immune function, and normal cell division.
WHAT IS CAT'S CLAW?
Cat's claw vine, known scientifically as Uncaria tomentosa, is a tropical vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other Central and South American regions. Its vines climb as high as 100 feet high using hook-like thorns that look like a cat's claw, which give the plant its name.
BRAIN BENEFITS
Now while cat’s claw have a long list of benefits to choose from, this article’s main focus is well… focus. Check out these benefits that are science-backed.
Neuroprotection
Cat’s Claw is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Cat’s Claw protects your brain from inflammation and damage from free radicals. Chronic inflammation has been linked to depression and dementia.
Boosts BDNF
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Research shows that Cat’s Claw boosts BDNF, tames NMDA activity, and repairs damaged DNA. Promoting an environment in your hippocampus for neurogenesis which is essential for learning, memory and mood.
Promotes Healthy Cerebral Circulation
By boosting blood flow to the brain, cat’s claw ensures this important organ has all the nutrients and oxygen it needs to function at peak capacity.
BOTTOM LINE
Even people who consider themselves to be in good physical health may be suffering from reduced cognitive abilities without even realizing it.
There are a number of everyday issues that can directly affect the brain and interfere with its natural capabilities. Stress and fatigue can both be contributing factors; and the free radical toxins we are all exposed to, via food and even the air around us, can also reduce our ability to “think straight”.
Although, it’s very easy to forget about free radicals and push the thought to the back of the mind, not worrying about it won’t make the problem go away. Stress and fatigue are also easy problems to ignore because they have become such a common part of most people’s everyday lives.
However, whether we choose to worry about it or not, many of us may not be as mentally sharp as we think. And Although cat’s claw is not the only good nootropic ingredient available, it is known to be one of the best. So if you see cat’s claw listed on the label of a nootropic supplement that you are thinking about using, consider it a bonus on the checklist of ingredients to look for.
