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| greater antitumor effect and also reduced the immune suppressing side effects that mitomycin had caused. 8 |
| Panax quinquefolium, better known as American ginseng, has been shown to revert cancerous liver cells to normal. Energetically speaking, American ginseng has more warming properties, is less stimulating, and is more soothing to the digestive and nervous systems. It enhances cerebral circulation, improves mental clarity, improves spleen and stomach function, and strengthens the nervous system. Panax red is the most stimulating and should be used only by those who are very deficientfor example, a person who has a weak pulse, very low vitality, anemia, and a very passive personality. In China, American ginseng is highly sought after. Wild American ginseng is an endangered species, therefore, I recommend buying it woods-grown rather than wild. |
| Uno de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa) |
| Uno de gato, commonly referred to as cat's claw, has recently become a popular herb in the United States. It grows as a woody vine in the highlands of the Peruvian Amazon and has many potent health benefits, including its overall boosting effect to the immune system. It is antimicrobial, antiviral, antihypertensive, and a digestive aid. An astringent, it balances the intestinal flora, inhibits dysbiosis, and helps to resist infection. Uno de gato also possesses mild antitumor activity. |
| In the 1970s, both the National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health tested uno de gato for its potenial use in cancer. But, as is frequently the case when dealing with herbs, they could not identify a single patentable agent, so the study was dropped. Uno de gato is made up of many complex constituents and is particularly rich in alkaloids (fourteen have been identified so far). Two groups of alkaloids, indole and quinoline, are believed to be its most active ingredients. Two specific alkaloids, isopteropodine (A1) and isorhynchyllin (A4), seem to be responsible for its immunostimulating effects. |
| Among the other biologically active compounds found in this plant are the phytosteroids beta sitosterol and campesterol, catechins (like those found in green tea), glycosides, and the flavones quercetin and rutin.9 |
| Because this plant is very hard and woody, pills and capsules are of little value. I believe the best way to use this plant is in a high-quality extract, although a decoction, the traditional way of preparing this herb, is also of great benefit. To |
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