Herbs
Samento - Medical Trials Reveal Samento's Many Health Benefits
Date: 19/12/06
Cats Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a South American vine that works its way up the jungle canopy using sharp thorns on its stems. Many varieties of this plant are harvested by the Ashaninka people of central Peru, but there is one in particular called Samento that they value above all the rest.
This incredible plant, which has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years by the indigenous people of the region, is now the subject of intensive investigation by scientists all around the world.
Clinical evidence has shown that Samento is of great benefit for inflammatory and auto-immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and asthma. The plant is also showing great promise as a breakthrough treatment for Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome and other degenerative illnesses. In addition, it is an ideal herb for strengthening the immune system.
Unique plant chemistry is the key to Samentos effectiveness
This precious variety of the plant has several differences in its chemical make-up to other species of cats claw, that make it much more effective for treating inflammatory conditions and auto-immune problems.
The key difference is that Samento does not contain substances called tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs), which have been shown to block the beneficial actions of another group of related chemicals it contains, called pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs). It is the POAs that are credited with Samentos positive effects on the immune system.
Samento improves immune function in two ways. It increases the rate at which white blood cells called granulocytes kill germs. It also regulates the production of lymphocytes (another type of white blood cell that produces antibodies), increasing them if there are too few and reducing them if there are too many (Ref. 1).
In addition, Samento possesses anti-bacterial properties. This is due to its content of quinovic acid glycosides, compounds on which the latest kinds of antibiotics are based.
Samento outperforms antibiotics in the treatment of Lyme disease
One of Samentos greatest successes so far has been in the treatment of Lyme disease, which is caused by a bacterium and transmitted by tick bites (although some doctors now believe it can pass directly from human to human).
The condition causes a rash to develop, which can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, stiff neck, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pain. In a few people, the disease can spread to the heart, causing an irregular or slow heartbeat, or to the nervous system, which can cause the face to droop (a condition called Bells palsy).
Lyme disease is one of the fastest growing diseases in the world. It has been described as the secret plague, with around 20 million Americans already affected and the incidence in Britain and the rest of Europe is also rocketing.
In a pilot study, 28 people with advanced chronic Lyme disease were treated with either Samento or conventional antibiotic therapy for six months. These patients had all had the disease for more than ten years and their condition was deteriorating despite repeated courses of antibiotics.
At the end of the study an impressive 85 percent of those receiving Samento no longer had positive blood tests for the Lyme disease bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi). Every person in the Samento group experienced a dramatic improvement in their condition, whereas no significant changes were seen in the group taking antibiotics (Ref. 2).
The researchers concluded that Samento provides a safe and efficient method for improving the health and quality of life of Lyme disease patients and that it surpasses the effectiveness of standard antibiotic treatment for this condition.
Samento: Relief from the painful joints and morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis
To investigate Samentos ability to treat auto-immune diseases, scientists at Innsbruck University in Austria conducted a randomised, double-blind clinical trial with forty rheumatoid arthritis patients (Ref. 3). During the first 24 weeks of the study, patients were given either Samento or a placebo. For the last 28 weeks, all the patients received Samento.
The results showed that after the first phase of the study those taking Samento had a 50 percent reduction in the number of painful joints, compared with a 24 percent reduction in the placebo group, and this further improved to a massive 70 percent reduction by the end of the second phase. Samento also reduced pain intensity and the duration of morning stiffness.
In another study carried out at a busy general practice in South Carolina, in the US, Dr John Kule found that a staggering 98 percent of patients benefited from taking Samento, for conditions ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to asthma, candidiasis, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.
The most notable improvements among the 60 patients taking part in the study were increased energy levels, an improved sense of wellbeing, lack of brain fog and reduced inflammation. Patients with hypertension experienced a drop in blood pressure and those with diabetes had reduced blood sugar levels (Ref. 4). Commenting on the findings, Dr Kule said Samento has proven in our clinic to be a safe natural remedy with a wide range of therapeutic efficacy. To date, our patients continue to show remarkable clinical improvement.
Samento: What to take for best results
Build up your dosage of Samento gradually, starting with one drop of extract daily in a cup of water and increasing by one drop each day to 5 drops a day, then in five-drop increments to the maximum therapeutic dose of 25 drops twice a day. A maintenance dose of 5 to 15 drops a day can be taken once symptoms have improved. Take Samento on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before meals and away from other supplements, for maximum absorption.
Toxicity studies have shown Samento to be completely safe, even in very large doses. However, some people treated with Samento for Lyme disease have experienced a healing crisis due to the rapid dying off of bacteria, which can cause a temporary rise in levels of toxins. Typical symptoms of a healing crisis include fatigue, headache and nausea. Drinking plenty of water and using herbs such as milk thistle to support liver function are recommended during the treatment of Lyme disease with Samento. As a precaution, Samento is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or prior to transplant surgery.
References:
1. Planta Medica 1998; 64(8): 701-704
2. Neurotoxins Focus Allergy Research Group Newsletter Oct. 2003: 10
3. J Rheumatol 2002; 29: 4-8
4. Brit Naturopath J 2002; 19(2)
Back to topThis incredible plant, which has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years by the indigenous people of the region, is now the subject of intensive investigation by scientists all around the world.
Clinical evidence has shown that Samento is of great benefit for inflammatory and auto-immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and asthma. The plant is also showing great promise as a breakthrough treatment for Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome and other degenerative illnesses. In addition, it is an ideal herb for strengthening the immune system.
Unique plant chemistry is the key to Samentos effectiveness
This precious variety of the plant has several differences in its chemical make-up to other species of cats claw, that make it much more effective for treating inflammatory conditions and auto-immune problems.
The key difference is that Samento does not contain substances called tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs), which have been shown to block the beneficial actions of another group of related chemicals it contains, called pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs). It is the POAs that are credited with Samentos positive effects on the immune system.
Samento improves immune function in two ways. It increases the rate at which white blood cells called granulocytes kill germs. It also regulates the production of lymphocytes (another type of white blood cell that produces antibodies), increasing them if there are too few and reducing them if there are too many (Ref. 1).
In addition, Samento possesses anti-bacterial properties. This is due to its content of quinovic acid glycosides, compounds on which the latest kinds of antibiotics are based.
Samento outperforms antibiotics in the treatment of Lyme disease
One of Samentos greatest successes so far has been in the treatment of Lyme disease, which is caused by a bacterium and transmitted by tick bites (although some doctors now believe it can pass directly from human to human).
The condition causes a rash to develop, which can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, stiff neck, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pain. In a few people, the disease can spread to the heart, causing an irregular or slow heartbeat, or to the nervous system, which can cause the face to droop (a condition called Bells palsy).
Lyme disease is one of the fastest growing diseases in the world. It has been described as the secret plague, with around 20 million Americans already affected and the incidence in Britain and the rest of Europe is also rocketing.
In a pilot study, 28 people with advanced chronic Lyme disease were treated with either Samento or conventional antibiotic therapy for six months. These patients had all had the disease for more than ten years and their condition was deteriorating despite repeated courses of antibiotics.
At the end of the study an impressive 85 percent of those receiving Samento no longer had positive blood tests for the Lyme disease bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi). Every person in the Samento group experienced a dramatic improvement in their condition, whereas no significant changes were seen in the group taking antibiotics (Ref. 2).
The researchers concluded that Samento provides a safe and efficient method for improving the health and quality of life of Lyme disease patients and that it surpasses the effectiveness of standard antibiotic treatment for this condition.
Samento: Relief from the painful joints and morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis
To investigate Samentos ability to treat auto-immune diseases, scientists at Innsbruck University in Austria conducted a randomised, double-blind clinical trial with forty rheumatoid arthritis patients (Ref. 3). During the first 24 weeks of the study, patients were given either Samento or a placebo. For the last 28 weeks, all the patients received Samento.
The results showed that after the first phase of the study those taking Samento had a 50 percent reduction in the number of painful joints, compared with a 24 percent reduction in the placebo group, and this further improved to a massive 70 percent reduction by the end of the second phase. Samento also reduced pain intensity and the duration of morning stiffness.
In another study carried out at a busy general practice in South Carolina, in the US, Dr John Kule found that a staggering 98 percent of patients benefited from taking Samento, for conditions ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to asthma, candidiasis, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.
The most notable improvements among the 60 patients taking part in the study were increased energy levels, an improved sense of wellbeing, lack of brain fog and reduced inflammation. Patients with hypertension experienced a drop in blood pressure and those with diabetes had reduced blood sugar levels (Ref. 4). Commenting on the findings, Dr Kule said Samento has proven in our clinic to be a safe natural remedy with a wide range of therapeutic efficacy. To date, our patients continue to show remarkable clinical improvement.
Samento: What to take for best results
Build up your dosage of Samento gradually, starting with one drop of extract daily in a cup of water and increasing by one drop each day to 5 drops a day, then in five-drop increments to the maximum therapeutic dose of 25 drops twice a day. A maintenance dose of 5 to 15 drops a day can be taken once symptoms have improved. Take Samento on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before meals and away from other supplements, for maximum absorption.
Toxicity studies have shown Samento to be completely safe, even in very large doses. However, some people treated with Samento for Lyme disease have experienced a healing crisis due to the rapid dying off of bacteria, which can cause a temporary rise in levels of toxins. Typical symptoms of a healing crisis include fatigue, headache and nausea. Drinking plenty of water and using herbs such as milk thistle to support liver function are recommended during the treatment of Lyme disease with Samento. As a precaution, Samento is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or prior to transplant surgery.
References:
1. Planta Medica 1998; 64(8): 701-704
2. Neurotoxins Focus Allergy Research Group Newsletter Oct. 2003: 10
3. J Rheumatol 2002; 29: 4-8
4. Brit Naturopath J 2002; 19(2)
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