Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Uncaria tomentosa
- Uncaria guianensis
Common Names
- Cat’s claw
- Uña de gato
- Una de gato
- Hawk’s claw
- Griffe du Chat
- Liane du Pérou
- Life-giving Vine of Peru
- Peruvian Liana
- Saventaro
- Samento
Parts Usually Used
The bark and root of the vine
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Cat’s claw is a woody climbing vine that grows wild in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of Central and South America. The two most common species are Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Most commercial preparations of cat’s claw in the United States contain U. tomentosa. The active ingredients are extracted from the bark and root of the vine.
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Where Found
Cat’s claw grows in many countries in Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions.
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Medicinal Properties
Cat’s claw root and bark contain chemicals that might stimulate the immune system, kill cancer cells, and fight viruses. In laboratory experiments, compounds from cat’s claw have been shown to stimulate specific immune cells known as phagocytes and T-helper cells. Other lab studies suggest cat’s claw may enhance DNA repair, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids found in cat’s claw are claimed to modulate the immune system by increasing the activity of white blood cells and increasing the levels of Interleukin-1. However, it’s important to note that one lab study showed it may actually stimulate pediatric leukemia cells, indicating mixed research results.
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Biochemical Information
Cat’s claw contains different alkaloids that cause its effects, including rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline. The plant also contains pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids that are claimed to modulate immune system function.
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Legends, Myths and Stories
Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have used cat’s claw for centuries to ward off disease, making it an important traditional medicine in South American cultures.
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Uses
Cat’s claw is marketed as a dietary supplement to support the body’s natural defenses, for digestive and joint health, and as a general health tonic. Today, cat’s claw is promoted for various conditions including:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer treatment and prevention
- Viral infections, including HIV and AIDS
- Digestive and inflammatory disorders
- Gastric disorders
- General immune system support
- Ulcers
- Alzheimer disease
In traditional medicine, cat’s claw has been used for treating digestive issues, arthritis, and various inflammatory conditions. However, there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence based on studies in people that supports using cat’s claw for any health purpose, including COVID-19.
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Formulas or Dosages
Cat’s claw has most often been used by adults in doses of 60-300 mg by mouth daily for 8-24 weeks. Cat’s claw extract is also used in gels and sprays. It comes in oral tablets, tea, and capsules. Cat’s claw is also taken as a bark decoction by boiling a specific amount of the herb in water. Follow instructions on the package for the correct dose, and speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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How Sold
Cat’s claw is available in various forms including oral tablets, capsules, tea, extracts, gels, and sprays.
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Warning
Important Safety Information: Cat’s claw appears to be safe when used orally for short periods of time, up to 6 months. However, there is insufficient reliable information about its safety when applied to the skin.
Special Precautions:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Taking cat’s claw by mouth is possibly unsafe during pregnancy. There isn’t enough reliable information about safety during breastfeeding. Avoid use in both cases.
- Autoimmune diseases: Cat’s claw might make the immune system more active, which could increase symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or similar conditions. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
- Surgery: Cat’s claw may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Stop taking cat’s claw at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.
- Kidney disease: There is concern that cat’s claw might injure the kidneys. Consult with your healthcare provider before use.
- Parkinson disease: There is concern that cat’s claw might make tremors or movements worse in people with Parkinson disease.
Side Effects: When taken by mouth, cat’s claw may cause nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, headaches, dizziness, and vomiting. Case reports have documented kidney failure in a patient with lupus and worsening movement in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
Drug Interactions: Cat’s claw may interact with several types of medications including:
- Blood thinners (warfarin and anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs) – may increase bleeding risk
- Blood pressure medications – may cause blood pressure to go too low
- Immunosuppressant medications – may decrease their effectiveness
- HIV and AIDS medicines – may increase drug concentrations and side effects
- Medications changed by the liver (CYP3A4, CYP2J2, UGT1A3, UGT1A9 substrates)
- Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) – may decrease effectiveness
Important Note: If you take any type of medicine, talk with your healthcare provider before using cat’s claw or other herbal products, as some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways. There are very few high-quality clinical trials of cat’s claw, and there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting its use for any health condition.
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Resource Links
Andean Healing: High-Altitude Herbs of the Inca and Their Descendants
National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health – Cat’s Claw
Healthline – Cat’s Claw: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage
WebMD – Cat’S Claw – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Cat’s Claw
University of Rochester Medical Center – Cat’s Claw
ScienceDirect – Uncaria tomentosa
