Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw is a woody vine that grows wild in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of Central and South America. Its thorns resemble a cat’s claws.

Uncaria tomentosa. Photo: Vangeliq.petrova/Wikipedia

The two most common species are Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Most commercial preparations of cat’s claw contain U. tomentosa.

There are other plants which are known as cat's claw (or uña de gato) in Mexico and Latin America; however, they are entirely different plant species, belonging to neither the genus Uncaria, nor to the family Rubiaceae.

Uncaria tomentosa is a liana deriving its name from hook-like thorns that resemble the claws of a cat. U. tomentosa can grow to a length of up to 30 m (100 ft), climbing by means of these thorns. The leaves are elliptic with a smooth edge, and grow in opposing pairs.

Use of cat’s claw dates back 2,000 years. Indigenous people of South and Central America used it to ward off disease.

Today, cat’s claw is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes, human papilloma virus, and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, and leaky bowel syndrome.

How Much Do We Know?

There have been very few high-quality clinical trials (studies done in people) of cat’s claw.

Evidence anti-inflammatory action is limited to cell culture studies and has not been demonstrated in randomized control human trials.

Cat's claw is being studied for a number of other possible uses, including HIV, Crohn disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), endometriosis, kidney problems, bladder cancer, and Alzheimer disease. More research is needed before scientists can say whether it is effective.

What Do We Know About Safety?

Cat’s claw appears to be safe when used orally for short periods of time. However, it can cause headache, dizziness, and vomiting in some people.

Cat’s claw might make the immune system more active, which could increase symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If you have an autoimmune disease, consult your health care provider before using cat’s claw.

Little is known about whether it’s safe to use cat’s claw during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Cat’s claw may interact with some medications, including some HIV drugs called protease inhibitors. If you take medication, talk with your health care provider before using cat’s claw.

Cat’s claw may lower blood pressure and slow blood clotting. Talk to your health care provider if either of these effects might be a concern for you.

Adverse Effects

Individuals allergic to plants in the family Rubiaceae and different species of Uncaria may be more likely to have adverse reactions to cat's claw. Allergic reactions can include itching, rash, and skin inflammation.

Gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, headache, impaired kidney and hormonal effects, and neuropathy are other possible effects.

People requiring anticoagulation, blood pressure, or immune therapy should not use cat's claw. (National Institutes of Health/Wikipedia)

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