IngredientsCat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC., Family: Rubiaceae) is a tropical medicinal vine originating in the Amazon rainforest and other areas of South and Central America. It is commonly known as cat's claw, a name derived from the Spanish word uña de gato, which identifies the small, curved-back thorns on the stem at the leaf junction. Additional vernacular names include "the life-giving vine of Peru," "saventaro," and "uña de gato."
Cat's claw is a woody vine that grows wild in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of Central and South America. The two most common species are U. tomentosa and U. guianensis. Most commercial preparations of cat's claw in the United States contain U. tomentosa. Note that Uncaria tomentosa is not the same as Uncaria rhynchophylla (twig and thorn; Uncaria sinensis; Ramulus) or Uncaria guianensis; they are three different species.
Cat's claw is a scrambling liana up to 20–30 meters long, with a main stem up to 25 cm in diameter. It grows as high as altitudes of 500–600 meters above sea level, in high forests with abundant insolation, reaching 18–19 m in height. It is widely distributed in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, French Guiana, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
The parts primarily utilized for medicinal purposes are the inner bark and root. Several formulations of cat's claw, including tinctures, decoctions, capsules, extracts, and teas, are available in the market. A decoction of U. tomentosa bark, root, and leaves is used traditionally for different health problems.
Cat's claw is a Rubiaceae used for at least 2,000 years among some Peruvian tribes, especially the Asháninka. U. tomentosa has been used in Peru for over 2,000 years, but it was first introduced to Europe in the 1990s as a supplemental medicine for AIDS and cancer.
Peruvian tribes — with the longest recorded history of use being the Asháninka Indians — have used cat's claw as an anti-inflammatory agent, contraceptive, and emmenagogue; for cancer, gastric ulcer, diarrhoea, asthma, wounds, gonorrhoea, arthritis, rheumatism, acne, diabetes, diseases of the urinary tract, and menstrual irregularity; to recover from childbirth; and as a tonic to ward off disease or as an abortifacient.
Uncaria tomentosa is widely used in Peruvian and Brazilian traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antiasthmatic agent, and to prevent diseases. It is included in Brazil's National List of Essential Medicines (RENAME), provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to all municipalities through the National Health System (SUS).
Cat's claw has a long history within the indigenous tribes of the Amazon River basin, whereby the bark and roots were prepared as a decoction to treat various ailments. Sometimes cat's claw is used in combination with other local herbs, such as chuchuhuasi (Maytenus krukovii) bark, to treat arthritis.
It has been traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy, during lactation, and for children. A related species (Uncaria guianensis) has been used in South America for wound healing, as a sedative, and to treat intestinal ailments, but is not considered as strong as Uncaria tomentosa.
Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of a wide range of bioactive compounds in various parts of U. tomentosa, including alkaloids of the indole and oxindole type; triterpenes based on ursolic, oleanolic, or quinovic acid; glycosides, sterols and phenolic compounds; phenolic acids; and flavan-3-ol–related compounds like proanthocyanidins.
Constituents of cat's claw extracts include oxindole alkaloids (isopteropodine, pteropodine, rhynchophylline, mitraphylline, speciophylline, uncarine F, uncarine E), indole alkaloidal glucosides (cadambine, 3-dihydrocadambine, and 3-isodihydrocadambine), quinovic acid glycosides, tannins, polyphenols, catechins, and beta-sitosterol.
U. tomentosa is rich in alkaloids, including tetracyclic indole, tetracyclic oxindole, pentacyclic indole, pentacyclic oxindole, and glycoindole alkaloids. These are widely regarded as the primary pharmacologically active constituents. Currently, the pentacyclic and tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (POA and TOA) are being used as chemical markers in quality control of raw material and derivatives from U. tomentosa, but other studies indicate that other phytochemicals contribute to its biological activities.
Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) include mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, pteropodine, and isopteropodine. These are associated with immune-modulating effects. Mitraphylline, in particular, is a major POA known for its anti-inflammatory activity. Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs), including rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, may have different effects, potentially influencing the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, for example blood pressure reduction.
Uncaria tomentosa occurs in two chemotypes, each varying greatly in its alkaloid content. One predominantly contains pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids, while the other is rich in the tetracyclic oxindoles. The alkaloid composition of U. tomentosa changes significantly over time and between plant generations. The total alkaloid content has been reported to vary from 0.036 to 3.83% (w/w) of the dried root bark, depending on harvesting; and individual plants can switch from one alkaloid pattern to the other over time.
It has been stated that a mixture of the two chemotypes of cat's claw is unsuitable for therapeutic use unless certified to contain less than 0.02% tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids. The TOAs are believed to be POA antagonists with respect to the POAs' desirable effects, and therefore it is important to distinguish between the two chemotypes. More recent phytochemical work has identified a third chemotype: three chemotypes based on the oxindole alkaloid profile have been noticed in U. tomentosa, namely chemotype I (POA cis D/E ring junction), chemotype II (POA trans D/E ring junction), and chemotype III (TOA).
Different organic and aqueous extracts of Uncaria tomentosa contain biologically active substances including immunostimulating pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids, ursane-type pentacyclic triterpenes and quinovic acid glycosides (with reported anti-inflammatory properties and ability to inhibit viral replication), and carboxyl alkyl esters including quinic acid derivatives (reported to reduce proliferation of neoplastic cells and stimulate DNA repair), as well as antioxidants such as catechin monomers and proanthocyanidins.
Specific proanthocyanidins — namely epicatechin dimers and variants thereof — are polyphenolic components within Uncaria tomentosa that have been shown to possess both plaque- and tangle-reducing and inhibitory activity in preclinical Alzheimer's research, though this remains preliminary.
The inhibition of the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which serves as an important regulator of host immune and anti-inflammatory responses, and TNF-α inhibition tests have demonstrated the ability of U. tomentosa extracts to suppress chronic inflammation. The latter is considered the primary mechanism of the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions of this species.
Cat's claw extract has been found effective in inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced free radical production and subsequent lipid peroxidation in murine macrophage cell lines. TNF-α production and iNOS expression via NF-κB were also inhibited by the extract.
Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids present in the extracts are suggested as the bioactive compounds for immune modulation; these are known to modulate the cellular immune system by affecting T and B lymphocytes, influencing phagocytosis, and inhibiting the activation of lymphocyte proliferation.
In vitro research has shown that pentacyclic but not tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids from U. tomentosa induced endothelial cells to release factors that significantly enhanced the proliferation of normal human resting or weakly activated B and T lymphocytes, while inhibiting the proliferation of lymphoblasts. Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids dose-dependently reduced the activity of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids on human endothelial cells.
U. tomentosa extracts preserve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and possibly stimulate cytokines that favor the polarization of CD4+ Th2 cells. These cells play an important role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis by modulating the excessive activity of Th1 cells.
Repair of DNA single strand breaks (SSB) and double strand breaks (DSB) 3 hours after 12 Gy whole body irradiation of rats were significantly improved in C-MED-100 (an aqueous extract of U. tomentosa)–treated animals (P < 0.05).
The antiviral activity of quinovic acid glycosides has been demonstrated in vitro against vesicular stomatitis, RNA (a minus-strand RNA virus), and rhinovirus 1B. The in vitro antiherpetic activity of hydroethanolic U. tomentosa extract, as well as purified fractions of oxindole alkaloids and quinovic acid glycosides, against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections and the protective activity of these preparations against UV-induced DNA damage have also been assessed.
There have been very few high-quality clinical trials (studies done in people) of cat's claw. There is no conclusive scientific evidence based on studies in people that supports using cat's claw for any health purpose, including COVID-19. Some research has been done in people on the effect of cat's claw on various conditions, but many of the studies did not use rigorous methods and did not include enough study participants to allow definite conclusions to be reached.
Among 45 patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee treated with cat's claw (100 mg once daily) or placebo for 4 weeks, pain scores decreased more with cat's claw, but nighttime pain and swelling did not change. Cat's claw was well tolerated and there were no serious adverse events or changes in serum ALT and AST values during treatment. This trial used freeze-dried Uncaria guianensis.
A study was designed to determine if a natural mineral supplement (sierrasil), alone and in combination with a cat's claw extract (Uncaria guianensis, 100 mg/day), had therapeutic potential in mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients (n = 107) were randomly assigned to one of four groups in a double-blind study for 8 weeks. Primary efficacy variables were WOMAC scores, with VAS pain scores, rescue medication use, and tolerability as secondary variables. The combination group demonstrated earlier symptom relief compared to placebo.
In humans, the evidence for efficacy of cat's claw extracts has been mixed. A critical review concluded there is little evidence for its efficacy in treating arthritis or inflammatory conditions, and that, although generally well tolerated, it can cause drug–drug interactions, particularly with anticoagulants.
In a published randomized, 52-week, 2-phase study evaluating safety and clinical efficacy of a pentacyclic chemotype extract of U. tomentosa in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis, 40 patients undergoing sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine treatment were enrolled. During the first 24-week double-blind phase, patients were treated with the extract or placebo. The second phase (28 weeks) had all patients receive the plant extract. Twenty-four weeks of treatment with the extract resulted in a reduction of the number of painful joints compared to placebo (53.2% vs. 24.1%; p = 0.044).
In this randomized trial of cat's claw (30 mg daily) vs. placebo in 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, adverse events were uncommon and minor, the most common being dyspepsia and pruritus; laboratory results did not change. The trial was small and the clinical significance of findings remains uncertain; replication in larger studies has not been performed.
An extract of U. tomentosa was superior to placebo in 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, decreasing the number of painful joints, morning stiffness, pain intensity, and joint edema (Mur et al., 2002).
In a human volunteer study, one group was supplemented with a 250 mg tablet containing an aqueous extract of U. tomentosa (C-Med-100), and another group with a 350 mg tablet, for 8 consecutive weeks. DNA repair after induction of DNA damage by hydrogen peroxide was measured three times before supplementation and three times in the final 3 weeks of the supplement period. There were no drug-related toxic responses. There was a statistically significant decrease in DNA damage and a concomitant increase in DNA repair in both supplement groups (250 and 350 mg/day) compared with non-supplemented controls (p < 0.05).
In a companion human volunteer study, C-MED-100 was given daily at 5 mg/kg for 6 consecutive weeks to four healthy adult males. No toxicity was observed and white blood cell counts were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) after supplementation. These trials were limited by very small sample sizes and must be considered preliminary.
A randomized clinical trial assessed the effectiveness of U. tomentosa in reducing the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (Stage II) undergoing FAC chemotherapy (fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide) were divided into two groups: one received chemotherapy plus 300 mg dry U. tomentosa extract per day, the other received chemotherapy alone as control. Blood samples were collected before each of the six chemotherapy cycles. Uncaria tomentosa reduced neutropenia caused by chemotherapy and was able to restore cellular DNA damage. The authors concluded that it is an effective adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. This finding warrants independent replication before conclusions can be drawn.
U. tomentosa has demonstrated antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, with a reduction in viral titer and cytopathic effect (CPE) after 48 hours of treatment on Vero E6 cells. The authors hypothesized that U. tomentosa stem bark could be promising in the development of new therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. No completed human clinical trials of cat's claw specifically for COVID-19 or most viral infections have been published.
A specific plant extract (PTI-00703 cat's claw, Uncaria tomentosa from a specific Peruvian source) was identified in preclinical research as a potent inhibitor and reducer of both beta-amyloid fibrils (the main component of plaques) and tau protein paired helical filaments/fibrils (the main component of tangles). Specific proanthocyanidins — namely epicatechin dimers and variants thereof — are newly identified polyphenolic components within Uncaria tomentosa that possess both plaque- and tangle-reducing and inhibitory activity. This work is preclinical; no human clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease have been conducted.
The typical recommended dose of U. tomentosa is one gram given two to three times daily. A standardized extract attributed to the specific chemotype of this species may consist of less than 0.5% oxindole alkaloids and 8% to 10% carboxy alkyl esters.
The following dosages have been specifically reported in published studies:
Several formulations of cat's claw are available in the market, including tinctures, decoctions, capsules, extracts, and teas. The specific chemical makeup, particularly the alkaloid profile, can vary depending on the plant's chemotype, geographical source, harvest time, and preparation methods.
Cat's claw appears to be safe when used orally for short periods of time, as much as 6 months. Cat's claw has not been implicated in causing liver injury according to the NIH LiverTox database. Although rats were treated daily with U. tomentosa extracts at doses of 10–80 mg/kg for 8 weeks or 160 mg/kg for 4 weeks, no acute or chronic toxicity signs were observed symptomatically.
In the rheumatoid arthritis randomized trial, adverse events were uncommon and minor, with the most common being dyspepsia and pruritus; laboratory results did not change. At higher doses, cat's claw can lead to constipation, increased uric acid levels, and cardiovascular problems.
A case was reported of a 59-year-old woman with mantle-cell lymphoma who had raised liver enzymes; self-medication with cat's claw was deemed the most likely cause. Cat's claw was withdrawn and her liver tests normalized within 60 days. This is an isolated case report, and cat's claw has not been implicated in causing liver injury more broadly.
Cat's claw has been traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy, during lactation, and for children. Cat's claw contains alkaloids that have been shown to have antiproliferative effects in breast cancer cells and leukemic and lymphoma cell lines through induction of apoptosis. While there are no definitive data, it is plausible that the contraceptive effects of cat's claw are related to its antiproliferative effects and induction of apoptosis — thus, the fetus may be at risk due to failure of cellular replication and/or differentiation.
There are theoretical reasons to suspect that cat's claw might interact with anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and blood pressure drugs, and other supplements as well.
Cat's claw might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications, meaning taking cat's claw along with some medications metabolized by the liver can increase their effects and side effects. In vitro studies have specifically examined CYP enzyme inhibition: CYP3A4 was inhibited approximately 40% at a Samento (cat's claw) concentration of 1%. Samento significantly induced mRNA expression of CYP2J2, UGT1A3, UGT1A9, ABCB1, and SLCO1B1 and strongly activated the pregnane X receptor (PXR). Clinical studies are strongly recommended to clarify whether the effects observed in vitro are of clinical significance.
U. tomentosa extract significantly inhibited all ABC transporters and the majority of the SLC transporters tested in vitro. Of the investigated oxindole alkaloids, isopteropodine significantly inhibited OATP, OCT1 and OCT2, OAT3, ENT4, MDR1, and BCRP transporters.
Certain individuals should use cat's claw with caution: its immune-stimulating potential may counteract the effects of immunosuppressant drugs, such as cyclosporine and corticosteroids.
The use of this plant has been associated in individual cases with development of acute interstitial nephritis leading to acute renal failure. This is based on isolated case reports, not systematic data, and should be noted as a theoretical concern.
Discrepancies between studies reinforce the importance of standardizing U. tomentosa extracts, since diverse chemotypes might present differential pharmacological activities. The determination of the chemotype is crucially important in the plant's analysis and processing, for the purpose of obtaining a pharmaceutical preparation.
Health conditions that Cat's claw may help support.
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have confirmed that Uncaria tomentosa extracts exhibit antioxidant activity via free radical scavenging, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and enhancement of antioxidant enzymes in vitro and in human volunteers. A human volunteer study by Sheng et al. (2001) demonstrated enhanced DNA repair and reduced oxidative damage following cat's claw supplementation.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa), a woody vine from South America, contains oxindole alkaloids and pentacyclic triterpenes that inhibit TNF-α and NF-κB, mimicking the mechanism of biologic RA drugs. A 2002 double-blind RCT (Journal of Rheumatology) in 40 RA patients found Cat's Claw reduced joint swelling and pain by more than 50% versus placebo.
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has traditional South American use for arthritis and was studied in a randomized double-blind trial in 40–50 RA patients showing reduced painful joints, morning stiffness, pain intensity, and joint edema vs. placebo. It contains pentacyclic alkaloids and polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It decreases IL-6 and NF-κB in preclinical studies.
In vitro studies using human platelet-rich plasma have demonstrated that Uncaria tomentosa extracts exhibit antiplatelet effects and thrombin inhibition. A 2020 PubMed-indexed study (PMID available via ScienceDirect) concluded that extracts show 'slight antiplatelet effects' and 'promising candidates for natural inhibitors of thrombin.' Traditional use for blood purification is also documented.
Preclinical studies show cat's claw extracts have hypotensive activity, attributed to calcium-channel blocking effects of tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids. A 2021 mouse study (PMID: 34773881) showed that the hot-water extract AC-11 improved angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Traditional Uncaria species use for hypertension is also documented.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is listed by EBSCO/ADAM for bursitis and multiple joint pain sources. NCCAM notes small human studies showing possible benefit in OA and RA. Its oxindole alkaloids and pentacyclic compounds inhibit TNF-α and NF-κB. Traditional Amazonian use for inflammatory joint conditions spans centuries.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has documented anti-inflammatory activity supported by both in vitro/in vivo mechanistic research and small human clinical trials. Its primary mechanism involves suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Small controlled trials in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients have shown modest reductions in joint pain and swelling, though evidence remains limited by small sample sizes and inconsistent results. The NIH/NCCIH characterizes existing human evidence as insufficient to draw definitive conclusions.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) modulates immune function and reduces inflammatory cytokines through oxindole alkaloid and pentacyclic triterpene content. Small human studies have shown possible benefit in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis chronic pain. Traditional Amazonian medicine has used it for inflammatory joint conditions for centuries.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is an Amazonian vine used traditionally for arthritis and inflammatory joint conditions. Its oxindole alkaloids and procyanidins inhibit TNF-α and NF-κB, reducing joint inflammation. A small double-blind RCT in knee OA found a 12-week preparation reduced WOMAC pain scores significantly; ConsumerLab lists it among evidence-supported joint supplements.
Cat's claw has been used traditionally for gastritis, and scientific preclinical studies confirm anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects in gastric models. A 2020 MDPI review states it inhibits 'acute or chronic gastritis caused by high doses of NSAIDs.' Indigenous use for gastric ulcers is well-documented.
Multiple in vitro studies have demonstrated that Uncaria tomentosa extracts exhibit antiherpetic activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). A 2014 PubMed-indexed study evaluated in vitro antiherpetic and antimutagenic activities. The mechanism involves polyphenols and oxindole alkaloids acting via virucidal and attachment-inhibition mechanisms.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) contains oxindole alkaloids with NF-κB inhibitory and anti-inflammatory properties studied in IBD-relevant models. Traditional use in Amazonian medicine includes inflammatory bowel conditions, and some clinical and preclinical data support its IBD-relevant anti-inflammatory activity.
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) extract has demonstrated in vitro inhibitory activity against growing and stationary-phase (persister) forms of Borrelia burgdorferi, outperforming standard antibiotics doxycycline and cefuroxime in a 2020 Johns Hopkins study. It also has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties relevant to chronic Lyme symptoms. A small clinical study of 28 advanced Lyme patients showed potential benefit. Oxindole alkaloids and quinovic acid glycosides are its primary bioactive constituents.
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) contains oxindole alkaloids that decrease TNF-alpha via NF-κB inhibition, and polyphenols with antioxidant effects. Small controlled trials suggest beneficial effects on pain in chronic RA, and the Arthritis Foundation and EBSCO list it among proposed natural treatments for RA.
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) contains pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) and glycosides with immunostimulatory and antiviral properties. Traditional use in Amazonian medicine spans centuries for infectious and inflammatory conditions. POAs modulate NK cell and macrophage activity; extracts have demonstrated antiviral activity against HIV and influenza.
Cat's claw bark decoctions have been used by Peruvian indigenous peoples, including tribes in Piura, to treat abscesses. This application is documented in ethnobotanical records of Amazonian traditional medicine. No clinical trials specifically targeting abscess treatment have been conducted.
Cat's claw is traditionally used in Peruvian and Brazilian medicine as an antiasthmatic and anti-allergic agent, with its use for allergies documented in ethnobotanical records. A 2024 Frontiers systematic review notes it is 'widely used in Peruvian and Brazilian traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antiasthmatic agent.' No dedicated clinical trials on respiratory allergy have been conducted.
Cat's claw is documented as an antiasthmatic agent in Peruvian and Brazilian traditional medicine and is listed as such in WHO-recognized traditional use databases. The 2024 Frontiers systematic review confirms it is 'widely used in Peruvian and Brazilian traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antiasthmatic agent.' A preclinical meta-analysis includes asthma among the animal models studied. No human clinical trials for asthma exist.
Cat's claw is used in traditional South American medicine and modern herbal practice for fatigue associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. The NIH/NCBI LiverTox monograph lists it as used for 'fatigue' alongside fever and muscle aches. Modern herbalists recommend it for 'chronic fatigue' and related syndromes, though no clinical trials targeting fatigue specifically exist.
Cat's claw is traditionally used for colitis and inflammatory bowel conditions, and multiple authoritative sources, including RxList, list it among treatments for 'inflammation of the lower bowel (colitis).' Preclinical studies show reduction of intestinal inflammation markers. No randomized controlled trials in human colitis patients have been published.
Cat's claw is listed among traditional indications for Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease in multiple ethnobotanical and herbal medicine references. Its anti-inflammatory NF-κB inhibition is mechanistically relevant to Crohn's pathophysiology. No dedicated human clinical trials for Crohn's disease have been published.
Cat's claw is listed as a traditional remedy for diverticulitis in multiple herbalism and integrative medicine sources, including RxList, which describes its use for 'swelling and pain (inflammation) of the large intestine (diverticulitis).' No clinical trials for diverticulitis have been conducted.
Cat's claw has been used traditionally by Peruvian indigenous peoples to treat fevers, and this application is cited in major ethnobotanical databases and the NIH/NCBI LiverTox monograph. The herb is described as used 'in the treatment of fever, fatigue, muscle and joint aches.' No clinical trials specifically on fever have been conducted.
Cat's claw is listed in modern herbal medicine references as a remedy for fibromyalgia, attributed to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Multiple integrative medicine sources recommend it for chronic conditions involving neuroinflammation such as fibromyalgia. No clinical trials specifically for fibromyalgia exist.
Cat's claw is listed in traditional and ethnobotanical sources as a remedy for hemorrhoids, attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties. RxList and other referenced sources include hemorrhoids among the digestive conditions for which cat's claw is traditionally used. No clinical trials for this indication exist.
Cat's claw is listed as a traditional remedy for 'leaky bowel syndrome' in multiple herbal medicine references including RxList. Its anti-inflammatory NF-κB inhibiting properties are mechanistically relevant to intestinal permeability. No human clinical trials on leaky gut specifically have been published.
Cat's claw is traditionally used as an analgesic for muscle and joint pain in South American indigenous medicine, and the NIH/NCBI LiverTox monograph describes it as used for 'muscle and joint aches.' Some evidence suggests analgesic activity, though no clinical trials specifically on muscle tension have been conducted.
Cat's claw has been used traditionally as a vermifuge (antiparasitic agent) and blood purifier in Amazonian folk medicine. A 2020 MDPI review notes that biological activities have been examined against parasites 'including Plasmodium, Babesia and Theileria.' No human clinical trials for antiparasitic use have been published.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is used traditionally in Amazonian medicine for immune restoration after illness and has documented immunomodulatory properties via pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids. It has been included in post-viral recovery clinical protocols for immune activation and anti-inflammatory effects. NCCIH recognizes its traditional use for immune support.
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) bark has been used traditionally in South American (Peruvian) medicine for centuries to treat gastric ulcers, intestinal disorders, and inflammation. The Bora tribe and Ashaninca Indians used decoctions for gastric ulcers. Drugs.com notes this traditional use, though no controlled clinical trials specifically for peptic ulcer have been published.
The Ashaninka indigenous tribe of Peru used cat's claw specifically for 'inflammations of the urinary tract,' making this one of the best-documented traditional indications. A 2025 PMC ethnopharmacology review and several ethnobotanical databases list urinary tract inflammation among its traditional uses. No clinical trials have been conducted.
Cat's claw is listed among Amazonian traditional remedies for wound healing, including deep wounds, in ethnobotanical records. The Ashaninka used it to 'cure deep wounds.' Traditional and some preclinical antimicrobial data support the plausibility of this use, though no controlled human clinical trials exist.
Body systems that Cat's claw may help support.
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