Evidence supporting the use of: Cat's claw
For the health condition: Autoimmune Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and has a long history of use in traditional South American medicine, particularly for inflammatory conditions. In recent decades, its use has expanded globally, with interest in its potential immunomodulatory effects for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Scientific studies have identified several bioactive compounds in cat's claw, including oxindole alkaloids, which appear to modulate immune system activity.

Preclinical research suggests that cat's claw can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce markers of inflammation, potentially providing benefit in autoimmune conditions characterized by overactive immune responses. Some small clinical trials and open-label studies have reported improvements in symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and reductions in inflammatory markers when cat's claw is used as an adjunct to conventional therapy. For example, a randomized double-blind study published in 2002 found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received cat's claw extract had a reduction in the number of painful joints compared to placebo.

However, the overall quality of the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of large, rigorous randomized controlled trials. There is some early scientific validation for its use, but it is not yet robust or conclusive. Thus, while promising, cat's claw should be used cautiously and not as a replacement for established therapies for autoimmune disorders.

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