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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

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 herbal medicine. Its primary uses by indigenous populations have been for inflammatory conditions, digestive complaints, and as an immune booster. There are anecdotal reports and some traditional herbal texts that suggest cat's claw may be used as a wash or infusion for eye inflammations, including conjunctivitis (commonly known as "pink eye"), likely due to its perceived anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

However, there is minimal scientific literature supporting its effectiveness specifically for conjunctivitis. Most research on cat's claw has focused on its potential immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, but these studies are typically related to arthritis, viral infections, or digestive inflammation—not ocular conditions. The traditional use for eye problems appears to be based more on the general anti-inflammatory reputation of the plant rather than targeted evidence or well-documented folk remedies specific to conjunctivitis.

In summary, while cat's claw does have a background of traditional use for a variety of inflammatory conditions, the evidence for its use in conjunctivitis is weak and primarily anecdotal. There is a lack of well-designed clinical trials or even robust ethnobotanical records specifically linking cat's claw with the effective treatment of conjunctivitis. Therefore, its use for this condition can be considered traditional with very low evidence.

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