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 been used traditionally for a variety of inflammatory conditions. Its use for Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is supported by some scientific evidence, but this evidence remains preliminary and limited in scope. Laboratory and animal studies indicate that cat's claw possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, which theoretically could help reduce inflammation in the gut associated with IBD. For example, research has shown that cat's claw extracts can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and interleukins, which play key roles in the pathogenesis of IBD.

A small pilot study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2002) investigated the effects of cat's claw extract as an adjunct to conventional treatment in patients with Crohn’s disease. The results suggested some benefit in reducing disease activity, but the study was limited by its small size and lack of rigorous controls. To date, there are no large-scale, high-quality clinical trials confirming its effectiveness for IBD. Most human data are anecdotal or derived from small studies, and the safety profile, particularly regarding long-term use, is not well established. Thus, while cat's claw is used by some for IBD based on its anti-inflammatory potential, the current scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is modest and not conclusive, warranting a rating of 2 out of 5.

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