Evidence supporting the use of: Cat's claw
For the body system: Lymphatics

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

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

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has a long history of traditional use in South American herbal medicine, particularly among indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest. Traditionally, cat's claw has been valued for its anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and general health-promoting properties. While not specifically cited in ethnobotanical records as a lymphatic tonic, it has been used in the context of "cleansing the blood" and supporting the body's natural defenses, which some traditional systems loosely associate with lymphatic health. However, there is little to no direct evidence from either traditional sources or modern clinical studies that cat's claw specifically supports the lymphatic system or addresses lymphatic disorders. Scientific studies have primarily focused on its potential for immune modulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and possible benefits in conditions like arthritis and certain infections. No high-quality clinical trials or mechanistic studies directly link cat's claw to measurable benefits for the lymphatic system. Therefore, its use for this purpose is based more on traditional or marketing generalizations rather than robust evidence.

More about cat's claw
More about Lymphatics