Herb comparison
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) vs Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Both plants are listed as traditional remedies for 3 of the same conditions, which is why they are easy to confuse. Their descriptions and full safety notes are below, free.
- About
- Cat's claw is a climbing vine that can grow to 100 feet or more, with stems up to 8 inches in diameter, large glossy leaves, and sharp hooks resembling a cat's claws. Native to tropical rainforests in the central and eastern Andes - especially Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia - it has also been found in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. Known by the Ashaninka and other indigenous peoples of central Peru for its power in regulating illness, it has been used since ancient times to treat serious conditions ranging from asthma and diabetes to arthritis and cancer. By the early 1990s, over-collection from the wild threatened the species' survival; only sustainably sourced stem bark should be used, rather than root bark.Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a downy perennial up to about 7 ft (2.2 m), with thick white roots, heart-shaped leaves, and pink flowers. Known for its high mucilage content, marshmallow soothes inflamed mucous membranes, including those in the respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems.
- Safety & precautions
- Avoid during pregnancy and while trying to conceive, as cat's claw has contraceptive activity. Alcoholic extracts may inhibit cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4 in vitro, though clinical relevance is uncertain. The herb may have additive antiplatelet and antihypertensive effects when combined with conventional drugs. One isolated case reported increased levels of atazanavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir in a patient taking cat's claw. Only cat's claw containing POAs should be used medicinally, as tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs) may suppress immune function. Some preparations are standardized to contain little or no TOAs. Monitor blood pressure and watch for signs of increased bleeding if using with antiplatelet or antihypertensive medications.Very Mild & Safe: Typically fine for children, infants, and the elderly. No Major Warnings: Generally considered gentle with minimal side effects.
Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.