Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) vs Psyllium (Plantago ovata)

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Psyllium (Plantago ovata)

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. Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have used cat's claw for centuries to ward off disease, and NCCIH says it is promoted today for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and viral infections. NCCIH says there is no conclusive evidence from studies in people to support cat's claw for any health purpose. 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.

Psyllium, also known as flea seed due to its small brown appearance, is produced by several Plantago species. It has long been used as a laxative, and MedlinePlus lists it as a bulk-forming laxative used to treat constipation. The seeds and husks have a bland taste and develop a jellylike consistency when moistened due to their high mucilage content. The plants are extensively cultivated, especially in India, and propagated from seed in spring. Seeds are harvested when ripe in late summer and early autumn.

Safety & precautions

Avoid during pregnancy and while trying to conceive, as cat's claw has contraceptive activity. Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs), present in some cat's claw, may suppress immune function. Some preparations are standardized to contain little or no TOAs. Medicines: NCCIH says there are theoretical reasons to expect interactions with blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs) and with blood pressure medicines, and notes cat's claw may slow clotting, so mention it before any surgery. A 2017 systematic review found that cat's claw significantly raised levels of some HIV medicines, and LiverTox notes it inhibits the liver enzyme CYP3A4, so it could raise levels of other drugs cleared that way.

Do not exceed the stated dose. Always take with plenty of water. Avoid psyllium in cases of bowel obstruction or perforation, and ask a professional before giving it to children or using it in pregnancy. It can cause constipation when a person is dehydrated. Ensure adequate hydration when using.

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