Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Photo: Vangeliq.petrova · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Digestive
- 5 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
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.
Traditional uses & properties
Cat's claw is one of the best remedies for normalizing gastrointestinal function, often helpful for ulcers, gastritis, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Like echinacea, it supports a weakened immune system and reinvigorates the body's efforts to counter infection and inflammation. Its pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs), triterpenoid glycosides, and tannins including epicatechin and proanthocyanidins provide potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulant activity. The POAs stimulate white blood cell production and nonspecific immune resistance, and may inhibit tumor development and growth. Water extracts are strongly anti-inflammatory and may inhibit inflammatory gene expression. Conditions that may benefit include chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and cancer (particularly breast cancer). It is also useful in countering damaging effects of chemotherapy. The herb has broad-spectrum mild antimicrobial action and antimutagenic properties.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Standard decoction: 6-12 ounces, 3 times daily. Tincture (dried bark 1:5, 60% alcohol): 3-5 ml (0.6-1 tsp.) up to 3 times daily. Capsules or powder: 2,000-7,000 mg, 3 times daily.
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.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to tropical rainforests in the central and eastern Andes, especially Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Also found in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. Only stem bark from ecologically sustainable sources should be used.
Traditionally used for
- Colitis8 herbs · 2 free
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome11 herbs · 2 free
- Ulcers15 herbs · 2 free
- Asthma14 herbs · 2 free
- Arthritis11 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
What is Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) as follows: Cat's claw is one of the best remedies for normalizing gastrointestinal function, often helpful for ulcers, gastritis, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Like echinacea, it supports a weakened immune system and reinvigorates the body's efforts to counter infection and inflammation. Its pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs), triterpenoid glycosides, and tannins including epicatechin and proanthocyanidins provide potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulant activity. The POAs stimulate white blood cell production and nonspecific immune resistance, and may inhibit tumor development and growth. Water extracts are strongly anti-inflammatory and may inhibit inflammatory gene expression. Conditions that may benefit include chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and cancer (particularly breast cancer). It is also useful in countering damaging effects of chemotherapy. The herb has broad-spectrum mild antimicrobial action and antimutagenic properties.
How is Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Standard decoction: 6-12 ounces, 3 times daily. Tincture (dried bark 1:5, 60% alcohol): 3-5 ml (0.6-1 tsp.) up to 3 times daily. Capsules or powder: 2,000-7,000 mg, 3 times daily.
What safety cautions apply to Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)?
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.
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