Overview:

Named after its hook-like horns, cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America. The bark and root of this herb have been used by South Americans since the Inca civilization to treat a variety of health problems, including arthritis, stomach ulcers, inflammation, dysentery, and fevers. It was also used as a form of birth control.

Test tube studies indicate that cat's claw may stimulate the immune system, help relax the smooth muscles (such as the intestines), dilate blood vessels (helping lower blood pressure), and act as a diuretic (helping rid the body of excess water). It also has antioxidant properties, helping rid the body of particles known as free radicals that damage cells. Preliminary studies show it may have antitumor and anticancer effects as well.

Osteoarthritis

Although few scientific studies have investigated the safety and usefulness of this herb, it has been used traditionally to treat osteoarthritis (OA). One study indicates that it may help relieve pain from knee OA without side effects.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Cat's claw has been suggested as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of its anti-inflammatory properties. One small study showed a positive effect when cat's claw was taken by people who were also taking sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine to treat RA. Although cat's claw may help reduce inflammation, there is no evidence to show that it stops the progression of the disease. For that reason, RA should be treated with conventional medications, which can put the disease into remission.

Further research

Cat's claw is being studied for a number of other possible uses, including HIV, Chron's disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), and Alzheimer's disease. More research is needed before scientists can say whether it is effective.

Plant Description:

Cat's claw is a thorny vine that can climb as high as 100 feet. It grows primarily in the Amazon rainforest as well as tropical areas in South and Central America. Much of the cat's claw sold in the United States was grown in Peru.

Cat's claw got its name from the curved, claw-like thorns that grow on its stem. The root and bark of cat's claw are the parts used for medicinal purposes.

What's It Made Of?:

Cat's claw contains many types of plant chemicals that help reduce inflammation (such as tannins and sterols) and combat certain viruses (such as quinovic acid glycosides).

Cat's claw preparations are made from the root and bark of the cat's claw vine. The effectiveness of the root and bark varies depending upon what time of year that portion of the plant is harvested.

Available Forms:

The bark of the cat's claw vine can be crushed and used to make tea. Standardized root and bark extracts (containing 3% alkaloids and 15% phenols) are also available in either liquid or capsule forms.

How to Take It:

Pediatric

There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of cat's claw. Do not give a child cat's claw without the supervision of your doctor.

Adult

• Tea: 1 - 10 g (1,000 mg) root bark in 8 ounces water; boil 10 - 15 minutes, cool, and strain. Drink 1 cup 3 times daily.
• Tincture (solution made from herb and alcohol, or herb, alcohol, and water): 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoonful 2 - 3 times daily
• Dry, encapsulated standardized extract: 100 mg per day for osteoarthritis; 250 - 350 mg per day for immune support

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

Cat's claw appears to have few side effects. However, there have not been enough scientific studies of cat's claw to fully determine its safety. Some people have reported dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea when taking cat's claw. The diarrhea or loose stools tend to be mild and go away with continued use of the herb.

Cat's claw may cause miscarriage and should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women. People with autoimmune diseases, skin grafts, tuberculosis, or those receiving organ transplants should not use cat's claw because of its possible effects on the immune system.

Possible Interactions:

If you are currently taking any of the following medications, you should not use cat's claw without first talking to your health care provider.

Immunosuppressive medications -- In theory, because cat's claw may stimulate the immune system, it should not be used with medications intended to suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporin or other medications prescribed following an organ transplant or to treat an autoimmune disease.

NSAIDs -- Cat's claw may protect against gastrointestinal damage associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

Other medications -- Cat's claw may interact with the following medications:

• Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication)
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Estrogens or progestins, including birth control pills
• Antihypertensive (blood pressure) medication

Alternative Names:

Una de gato; Uncaria tomentosa