Medically CitedIn This Review
Overview
Deep in the Amazon rainforest grows a tangled vine called Uncaria Tomentosa, often referred to as ‘cat’s claw’ because its thorns are hooked and resemble feline nails. Rich in powerful antioxidants and bioactive alkaloids, it is also sometimes called the ‘life-giving vine of Peru’ for its multiple health properties.
Dr. Jolene Brighten explains, “It’s been traditionally used by indigenous tribes of the South American Rainforest to treat many different inflammatory conditions[1].” Current research supports many of the health benefits of this potent vine, including helping to relieve joint pain, ease prostate inflammation, and enhance digestive health.
You can purchase cat claw supplements in the form of capsules, powder, liquid, or a tasty tea. It is also included in many popular natural products for its numerous potent advantages. This review explores the Uncaria Tomentosa plant up close and outlines its properties, health benefits, recommended dosages, and more.
What is Cat’s Claw?
Cat’s claw is a tropical vine that grows rampantly in the Amazon Rainforest and some areas of South and Central America, reaching heights of up to 50 feet or more. There are several species, but the most common is Uncaria Tomentosa and it is the richest in bioactive alkaloids.
In certain cultures cat’s claw is considered a sacred plant infused with powerful properties, and it has sometimes been included in spiritual rituals. In addition, it has been incorporated into traditional medicine for over 2000 years in different parts of the world.
Scientists have discovered evidence that its bioactive compounds offer several potential health benefits. This plant is high in alkaloids, antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and anti-bacterial agents. In addition, it is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Some evidence indicates that cat’s claw helps ease pain and swelling in joints, decrease prostate inflammation, enhance digestion, strengthen the immune system, and support brain health. Let’s look at each of the cat’s claw benefits up close and see what the research reveals.
Health Benefits of Cat’s Claw
With its powerful blend of alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, this mystical vine has several potential health advantages backed by science. These are the top cat’s claw benefits:
Helps Strengthen the Immune System
Cat’s claw contains a rich blend of powerful antioxidants like phenolic compounds and flavonoids that destroy free radicals in your system to lower oxidative stress. This promotes body-wide healing and repair, helping to strengthen the immune system.
This plant is also high in anti-inflammatory agents that decrease swelling to support the body’s organs and systems. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found support for the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of cat’s claw[2].
Supports Joint Health
The Uncaria Tomentosa plant is high in anti-inflammatory agents and compounds that have support for their ability to ease joint pain and swelling, particularly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In addition, the antioxidants in this plant help repair damage to cartilage tissue for potential long-term support and joint health.
A 4-week study of patients with knee osteoarthritis published in Inflammatory Research concluded that cat’s claw helped effectively ease symptoms[3].
Supports Brain Health
The potent blend of antioxidants in cat’s claw helps repair damage to neurons, improve communication between cells, and decrease cerebral inflammation, which is why it is included in some nootropic supplements like Alpha Brain Instant. It also helps boost levels of serotonin, which could boost mood and improve other cognitive functions.
A one-year study of middle-aged rats published in Experimental Gerontology concluded that the phytochemicals in cat’s claw helped repair DNA damage and improve memory, learning, and cognition[4]
In addition, some evidence indicates that the cat’s claw plant could decrease the development of amyloid plaques in the brain, helping to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Helps Enhance Digestion
Cat’s claw helps ease inflammation in the digestive tract, and the bark contains dietary fiber that helps balance the gut microbiome and cleanse the colon of waste and toxins. It helps relieve leaky gut, constipation, and other digestive symptoms, and some evidence indicates it could heal ulcers.
A study of rats published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology concluded that the bark of the Uncaria Tomentosa plant helps speed up gastric healing and promote gastroprotection[5].
Supports Prostate Health
The powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in cat’s claw help decrease prostate swelling, helping to reduce the size of the gland so it doesn’t press against the urethra. This may help ease urinary tract issues like leakage and frequent urination, which is why it is often included as an ingredient in supplements like Prostate SP.
In addition, some evidence indicates that cat’s claw could help slow the development of prostate cancer. A study published by Winthrop University concluded that the plant helped induce cell death in prostate cancer cells[6].
Sources and Dosage Recommendations
Cat’s claw supplements are available in capsule, powder, liquid, and tea form, and this plant is also included as an ingredient in natural products for prostate support, joint health, immune function, and other health benefits.
There is no set established cat’s claw dosage, but according to most sources, 300–500 mg is safe for capsules, and up to 350 mg is suitable for the dried stem extract. However, the ideal dosage may vary depending on your health goals, age, and other factors. Before taking a supplement, consult with a healthcare practitioner.
Safety and Side Effects
This plant is safe for most people if you follow the recommended dosage. In some individuals, it could lead to mild cat’s claw side effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach upset, but usually only at high doses. In rare cases, some may experience an allergic reaction.
Some health conditions preclude taking a cat’s claw supplement, including kidney or liver disease, auto-immune conditions, low blood pressure, and leukemia. In addition, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid this ingredient.
There are also interactions with a few common medications, including diuretics, blood thinners, cholesterol pills, and some cancer treatments. Before taking a supplement, consult a healthcare practitioner for approval and dosage advice.
FAQs About Cat’s Claw
Q: What is a cat’s claw supplement good for?
A: Cat’s Claw, the Uncaria Tomentosa plant, has potent antioxidants, alkaloids, and anti-inflammatory agents that help strengthen the immune system, enhance digestion, ease joint pain and discomfort, support brain health, and decrease swelling in the prostate to lessen urinary tract symptoms.
Q: Can you take cat’s claw every day?
A: Most adults can safely take cat’s claw supplements for up to 6 months as long as you follow the directions on the product carefully and stay within the recommended dosage. There are some health and medication contraindications, however, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare practitioner first.
Q: Where can I buy supplements with cat’s claw?
A: You can purchase cat’s claw supplements or other natural products that include it as an ingredient from numerous online retailers as well as in brick-and-mortar organic food shops, department stores, and superstores.
Q: Who should not take cat’s claw?
A: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking cat’s claw, and it is also not suitable for people with auto-immune conditions, low blood pressure, leukemia, kidney issues, or liver disease.
In addition, there are some interactions with common medications like blood thinners and diuretics, so it’s important to check with a healthcare practitioner before taking a cat’s claw supplement.
Q: How long does it take for cat’s claw to work?
A: It takes time for cat’s claw to build in your system, and the amount of time it takes depends on the benefits you are seeking. For relief of joint pain and prostate swelling, it will likely take a couple of weeks, but you may experience digestive health benefits sooner. For optimal brain and immune system support, the effects increase gradually over time.
The Bottom Line
Cat’s Claw is the Uncaria Tomentosa plant, the ‘life-giving vine of Peru’ that has sacred significance for many and a long history of use in traditional medicine.
According to current research, the bioactive alkaloids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents in this vine have health advantages that include helping to ease joint pain, reduce prostate swelling, enhance digestion, and support brain health.
You can experience the health benefits for yourself by taking a supplement or adding a cat’s claw tea to your regimen. If you are considering taking a cat’s claw extract, consult a healthcare practitioner regarding suitability and ideal dosage.
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6 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[2] Anti-Inflammatory and/or Immunomodulatory Activities of Uncaria Tomentosa (Cat’s Claw) Extracts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of in Vivo Studies: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11176511/
[3] Efficacy and Safety of Freeze-Dried Cat's Claw in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Mechanisms of Action of the Species Uncaria Guianensis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11603848/
[4] Uncaria tomentosa improves cognition, memory and learning in middle-aged rats: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342678650_Uncaria_tomentosa_improves_cognition_memory_and_learning_in_middle-aged_rats
[5] Aqueous Extract of the Bark of Uncaria Tomentosa, an Amazonian Medicinal Plant, Promotes Gastroprotection and Accelerates Gastric Healing in Rats: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38056537/
[6] Induction of Apoptosis by Uncaria Tomentosa (Cat’s Claw) Extract in Prostate Cancer: https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/source/SOURCE_2018/posterpresentations/51/
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