Cats Claw

Background

Cat’s claw is a woody vine that grows wild in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of Central and South America. Its thorns resemble a cat’s claws.

The two most common species are U. tomentosa and U. guianensis. Most commercial preparations of cat’s claw contain U. tomentosa.

Using cat’s claw for health dates back to the Inca civilization. Its historical uses have included for contraception, inflammation, cancer, and viral infections, and to stimulate the immune system.

Today, cat’s claw is used as a dietary supplement for a variety of health conditions including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, and leaky bowel syndrome.

The bark and root of cat’s claw are used to make liquid extracts, capsules, tablets, and tea.

How Much Do We Know?

There have been very few high quality clinical trials (studies done in people) of cat’s claw.

What Have We Learned?

There’s no conclusive scientific evidence based on studies in people that supports using cat’s claw for any health purpose.

What Do We Know About Safety?

Few side effects have been reported for cat’s claw when taken in small amounts.

Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid using cat’s claw because of its past use for preventing and aborting pregnancy.

Keep in Mind

Tell all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Key References

-NIH