Vitamin Pros Home :: Cat’s Claw

Cat’s Claw is also called Uncaria tomentosa grows in the Amazon and in other tropical areas of South and Central America. It grows as a woody vine and is named after the claw like extensions that extend from the vine. Both the bark and root are used in the preparation of the herbal teas, tinctures or extracts. Historically, it was used as far back as Inca times for the treatment of a variety of health problems.

It has proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, patients were given Cat’s claw along with sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine to treat a health condition did better than when the medications were used alone. Another study indicated that the mechanism of action of Cat's claw appears to be as an inhibitor of TNFalpha.

It is also believed to improve the immune system and is being evaluated in situations where the immune system is depressed or needs boosting. Macrophage phagocytosis, important in a stimulated immune system was found to be maximized by a standardized concentration of Cat’s claw. In addition, Cat’s claw is believed to have antioxidant properties, making it beneficial against oxygen free radicals that can do damage to many parts of the cell and can increase the aging process.

The primary actions of Cat’s claw on the body include:

• stimulates immune system
• reduces inflammation
• protects cells
• tones and balances
• fights free radicals
• relieves pain
• cleanses bowel
• kills viruses

It seems to relax smooth muscle, including the muscle of the intestines, leading to improvement in dysentery and a cleansing of the bowels.

Cat’s claw appears to be relatively nontoxic. It is provided as a tincture, tea or as a capsule containing Cat’s claw extract. Researchers state that there can be some interaction between Cat’s claw and the following other medications.

• Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication)
• Water pills
• Estrogens or progestins, including birth control pills
• Blood pressure medication