Native to the the Peruvian rain forest, cat's claw is a plant alkaloid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties effective as a short-term treatment.
Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a plant alkaloid native to South America used for its restorative effects on the immune system, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In recent years, cat’s claw, similar to other anti-inflammatory herbal compounds, has gained considerable popularity in the United States and Europe.
Cat’s claw is available as an herbal preparation containing cat’s claw alone or its variant samento, a formulation containing a concentrated form of the main active pentacycyclic oxindole ingredient found in cat’s claw. Cat’s claw and samento can also be found in compounds with multiple ingredients designed to improve immune system function. Because of its immunomodulatory effects, cat’s claw is a popular ingredient in herbal medications used for AIDS and other viral infections, osteoarthritis, and in autoimmune diseases.
Uses in Autoimmune Disease
Cat’s claw is increasingly being used by herbalists and naturopaths for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, connective tissue disorders, and complications of diabetes. Used for hundreds of years by indigenous cultures, cat’s claw is reported to be safe and effective when used to relieve joint discomfort, prevent infection and enhance immune function including defending against cancer. However, because of possible immune stimulation described in the next section, cat’s claw should be used short-term or as needed to reduce pain and inflammation for people with autoimmune disorders.
Dosage and Precautions
Commercial preparations of cat’s claw vary depending on the active plant constituents. The typical dose of the herbal extract is up to 350 mg daily, standardized to contain 8 percent carboxy alkyl esters. Compounds containing high amounts of the active tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids and pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids may lower blood pressure and should not be used in patients on anti-hypertensive medications. Cat’s claw extracts manufactured by the Life Extension Foundation, which use a patented ultra-filtration water-extraction process to remove these alkaloids are free of these side effects.
Potential side effects include diarrhea. However, because cat’s claw may stimulate the immune system, it should not be used long-term for people with autoimmune disorders until further studies are available. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under the age of three should avoid using preparations containing cat’s claw.
Resources
Disease Prevention and Treatment, Expanded Fourth Edition, Hollywood, FL: Life Extension Media, 2003.
Nutraceutical Update on Cat’s Claw, Life Extension Foundation, March 2007: 92.
PDR for Herbal Medicine, assessed February 21, 2007.
