Cat's Claw Educational Handout
What is it?
Cat's claw, also known as Uncaria tomentosa, is an herbal extract. It has been used traditionally in Peru for over 2,000 years. Alkaloids, phenols, sterols and glycosides comprise some of the naturally-occurring constituents of this herb.
Uses for Cat's Claw:
- Joint Health: In a 52-week, randomized double blind trial, cat's claw extract promoted joint comfort in volunteers. A 4-week study also suggests that cat's claw has the ability to promote joint comfort, in part by moderating prostaglandin metabolism. Other mechanisms of action that may account for these effects include modulation of both oxidative stress and cytokine production.*
- Cardiovascular Health: Cardiovascular protective properties include support for healthy vascular and platelet function.*
- Immune Support: Cat's claw alkaloids have been specifically associated with enhancing immune system cell function, including phagocytosis and macrophage activity.*
- Gastrointestinal Health: Studies involving cultured gastric epithelial cells suggest that cat's claw may provide important antioxidant protection for gut health.*
How much is usually taken?
Pure Encapsulations recommends taking 1-6 capsules per day, in divided doses, with meals.
Are there any side effects or precautions?
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported in some cases.
Potential drug interactions:
Cat's claw may be contraindicated for individuals who are taking blood thinning or antihypertensive medications.
References:
1.) Mur E, Hartig F, Eibl G, Schirmer M. Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2002 Apr;29(4):678-81.
2.) Piscoya J, Rodriguez Z, Bustamante SA, Okuhama NN, Miller MJ, Sandoval M. Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat's claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: mechanisms of action of the species Uncaria guianensis. Inflamm Res. 2001 Sep;50(9):442-8.
3.) Riva L, Coradini D, Di Fronzo G, De Feo V, De Tommasi N, De Simone F, Pizza C. The antiproliferative effects of Uncaria tomentosa extracts and fractions on the growth of breast cancer cell line. Anticancer Res. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4A):2457-61.
4.) Sandoval-Chacon M, Thompson JH, Zhang XJ, Liu X, Mannick EE, Sadowska-Krowicka H, Charbonnet RM, Clark DA, Miller MJ. Antiinflammatory actions of cat's claw: the role of NF-kappaB. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1998 Dec;12(12):1279-89.
5.) Miller MJ, Angeles FM, Reuter BK, Bobrowski P, Sandoval M. Dietary antioxidants protect gut epithelial cells from oxidantinduced apoptosis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2001;1(1):11.
6.) Sandoval M, Charbonnet RM, Okuhama NN, Roberts J, Krenova Z, Trentacosti AM, Miller MJ. Cat's claw inhibits TNFalpha production and scavenges free radicals: role in cytoprotection. Free Radic Biol Med. 2000 Jul 1;29(1):71-8.
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*This is a statement of nutritional support. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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