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Herb Introduction ：Cat's Claw

Herb Introduction ：Cat's Claw
Common Names: cat’s claw, uña de gato

Latin Names: Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis

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.
Use of cat’s claw dates back 2,000 years. Indigenous people of South and Central America used it to ward off disease.
Today, cat’s claw is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes, human papilloma virus, and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, and leaky bowel syndrome.
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?
Cat’s claw appears to be safe when used orally for short periods of time. However, it can cause headache, dizziness, and vomiting in some people.
Cat’s claw might make the immune system more active, which could increase symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If you have an autoimmune disease, consult your health care provider before using cat’s claw.
Little is known about whether it’s safe to use cat’s claw during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Cat’s claw may interact with some medications, including some HIV drugs called protease inhibitors. If you take medication, talk with your health care provider before using cat’s claw.
Cat’s claw may lower blood pressure and slow blood clotting. Talk to your health care provider if either of these effects might be a concern for you.



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