Cat's Claw
(Uncaria tomentosa)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range
For the 3% alkaloid and 15% total phenol extraction, 250-1000mg, 3 times a day.

For the 1.3% pentacyclic extraction product, 20mg, 2-3 times daily for the first 10 days and then 20mg daily thereafter.

Decoction: 60 ml once daily in the morning on an empty stomach prepared from 30 gm herb with 800ml water reduced by heat to 500ml.(1)

Most Common Dosage
For the 3% alkaloid and 15% total phenol extraction, 500mg, 3 times a day.

For the 1.3% pentacyclic extraction product, 20mg, 3 times daily for the first 10 days and then 20mg daily thereafter.

Decoction: 60 ml once daily in the morning on an empty stomach prepared from 30 gm herb with 800ml water reduced by heat to 500ml.

Dosage Forms

Adult RDI

Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Anticoagulant medications
•	Antiplatelet medications
•	Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
•	Immune globulins
•	Passive vaccines
•	Immunosuppressive medications

Cat's claw is one of the most promising herbs to come out of the rain forest to date. It has been used as a traditional medicine, possibly dating back as far as the Incan civilization. Cat's claw reportedly affects the immune system and acts as a potent free radical scavenger.(2) It has been researched in Europe over the last several years with many positive reports. It is of potential importance in GI disturbance and fibromyalgia.(3)

Toxicities & Precautions

General
Cat's claw has been reported safe in recommended dosages,(4) although there was one case report of renal failure in a 35 year old Peruvian women with systemic lupus erythematosus reportedly using 'cat's claw.'(5)

Health Conditions
Should not be taken by transplant recipients.(6)

Based on pharmacology, use with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders.(7)

Side Effects
Some people may develop diarrhea or notice changes in bowel movements.(8)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
Based on animal data, do not use in pregnancy and lactation.(9)

Age Limitations
Do not use in children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ Schauss AG. Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa). Nat Med J. 1998;1(2):16-19.
² Aquino R, et al. Plant Metabolites. Structure and in Vitro Antiviral Activity of Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa and Guettarda platypoda. J Nat Prod. 1989;52(4):679-85.
View Abstract
³ Aquino R, et al. Plant Metabolites. Structure and in Vitro Antiviral Activity of Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa and Guettarda platypoda. J Nat Prod. 1989;52(4):679-85.
View Abstract
⁴ Jones K. Cat's Claw: Healing Vine of Peru. Seattle: Sylvan Press; 1995:48-49.
⁵ Hilepo JN, Bellucci AG, Mossey RT. Acute renal failure caused by 'cat's claw' herbal remedy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Nephron. 1997;77(3):361.
View Abstract
⁶ Haginiwa J, et al. Studies of Plants Containing Indole Alkaloids. 2. On the Alkaloids of Uncaria rhynchophylla Miq. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1973;93(4):448-42.
⁷ de Matta SM, et al. Alkaloids and Procyanidins of An Uncaria sp. from Peru. Farmaco. (Sci). 1976;31(7):527-35.
View Abstract
⁸ Immodal Pharmaka. Krallendorn, Uncaria tomentosa (Wild), Root Extract: Report on Experiences with Probands. Immodal Pharmaka GmbH. 1996;20.
⁹ Haginiwa J, et al. Studies of Plants Containing Indole Alkaloids. 2. On the Alkaloids of Uncaria rhynchophylla Miq. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1973;93(4):448-42.

Cat's Claw(Uncaria tomentosa)

Cat's Claw
(Uncaria tomentosa)