The bark of the inner stalk, woody vine, or roots of Uncaria tomentosa, or cat’s claw, are harvested for the plant’s alkaloids, which are included in many pharmacologically active dietary supplements.
Cat’s claw inhibits urinary bladder contractions and has local anesthetic effects; its sterol components may have anti-inflammatory activity. Rhynchophylline may inhibit platelet aggregation.
Most cat’s claw alkaloids have immunostimulant properties, which may stimulate phagocytosis. The major alkaloids dilate peripheral blood vessels, inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, and relax smooth muscles. Cat’s claw may lower serum cholesterol levels and decrease heart rate.
Cat’s claw is available as capsules, dried inner stalk bark or root ror decoction, extract, powdered extract, and tea bags. Products include Cat’s Claw Bark, Cat’s Claw Power, Devil’s Claw’, Devil’s Claw Root, Garbato, Hausca, Paraguaya, Peruvian Cat’s Claw Tincture Toron, and Tambor.
Benefits And Uses of Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is used to treat GI problems, including Crohn’s disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, aad hemorrhoids. It’s also used in cancer patients for its antimutagenic effects. Cat’s claw has been combined with zidovudine to stimulate the immune system in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. It has been used to treat diverticulosis, ulcers, rheumatism, menstrual disorders, diabetes, prostate problems, gonorrhea, and cirrhosis, and to prevent pregnancy. Topically, cat’s claw is used to relieve pain from minor injuries and to treat acne.
Administration
- Capsules: 2 capsules C 175 mg per capsule) by mouth every day or 3 capsules by mouth three times a day; dosage varies by manufacturer .
- Extract (containing aIcohol): 250 mg of cat’s claw bark extract per milliliter, standardized to contain 3% of oxindole alkaloids .
- Extract (alcohol free) : 7 to 10 gtt three times a day; may increase to 15 gtt five times a day .
- Powdered extract: 1 to 3 capsules (500 mg per capsule) by mouth two to four times a day .
- Decoction: 2 to 3 cups per day; prepared by boiling 10 to:30 g inner stalk bark or root in 1 qt of water for 30 to 60 minutes .
- Liquid or alcohol extract: 10 to 15 gtt two to three times a day, to 1 to 3 ml three times a day.
Side Effects of Cat’s Claw
Hypotension has been reported with use of cat’s claw. Cat’s claw may potentiate hypotensive effects of conventional antihypertensives. Its immunostimulant properties may counteract the therapeutic effects of immunosuppressants. Food enhances the absorption of cat’s claw. Cat’s claw may inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding when used with antiplatelets or anticoagulants.
Cat’s claw is contraindicated in pregnant and breast-feeding patients, patients who’ve had transplant surgery, and patients who have autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, or tuberculosis. Those with a history of peptic ulcer disease or gallstones should use caution when taking this herb because it stimulates stomach acid secretion.
Clinical considerations
- Some liquid extracts contain alcohol and may be unsuitable for children, patients with a history of alcohol abuse, or patients with liver disease.
- This herb and its contents vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and the alkaloid concentration varies from season to season; advise patient to purchase herb from the same reputable source each time.
- This product and its contents may vary among different manufacturers and demonstrates great seasonal variation in alkaloid concentration.
- Inform patient that herb should be used for no more than 8 weeks without a 2-week to 3-week rest period from the herb.
- Instruct patient to promptly report adverse reactions and new signs or symptoms.
- Instruct patient to keep herbs and drugs out of children’s reach.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
Scientific studies of cat’s claw have been conducted in Peru, Italy, Austria, and Germany, but as yet have yielded no conclusive proof of any healing benefit.