We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Cat's Claw?

Niki Acker
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,264
Share

Cat's claw is a woody climbing plant native to the Amazon rainforest that grows throughout the tropical jungles of Central and South America. There are two species of this plant, both of which have certain medicinal uses. Uncaria guianensis may be useful for treating osteoarthritis, while Uncaria tomentosa has a long history of native medicinal use and is currently undergoing research to determine its pharmaceutical properties. Cat's claw supplements are made from the root and inner bark and may take the form of capsules, tea, or tincture.

U. tomentosa has been used by the Asháninka tribe of Peru for over 2,000 years to treat such diverse complaints as acne, cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, gastrointestinal inflammation, and urinary tract diseases. Indigenous people also used cat's claw as a contraceptive and to promote general health. In homeopathic medicine, this plant is used to address a number of gastrointestinal complaints. It has also been used to treat AIDS, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, immune disorders, lupus, Lyme disease, premenstrual syndrome, and prostate conditions.

Recent research on cat's claw has focused on its use as a treatment for cancer, HIV, and other immune disorders. There are two distinct chemotypes of U. tomentosa, each of which contains a different type of alkaloids. One chemotype is useful for strengthening the immune system, while the other inhibits the positive effects of the first type and can even be dangerous.

This second chemotype of cat's claw makes the heart beat more weakly and slowly and can lead to ataxia and lethargy. It is impossible to distinguish between the two chemotypes visually, so cat's claw collected from the wild may be of either type, making pharmacological research difficult. Cat's claw of either chemotype can also trigger allergic reaction, manifesting in a rash, itchiness, or, in the extreme, inflammation of the kidneys. A cat's claw allergy may be quite serious for patients with compromised kidneys.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Niki Acker
By Niki Acker
"In addition to her role as a WiseGeek editor, Niki Foster is passionate about educating herself on a wide range of interesting and unusual topics to gather ideas for her own articles. A graduate of UCLA with a double major in Linguistics and Anthropology, Niki's diverse academic background and curiosity make her well-suited to create engaging content for WiseGeekreaders. "

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Niki Acker
Niki Acker
"In addition to her role as a WiseGeek editor, Niki Foster is passionate about educating herself on a wide range of...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-cats-claw.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.