Common Names: Cat’s claw, uña de gato (note: not to be confused with plants like cat’s foot or devil’s claw)

Scientific Names: Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis

Background

• Cat’s claw is a climbing vine native to the Amazon and surrounding tropical regions of Central and South America.

• The species most often encountered are U. tomentosa and U. guianensis. In the U.S., U. tomentosa is the more commonly used in supplements.

• Traditionally, Amazonian cultures have used cat’s claw for generations as a natural remedy to help guard against illness.

• In modern times, this herb is often marketed as a treatment for arthritis (both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid forms), cancer, viral infections, and other health issues.

How Much Do We Know?

• Only a small number of well-controlled clinical studies have examined cat’s claw in human patients.

What Have We Learned?

• To date, there is no strong scientific proof from human studies that supports using cat’s claw for treating any condition, including COVID-19. While research exists, many trials had design flaws or too few participants to produce reliable outcomes.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Cat’s claw seems to be generally safe when taken by mouth for periods up to six months. However, whether it’s safe to apply to the skin is not currently well known. This herb may activate the immune system, which could worsen symptoms in individuals with autoimmune disorders—consult your healthcare provider before use.

• Because it may interfere with blood clotting, cat’s claw could heighten bleeding risks during surgery. Let your doctor know if you use cat’s claw and have an upcoming surgical procedure.

• Cat’s claw might potentially interact with drugs, particularly anticoagulants, blood pressure medications, and other supplements. Discuss herb use with your provider to avoid harmful interactions.

• Preliminary research suggests cat’s claw may be unsafe during pregnancy. Its safety while breastfeeding is also not clearly determined.

Keep in Mind

• Make informed decisions about your treatment. Always talk to your doctor before using any complementary therapy, including herbs like cat’s claw. Working with your provider ensures decisions are safe and well thought out.

• Regulation of Herbal Products: Herb-based products are regulated differently depending on their composition, the way they’re meant to be used, and how they are taken—either consumed or applied. Many are labeled as dietary supplements and are governed under different guidelines than pharmaceutical medications.

• These supplements do not need approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to sale. However, if a concern is raised about the safety of any ingredient, the FDA can take steps to protect consumers. Manufacturers and distributors are required to ensure the safety and correct labeling of their products before they are released to the public.

For More Information

• Using dietary supplements appropriately

• Understanding how supplements and prescription medicines may interact

• Learning how to interpret scientific research studies

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Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

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Key References

• Cat’s claw entry, Natural Medicines database, accessed August 3, 2023.

• Ciani F et al. Chapter on Uncaria tomentosa in "Cancer," 2nd edition, Academic Press, 2021.

• Gregory J et al., "Neuroprotective herbs," Biomolecules, 2021;11(4):543.

• Thompson A et al., "Herbal supplements for persistent Lyme symptoms," Integrative Medicine, 2023;22(1):30-38.

This content is provided for educational purposes and is in the public domain for free reproduction.

While this information is provided by the NCCIH, it should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any treatment or supplement. Product, service, or therapy mentions do not imply endorsement.