Health Benefits of Cat’s Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa)

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has only been used for its healing properties in Europe for the past three decades, while South American Indians have long since been using this treatment , which is derived from the South American vine found in the Amazon rainforest. However, cat’s claw should not be used when either pregnant or breastfeeding.

Health Benefits of Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw has primarily been used to help relieve pain and is also recognised to have positive effects on the immune system. In Healing Supplements, Lakin et al. (2006) highlight several key health benefits and healing properties associated with cat’s claw, to include the following:

• may enhance immunity
• helps those suffering recurrent infections such as sinusitis
• supports cancer treatment
• relieves some forms of chronic pain
• reduces gout pain
• decreases arthritis inflammation
• helps fight ulcers

Further healing properties relating to cat’s claw, as identified by Brewer (2010) in The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, include the following:

• anti-viral properties
• antibacterial properties
• antioxidants
• enhances repair of cell DNA
• prolongs life span of white blood cells
• helps relieve gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions such as gastritis
• reduces osteoarthritis pain

Cat’s Claw – Forms, Dosage and Side Effects

Cat’s claw supplements are available in several different forms, including capsule, dried herb (for tea), softgel, tablet and tincture. According to Lakin et al. (2006) dosage of cat’s claw supplements may involve the following:

• 250 mg standardized cat’s claw extract in tablet (2x daily)
• 1-2 ml (20-40 drops) cat’s claw tincture a day
• up to 2000 mg crude herb capsule daily
• up to 3 cups cat’s claw tea daily

In addition, Brewer (2010) recommends that it is usually advisable to begin cat’s claw treatment with a low dose, such as 300 mg standardized extracts and gradually build up to a dose of around 750 mg, all under medical supervision. Although side-effects of cat’s claw supplements are considered rare, high doses may result in diarrhoea, as well as reversible worsening of Parkinson’s symptoms.

Who Should Avoid Cat’s Claw Supplements?

Before heading off to the nearest health food store of health care pharmacy, it is important to be aware that some people should avoid taking cat’s claw supplements in any form. Brewer (2010) identifies those who should not use cat’s claw, to include as follows:

• pregnant women
• breastfeeding women
• anyone who has recently had/ is due to receive organ/bone marrow transplant
• anyone who has had/is due a skin-graft
• those on immunosuppressive medications
• Parkinson’s sufferers
• anyone undergoing chemotherapy within two days

As highlighted above, cat’s claw is native to the Amazon rainforest and has anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties. Cat’s claw supplements help boost immunity, fight ulcers and reduce recurrent infections, such as sinusitis.