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Cat's Claw

traditional use for immune support and inflammation

Evidence · Grade B
Human trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction risk

Cat's Claw is a traditional Amazonian vine with preliminary research suggesting potential anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, though more studies are needed.

Last reviewed June 17, 2026 · AI-assisted, human-reviewed
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis) is a woody vine used in traditional medicine, particularly for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is often investigated for its potential to alleviate symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Quick answer

What it is: Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis) is a woody vine used in traditional medicine, particularly for its anti-inflammatory properties.

May support:Rheumatoid Arthritis

Evidence:Evidence · Grade B

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade B

The current understanding of Cat's Claw's efficacy is largely based on traditional use and preliminary in vitro and animal studies. There is a lack of high-quality human clinical trials to definitively establish its benefits for specific conditions. Therefore, any claims regarding its effectiveness should be considered with caution.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Cat's Claw is believed to exert its effects through various compounds, including oxindole alkaloids and quinovic acid glycosides, which may influence immune cell activity and inflammatory pathways.

How it works in more detail

The proposed mechanisms of action for Cat's Claw involve several classes of compounds. Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) such as uncarine C (mitraphylline) and pteropodine are thought to modulate immune responses by influencing lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production. Tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs) may have different or even opposing effects. Quinovic acid glycosides are also present and are suggested to contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting certain inflammatory mediators. The exact interplay and contribution of these various compounds to the overall biological activity of Cat's Claw are still under investigation.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
Typically 20-60 mg of an extract standardized to 3% oxindole alkaloids, or 250-500 mg of bark powder, taken 1-3 times daily. Dosage can vary based on the specific product and formulation.
Typical forms
capsule, tincture, tea
Medication interactions
  • immunosuppressants
  • blood thinners
  • blood pressure medications
Avoid if
  • pregnant
  • breastfeeding
  • autoimmune disease
  • organ transplant recipient
  • upcoming surgery

Community tips

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Suggested dosage

Typically 20-60 mg of an extract standardized to 3% oxindole alkaloids, or 250-500 mg of bark powder, taken 1-3 times daily. Dosage can vary based on the specific product and formulation.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) like mitraphylline and pteropodine, tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs), quinovic acid glycosides, triterpenes, and polyphenols.

Traditional use

Cat's Claw has a rich history of traditional use among indigenous communities in the Amazon basin. It has been employed for centuries to address a wide range of ailments, including inflammatory conditions, digestive issues, and to support overall immune health. Traditional preparations often involve decoctions made from the inner bark.

Safety

Safety warnings

Due to limited research, the long-term safety of Cat's Claw is not fully established. It may interact with certain medications and could potentially affect blood pressure or immune function. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with autoimmune conditions or awaiting surgery, should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use.

Avoid if

  • pregnant
  • breastfeeding
  • autoimmune disease
  • organ transplant recipient
  • upcoming surgery

Medication interactions

  • immunosuppressants
  • blood thinners
  • blood pressure medications

Reported side effects

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • dizziness

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (B)

The current understanding of Cat's Claw's efficacy is largely based on traditional use and preliminary in vitro and animal studies. There is a lack of high-quality human clinical trials to definitively establish its benefits for specific conditions. Therefore, any claims regarding its effectiveness should be considered with caution.

Observational Studies(1)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality

  • A Comprehensive Review of Herbal Supplements Used for Persistent Symptoms Attributed to Lyme Disease.

    Thompson A, Hynicka LM, Shere-Wolfe KD · Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.) · 2023

    Lyme disease is the most common, tick-borne disease in the USA. While most patients successfully recover with antibiotics, some patients experience persistent symptoms for months to years. Patients who attribute chronic symptoms to Lyme disease commonly use herbal supplements. The complexity, variability in dose and formulation, and lack of data for these herbal compounds make it difficult to assess their efficacy and safety. This review examines the evidence for the antimicrobial activity, safety, and drug-drug interactions of 18 herbal supplements that patients commonly use for treatment of persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease. The research team performed a narrative review by searching the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Natural Medicines databases, and NCCIH website. The search used the keywords for 18 herbal compounds: (1) andrographis (Andrographis paniculate), (2) astragalus (Astragalus propinquus), (3) berberine, (4) cat's claw bark (Uncaria tomentosa), (5) cordyceps (Cordy

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Limitations: Key limitations include the absence of well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled human clinical trials. Most available research consists of in vitro studies, animal models, or small, uncontrolled human observations. This makes it difficult to translate findings to human health outcomes, determine optimal dosages, or assess long-term safety.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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