CAT'S CLAW: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Cat's claw is a vine that grows in the rainforest in South and Central America. The two most common species are Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis.

Cat's claw root and bark contain chemicals that might stimulate the immune system, kill cancer cells, and fight viruses.

People use cat's claw for cancer, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), viral infections, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using cat's claw for COVID-19.

Don't confuse cat's claw with cat's foot or devil's claw. These are different plants.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for CAT'S CLAW overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Cat's claw is possibly safe for most people when taken for up to 6 months.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if cat's claw is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Taking cat's claw by mouth is possibly unsafe during pregnancy. Avoid using.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if cat's claw is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), or other similar conditions: Cat's claw might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using cat's claw without consulting with your healthcare provider.

Kidney disease: There is a concern that cat's claw might injure the kidneys. Consult with your healthcare provider before using cat's claw.

Parkinson disease: There is a concern that cat's claw might make tremors or movements worse in people with Parkinson disease. Consult with your healthcare provider before using cat's claw.

Surgery: There is a concern that cat's claw might make bleeding control difficult during surgery. Stop taking cat's claw at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with CAT'S CLAW
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cat's claw might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CAT'S CLAW
Cat's claw might lower blood pressure. Taking cat's claw along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with CAT'S CLAW
Cat's claw can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking cat's claw along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications for high blood pressure (Calcium channel blockers) interacts with CAT'S CLAW
Cat's claw might lower blood pressure. Taking cat's claw along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CAT'S CLAW
Cat's claw might slow blood clotting. Taking cat's claw along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) interacts with CAT'S CLAW
Cat's claw might increase how quickly the liver breaks down nirmatrelvir, the active component in the combination nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Taking cat's claw with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir may decrease the effects of the active component, nirmatrelvir.

Dosing

Cat's claw has most often been used by adults in doses of 60-300 mg by mouth daily for 8-24 weeks. Cat's claw extract is also used in gels and sprays. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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CAT'S CLAW - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with CAT'S CLAW

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CAT'S CLAW

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with CAT'S CLAW

Medications for high blood pressure (Calcium channel blockers) interacts with CAT'S CLAW

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CAT'S CLAW

Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) interacts with CAT'S CLAW

Dosing