What are the effects of cat’s claw?
Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is said to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immune-stimulating effects. The so-called pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids are considered to be the most effective ingredients.
However, other ingredients such as tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids could weaken the healing effect of the plant.
What is cat’s claw used for?
- Inflammation-related joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis
- viral infections such as herpes and HIV
- Alzheimer’s disease
- gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa)
- Gastric ulcer
- Inflammation of protrusions of the intestinal mucosa (diverticulitis)
- Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis)
- Hemorrhoids
- Infections with parasites
Even with cancer the welfare plant is to be effective.
Whether cat’s claw actually has an effect on such diseases, however, has not yet been sufficiently proven in studies.
How is cat’s claw used?
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limits. If your symptoms persist for a long period of time, do not improve or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
What side effects can cat’s claw cause?
Cat’s claw may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, and vomiting.
The medicinal plant could lower blood pressure and slow down blood clotting.
Interactions between Cat’s Claw and medications (such as drugs for HIV) cannot be ruled out. Therefore, if you are using any medications, you should first discuss the use of Cat’s Claw with your health care provider.
What you should keep in mind when using cat’s claw
People suffering from blood clotting disorders, autoimmune diseases, leukemia or blood pressure problems are also better off avoiding cat’s claw.
Also note that cat’s claw products can interact with various medications. These included blood pressure, cancer, HIV, cholesterol or blood clotting medications. Therefore, always talk to a health care professional first before turning to cat’s claw.
How to get cat’s claw and its products
In Austria, until 2015, there was a standardized and drug-approved cat’s claw preparation for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
What is cat’s claw?
Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody liana of the redbud family (Rubiaceae) native to tropical Central and South America. It bears claw-like thorns, which is the origin of its German name as well as its Spanish (uña da gato) and English name (cat’s claw).
