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Cat's Claw

Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis.

Principal Proposed Uses: Osteoarthritis; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Feline Leukemia Virus; Genital and Oral Herpes; Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Cat's claw is an herb popular among the indigenous people of Peru, where it is used to treat cancer, diabetes, ulcers, arthritis and infections, as well as assist in recovery from childbirth. It is also used as a contraceptive.

Cat's claw is most often marketed as a treatment for viral diseases such as herpes, shingles, and feline leukemia virus. However, the evidence for these uses is extremely preliminary.

The most meaningful study yet performed on cat's claw suggests that the Uncaria guianensis species might be helpful for an entirely different condition: osteoarthritis. In addition, one double-blind trial indicates that a certain type of Uncaria tomentosa may be modestly helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Cat's claw has also been proposed as a treatment for allergies and stomach ulcers, but there is no meaningful evidence as yet that it is effective for these conditions.

What Is the Scientific Evidence for Cat's Claw?

Osteoarthritis

A 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the potential benefits of cat’s claw (Uncaria guianensis species) for the treatment of osteoarthritis. A total of 45 individuals with osteoarthritis were enrolled. Of these, 30 were treated with cat’s claw extract, and 15 were given placebo. Individuals in the treatment group showed reduced pain with activity as compared to those in the placebo group. However, no comparative improvements were seen in knee pain.

This pilot trial suggests that the Uncaria guianensis species of cat’s claw may be a useful treatment for osteoarthritis. However, more research will be necessary to verify this potential use of the herb.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
In a trial of 40 individuals undergoing conventional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, use of an extract made from Uncaria tomentosa modestly improved symptoms in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, as compared to placebo. The researchers conducting this trial made use of recent information indicating that there are two different subtypes of Uncaria tomentosa, identifiable based on the chemicals found in them. For this trial, they used the form containing pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids.

Dosage
The optimum dosage of each type of Cat’s Claw is not known. In addition, the precise differences in action between the two species of cat’s claw are not known.

Safety Issues
In general, use of cat’s claw has not been associated with adverse effects more serious than occasional digestive upset or allergic reactions. However, full safety studies have not been completed, and there has been one report of kidney failure apparently triggered by cat's claw.

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