Herbal Extract
Cat's Claw Extract (Uncaria tomentosa)
Also known as: Una de Gato, Uncaria tomentosa, Cat's Claw, Vilcacora
Cat's Claw is a Peruvian vine traditionally used to support immune function and joint health, containing alkaloids and polyphenols with preliminary anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence remains moderate and primarily from in vitro and animal studies, with limited high-quality human clinical trials.
Primary uses
- Immune system support
- Joint health and flexibility
- Anti-inflammatory support
- General wellness
How it works
- Contains pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids that may modulate immune response
- Polyphenol content provides antioxidant activity
- May reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production
Dosage
- Typical range
- 400-1000 mg daily (or 20-60 mg of 10:1 extract equivalent)
- Timing
- With meals for better tolerance
- With food
- Recommended to minimize gastrointestinal upset
- Duration
- Some studies used 12-24 week protocols; long-term safety data limited
- Special populations
- Avoid during pregnancy/lactation; caution in autoimmune conditions
Forms
- Extract (10:1)· 70/100
- Capsules· 70/100
- Powder· 70/100
- Liquid extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal upset
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Autoimmune diseases (may overstimulate immune response)
- Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use (theoretical risk)
- Recent organ transplant
Evidence notes
Moderate evidence from small human trials and traditional use; most mechanistic evidence is in vitro or animal-derived. Limited large-scale RCTs in humans. 10:1 extract represents concentrated form but lacks standardized clinical evidence specific to this ratio.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
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