Herb Blurb

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Family: Rubiaceae

Cat's claw comes to us from the indigenous peoples of Peru where it's been in use for over 2000 years.

Traditional uses: asthma, urinary tract inflammations, arthritis, kidney cleansing, cancer, menstrual irregularity, and more.

Current Use:

Current uses of Cat's claw include immune support,and the treatment of ulcerations, chronic inflammation, Lyme, cancer, and arthritis. Cat's claw provides potent immune support and immune stimulation both generally and specifically with cancer cells. Research shows that Cat's claw has tumor inhibiting effects, especially with breast cancer cells.

Additionally, Cat's claw provides excellent anti-inflammatory effects making it a useful addition in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, and gastrointestinal ulcerations. Because of its multiple actions, Cat's claw is a critical component of holistic Lyme treatment. Cat's claw may also protect against the negative effects of NSAID's (i.e. ibuprofen, aspirin) on the gastrointestinal system.

Recent discussions about Cat's claw often cite the controversial benefits of TOA-free Cat's claw over TOA-containing Cat's claw. Looking on the internet one would think that TOA-containing Cat's claw causes some horrible problem and that TOA-free Cat's claw provides salvation. However, the claims for TOA-free herb rest on a single dubious study, funded by a company that sells Cat's claw, now only the TOA-free herb. This study, done in a test tube, has yet to be confirmed by independent researchers. In addition, the over 2000 years of herb lore about Cat's claw used TOA-containing herb. A possible motivating component of this controversy may be that TOA-free Cat's claw costs a lot more than TOA-containing herb.

Preparation: Medicinal preparations use the bark. Those using the root may also be effective. However, root harvesting is unsustainable and therefore should be avoided. Dried herb or powder taken in doses of 4-9 grams per day.

Toxicity: No known toxicity.

Side Effects: When taken in large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, i.e. diarrhea. This often resolves with continued use or with a titrated dosing.

Contraindications: Pregnancy, infertility, and before skin graft or organ or bone marrow transplants.

Drug Interactions: Do not take Cat's claw with blood thinners (i.e. coumadin), antacids, or immuno-suppresive medications (i.e. cyclosporin).