what are the benefits of taking cat's claw

What is Cat’s Claw and Where it Grows?

• Health benefits of Cat’s Claw. It strengthens the brain and boosts its functions. ...
• Origin of Cat’s Claw and Interesting Facts. Cat’s claw belongs to family Rubiaceae. ...
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Full Answer

What are the side effects of Cat's Claw?

• cancer
• viral infections
• anxiety
• allergies
• high blood pressure
• gout
• stomach and bowel disorders
• asthma
• ovarian cysts
• AIDS

What does cats claw treat?

Cat’s claw may be a more recent natural remedy in North American, but it has a lengthy history in South America dating back to the Inca civilization. It’s been used as traditional medicine by indigenous peoples in the Andes to treat inflammation, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, dysentery and even tumors.

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How much Cat's Claw do you take?

The dosing of cat's claw tinctures can vary by the strength of the formulation, but 1 to 4 milliliters (ml) daily is the most commonly recommended dose. As a rule of thumb, never take more than is recommended on the product label. At this time, there is little scientific data on how long cat's claw can be used safely.

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What does Cat's Claw do for the body?

Cat's claw contains many types of plant chemicals that help reduce inflammation, such as tannins and sterols, and fight viruses, such as quinovic acid glycosides. Cat's claw preparations are made from the root and bark of the cat's claw vine.

What are the side effects of cat's claw?

Cat's claw appears to be safe when used orally for short periods of time. However, it can cause headache, dizziness, and vomiting in some people. Cat's claw might make the immune system more active, which could increase symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

How long does it take cat's claw to work?

How long does cat's claw take to work? To see effects of taking cat's claw you'll need to take it for around eight weeks, although there is some evidence suggesting that symptoms of knee pain, for example, can be relieved within a week or so of taking cat's claw.

How long should you take cat's claw?

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.

Who should not take cat's claw?

Don't use it if you have leukemia. Surgery: There is a concern that cat's claw might make blood pressure control difficult during surgery. Stop taking cat's claw at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Is cats claw good for the liver?

Despite being widely used, cat's claw has not been implicated in cases of clinically apparent liver injury and, in prospective studies, has had no effect on serum enzyme levels. In vitro studies have demonstrated antioxidant activity of cat's claw extracts which may be hepatoprotective.

Is Cat's claw an antibiotic?

Its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects have proven particularly effective in combating persistent infections such as Lyme disease, Candida, Eppstein-Barr (glandular fever), herpes, bladder infections, hepatitis, prostatitis, gastritis and Crohn's disease.

Is Cat's claw good for inflammation?

CONCLUSION: Cat's claw is an effective anti-inflammatory agent in vivo and in vitro. While it is an antioxidant it does not modify NO levels. Its primary mechanism of action involves suppression of the transcription factor NF-κB, and subsequent inhibition of inflammatory gene expression.

Is Cat's claw the same as devil's claw?

Both cat's claw and devil's claw are used for arthritis pain. As with turmeric, there is some preliminary data suggesting these supplements may be useful in reducing pain. “The evidence for devil's claw is stronger than for cat's claw or turmeric, but it's still not strong,” Dr.

Does cat's claw repair DNA?

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) water extracts, essentially free of oxindole alkaloids, have been shown to possess a broad spectrum of biological activity including DNA repair enhancement and antiinflammatory properties.

Why do people use cat claws?

They choose cat’s claw because it has been shown to strengthen the immune system. In Southern Africa, HIV and AIDS are major health problems with an estimated 25.5 million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.

What is cat claw used for?

It’s also been used in South American folk medicine to treat arthritis, intestinal complaints and wounds. One of the most impressive effects of cat’s claw is its scientifically proven ability to repair DNA. ( 2) All of these properties help make cat’s claw a benefit-rich herb, and that’s not all it can do for you.

What is the most commonly used cat claw?

Uncaria tomentosa is the more heavily researched and used form when it comes to medicinal use and immune modulation. Uncaria guianensis is traditionally used for wound healing. Uncaria tomentosa makes up most of the cat’s claw imported to the U.S.

How long does cat claw extract last?

In one animal study, researchers gave subjects a water-soluble extract of cat’s claw ( Uncaria tomentosa) for eight weeks. They found that this supplementation significantly elevated subjects’ infection-fighting white blood cell count. Researchers also observed a repair of DNA, both single and double strand breaks.

How tall are cat claw trees?

The trees are typically 100 feet or taller. At least 20 plants with sharp, curved thorns are considered to be cat’s claw or uña de gato. Uña de gato, its Spanish namesake, is native to the South and Central American tropical rain forests. Two species of cat’s claw are commonly used in North America and Europe.

How long before pneumonia can you take cat claw?

Another human study had adults supplement with cat’s claw for two months before receiving pneumonia vaccination. The results showed “statistically significant immune enhancement” in the individuals taking the cat’s claw supplements compared to the untreated control group. ( 12)

What are the nutrients in a cat's claw?

It’s said to contain over 30 known constituents, including at least 17 alkaloids, along with glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterol fractions and other compounds. All of these phytonutrients can do amazing things in the body, like the benefits listed above.

Why is cat claw sacred?

It was used to eliminate disturbances between the spirit and the body that were thought to be the reason for physical ailments.

How long does it take for cat claws to work?

Cat’s claw is one of those nootropics that take a bit of time to show effects. Some studies indicate it takes up to eight weeks for cat’s claw to yield its full effects. Some others show that managing symptoms of conditions like knee pain, for instance, may provide relief within a week of starting supplementation.

What is the botanical name for a cat's claw?

The botanical name for cat’s claw is Uncaria. Uncaria has two prominent species, uncaria tomentosa and uncaria guianensis.

Which is better, cat's claw or uncaria tomentosa?

And thus, they present different medicinal and therapeutic effects. Of the two, cat’s claw (uncaria tomentosa) is the better-researched species and seems to offer more health benefits than uncaria guianensis. The plant gets its name as its thorns resemble a cat’s claws.

Where does cat claw come from?

Cat’s claw is one of the medicinal herbs from the Amazon rainforest and other South and Central America. This ancient plant enjoys a long history of yielding curative properties for joint disorders, treating viral infections, and improving immune function. Some indigenous tribes of South America even consider cat’s claw a sacred plant ...

Does cat claw extract help with chemotherapy?

One earlier 2001 study examined the effects of cat’s claw extract on people receiving chemotherapy treatment . Uncaria Tomentosa extract was administered for 8 weeks, showing a reduction in DNA damage to affected cells. Also, people receiving cat’s claw supplements exhibited an increase in WBC generation.

Is cat claw good for OA?

Given its history of treating inflammatory diseases by the tribal people of South America, the practice carried over and is considered a non-pharmacological way of improving rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis symptoms. A few preliminary studies have investigated the effects of using cat’s claw for both RA and OA.

What is cat claw used for?

Speed Healing. In traditional uses, cat’s claw was often used to help speed healing of wounds and for people who were ill. Now, given our knowledge of the powerful antioxidant compounds found in cat’s claw, it comes as no surprise that they are able to help prevent infection of wounds and stimulate a rapid recovery from illness, ...

Why do cats claw?

It can help to reduce inflammation, thereby reducing pain and preventing accidents from occurring. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or “leaky” bowels, it might be perfect for you. It helps to cleanse the entire digestive tract, eliminating dangerous bacteria and restoring a healthy microenvironment in your gut so your digestion is efficient and your bowels are regulated. [7]

What is the vine of a cat's claw?

If you’ve ever been walking through the jungles of Central South America, then perhaps you’ve pushed a cat’s claw vine out of your way, but you may not have realized what a powerful and important vine it actually is. With the scientific name Uncaria tomentosa, it has been used for thousands of years as a traditional herbal remedy for many different ailments. The common name of cat’s claw comes from the unique shape of the thorns, which look like the claws of a cat. In Spanish-speaking countries, the common name is uña de gato. [1]

What is the scientific name for cat claws?

With the scientific name Uncaria tomentosa, it has been used for thousands of years as a traditional herbal remedy for many different ailments. The common name of cat’s claw comes from the unique shape of the thorns, which look like the claws of a cat. In Spanish-speaking countries, the common name is uña de gato. [1]

Does cat claw affect the immune system?

Immune System. The most concrete evidence on the effects of cat’s claw relates to its impact on the immune system. The powerful range of alkaloids found in it can help to stimulate the immune response of the body, namely increasing the white blood cell count and stimulating antioxidant action throughout the body.

Does cat claw help with pain?

This can help to speed healing and reduce overall pain. [4]

Can you get kidney problems from cat claws?

In some rare cases, kidney problems may arise, but they shouldn’t be overly serious unless compounded by another ailment. In general, as with all herbal remedies, it is wise to speak with a trained medical professional before adding something as powerful as cat’s claw to your daily or weekly health routine.

What is a cat's claw used for?

It is used to treat a variety of maladies such as cancer, diabetes, allergies, ulcers, arthritis, and infections, and even to help in the recovery from childbirth. It is also used as a contraceptive. There are two primary species of cat’s claw used medicinally: Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis.

Where did the cat claw originate?

This helpful herb has a history of health benefits. For hundreds of years, indigenous peoples of Peru have taken advantage of cat's claw medicinal properties. Americans and Europeans learned of the herb during the 1970s when Austrian Klaus Keplinger learned of the plant from healer-priests of the Ashinaka tribe during his travels in the rain forests of Peru . Keplinger received patents for isolating the active ingredients from the plant.

Does cat claw help with arthritis?

Cat’s claw has been known to boost the immune system and protect the body’s cells. Its power to fight inflammation may be due to the presence of beta-sitosterol and campesterol, which is likely the reason why it has been effective in reducing symptoms of arthritis. It also can be effective in treating some prostate conditions, such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the often painful urinary symptoms that go along with those conditions.

Does cat claw affect liver?

Some evidence suggests that cat's claw might interact with various medications by affecting their metabolism in the liver, but the extent of this effect has not been fully determined. Consult your doctor about any current medications you may be taking.

Is cat claw bad for kidneys?

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.4

Is Cat's claw still harvested?

Cat's claw is now a popular herbal supplement in the United States and Europe. Due to the high demand for this herb, the Peruvian government now outlaws harvesting the roots of the plant. The same compounds are present in the bark as in the root, and so the plant is now harvested 3 feet above ground. This preserves the plant so that it can be harvested again a few years later.

Does Uncaria tomentosa help arthritis?

Also, one double-blind trial indicates that a certain type of Uncaria tomentosa may be modestly helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis, due to the anti-inflammatory powers of beta-sitosterol and campesterol.

What is cat claw used for?

Cat’s claw is a medicinal herb traditionally used to stimulate the immune system. Research has shown it may boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and even help with chemotherapy. Read on to discover the potential health benefits and adverse effects associated with this herb.

What is a cat's claw?

Cat’s claw can refer to Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Most commercial preparations such as teas, tablets, and capsules contain U. tomentosa [ 3, 4, 2 ]. The two different types of cat’s claw contain different active compounds and have different medicinal properties.

Why is the cat's claw called that?

Indigenous cultures of South America used cat’s claw for inflammation, cancer, viral infections, ulcers, and to stimulate the immune system [ 1, 2 ]. It gets its name from its thorns, which resemble the claws of cats. Cat’s claw can refer to Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis.

How much cat claw for knee pain?

In another trial on 95 people, a dietary supplement with 300 mg cat’s claw and 1500 mg maca improved joint pain, stiffness, and function as effectively as the more common supplement glucosamine sulfate [ 31 ].

Why should pregnant women not take cat claws?

Nausea. Diarrhea. Pregnant women should avoid using cat’s claw because of the herb’s potential to cause abortion [ 2 ]. Because cat’s claw seems to enhance the immune response by increasing the activity of immune cells, this supplement may increase the symptoms of autoimmune disorders.

What compounds are found in cat claws?

Specific compounds found in cat’s claw include: Mitraphylline: an alkaloid usually found in older leaves. It has potential anticancer effects, causing cell death in sarcoma and breast cancer cells [ 4, 8 ]. Rhynchophylline: an alkaloid isolated from the bark.

How to report cat claws?

In the US, you may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Cat’s claw is generally considered safe.

What is a cat's claw used for?

Be careful not to confuse cat's claw with cat's foot. Cat's claw is most commonly used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is also used for cancer, viral infections, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How long can you take cat claws?

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

Where does Cat's Claw grow?

Cat's claw is a vine. It grows in the rainforest in South and Central America. Two species of cat's claw are used as medicine. Uncaria tomentosa is most commonly used in the U.S. Uncaria guianensis is used in Europe. Medicine is made from the root and bark. Be careful not to confuse cat's claw with cat's foot.

How long does cat claw extract last?

Cancer. Early research suggests that 100 mg of cat's claw extract taken three times daily for at least 8 weeks may help reduce tiredness and improve quality of life in some people with solid tumors. A sexually transmitted infection that can lead to genital warts or cancer ( human papillomavirus or HPV).

How long before surgery can you stop taking cat claws?

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.

What medications can you take before taking cat claws?

Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others. Dosing.

Does a cat's claw cause blood clotting?

Bleeding disorders: Cat's claw might slow blood clotting. There is concern that cat's claw might increase the risk of bruising or bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: There is some evidence that cat's claw might lower blood pressure.

What are the side effects of cat claw?

high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition; migraine headaches; psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; a psychiatric disorder; or. seizures. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with cat's claw, especially:

What is a cat's claw?

Cat's claw has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating arthritis . People with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis have used cat's claw.

How far ahead can you stop taking cat's claw?

Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. If you need surgery, stop taking cat's claw at least 2 weeks ahead of time. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with cat's claw does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Can you use cat claws in place of medicine?

Medicinal use of cat's claw has not been approved by the FDA. Cat's claw should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Cat's claw is often sold as an herbal supplement.

Is it safe to take cat's claw for a short time?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Although not all side effects are known, cat's claw is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.

Can you breastfeed with cat claw?

Do not use cat's claw if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether cat's claw passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this product.

Is cat claw good for shingles?

Other uses not proven with research have included stomach and intestinal disorders, hemorrhoids, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, shingles, chickenpox, hay fever, and many other conditions. It is not certain whether cat's claw is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of cat's claw has not been approved by the FDA.