Cat's claw is a large woody vine found in the Amazon rain forest of South America. The curved thorns on the vine that resemble the claws of a cat are the reason the herb is called cat’s claw.

Two species of cat's claw known as Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis can be found in the rain forest and while both species look similar and have been used in many of the same ways, research on Uncaria tomentosa shows it to be more beneficial as a therapeutic agent.

Recognized as one of the most important herbs found in the rain forest, cat's claw is used as a cleansing and supportive herb of the immune system, cardiovascular system, and intestinal system. Studies have shown it to enhance immunity and heal digestive and intestinal disorders making it a choice among many for the treatment of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection; cancer; and other ailments including acne, allergies, arthritis, asthma, candidiasis, chronic fatigue, chronic inflammation, environmental toxicity and poisoning, depression, diabetes mellitus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), menstrual disorders and hormone imbalances, parasites, fibromyalgia, hemorrhoids, herpes, hypoglycemia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), tumors, upper respiratory infections, viral infections, and wounds.

While the stem bark of cat's claw has some medicinal properties, the root is three to four times more potent than the stem bark.

The active compounds in cat's claw include alkaloids, triterpenes, phytosterols, and proanthocyanidins. Experts have isolated unique alkaloids in the bark and roots that increase white blood cell activity and therefore activate the immune system. One of the alkaloids isolated from cat's claw known as rynchophylline, has antihypertensive properties that may reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, increase circulation, and lower blood cholesterol levels making it beneficial in lowering the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

The anti-inflammatory properties in cat’s claw have been effective in treating the stiffness and swelling prevalent in arthritis, rheumatism, and joint pain. A 2002 Austrian study indicated that in a sample of 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, joint tenderness and swelling were reduced with cat’s claw. Only minor side effects were reported and no interactions with the patients' other arthritis medications occurred.

Cat's claw's immunostimulating properties have been also shown to strengthen white blood cell function to combat and digest carcinogenic substances and harmful microorganisms that may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and tumors. When used as a complementary treatment to chemotherapy and radiation, cat's claw has been shown to be effective in reducing side effects of hair loss, nausea, skin problems, infections, and weight loss.

You can find cat's claw in your local health food stores and herb shops. Several forms including dry extract, crushed bark, capsule, tablet, tea, and tincture are available.

* Important note: Cat's claw should not be used during pregnancy. The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.