Cat's Claw
Uncaria tomentosa
Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as cat's claw, is a traditional medicine used in South American folk remedies. While its specific uses are not extensively documented, it has been traditionally employed for various conditions such as digestive issues and immune support. Scientific evidence suggests potential benefits, including reduced progression of aortic plaque and improved vascular histology in rabbits fed a high-fat diet, possibly through mechanisms involving ox-LDL uptake inhibition and reduced inflammatory responses. Uncaria tomentosa extracts also showed selective cytotoxicity against certain cancer cell lines, with aqueous bark and pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid-rich extracts being particularly promising. Quinovic acid was noted for enhancing KHYG-1 cell cytotoxicity by modulating the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway and increasing interferon-gamma expression. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, but further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential and safety profile.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Imoviral® supplementation led to early transient upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β, with limited changes in other immune genes compared to control groups.
- Rhy reduced aortic plaque progression and improved vascular histology in high-fat diet-fed rabbits by inhibiting ox-LDL uptake and reducing inflammatory responses.
- Uncaria tomentosa extracts showed selective cytotoxicity against some cancer cell lines, with crude aqueous bark and pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid-rich extracts being the most promising.
- Quinovic acid enhanced KHYG-1 cell cytotoxicity by modulating the Ras/MAPK signalling pathway and increasing interferon-gamma expression.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cat's Claw?
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Cat's Claw?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Cat's Claw; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Imoviral® supplementation led to early transient upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β, with limited changes in other immune genes compared to control groups.
How strong is the evidence for Cat's Claw?
The strongest finding for Cat's Claw carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Cat's Claw safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Cat's Claw in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Cat's Claw interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Cat's Claw in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Cat's Claw?
Cat's Claw is also known as: Ункария опушённая, Liane du Pérou.
Is Cat's Claw a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Cytotoxic effect of different Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) extracts, fractions on normal and cancer cells: a systematic review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Rhynchophylline alleviates early atherosclerosis by attenuating oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation and endothelial dysfunction. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Quinovic Acid Enhances the Cytotoxicity of KHYG-1 Cells by Modulating the Ras/MAPK Signalling Pathway and Interferon-Gamma Expression. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of Imoviral® effects on early immune response in Sparus aurata challenged with Vibrio anguillarum. literature abstract metadata