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.

De un vistazo
Mejor evidencia
A
Precauciones

Solo información. El uso tradicional no significa eficacia probada. La evidencia y la seguridad varían — consulte las fuentes citadas.

Lo que dice la ciencia

  • la suplementación con Imoviral® condujo a una upregulación temprana y transitoria de TNF-α e IL-1β, con cambios limitados en otros genes inmunes en comparación con los grupos control. D PMID
  • Rhi redujo la progresión de la placa aórtica y mejoró la histología vascular en conejos alimentados con dieta alta en grasa al inhibir el uptake de LDL-oxi y disminuir las respuestas inflamatorias. D PMID
  • Extraídos de Uncaria tomentosa mostraron citotoxicidad selectiva contra algunas líneas celulares cancerosas, con los extractos crudos acuosos de la corteza y ricos en alcaloides oxindólicos pentacyclicos siendo los más prometedores. A PMID
  • La acidez quinovica potencia la citotocicidad de las células KHYG-1 modulando el camino de señalización Ras/MAPK y aumentando la expresión de interferon-gamma. D PMID

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: la suplementación con Imoviral® condujo a una upregulación temprana y transitoria de TNF-α e IL-1β, con cambios limitados en otros genes inmunes en comparación con los grupos control.

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.

Fuentes

  1. T2 Cytotoxic effect of different Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) extracts, fractions on normal and cancer cells: a systematic review. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Rhynchophylline alleviates early atherosclerosis by attenuating oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation and endothelial dysfunction. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Quinovic Acid Enhances the Cytotoxicity of KHYG-1 Cells by Modulating the Ras/MAPK Signalling Pathway and Interferon-Gamma Expression. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Evaluation of Imoviral® effects on early immune response in Sparus aurata challenged with Vibrio anguillarum. literature abstract metadata