For centuries, tribes of the Amazon have used this tropical vine to extract its medical compounds and reap its many benefits. This popular herbal supplement was believed to be the reason behind these tribes’ unusual longevity and health, despite having their insufficient dietary intake.
Read along as we dive deeper into what is Cat's Claw and exactly how it can aid us in living a longer healthier life.
What is Cat’s Claw?
Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) is a tropical vine native to the Amazon rainforest and South and Central America. This woody vine, which grows up to 100 feet (30 meters), has hooked thorns resembling the claws of a cat. Also known as Una de Gato (in Spanish) is referred to as the life-giving vine of Peru. The herb should not be confused with Senegalia greggii (Cat’s claw acacia or the Wait-a-minute bush) which contains a potentially toxic cyanide compound.
Cat’s claw consists of two varieties, Uncaria tomentosa, and Uncaria guianensis. Uncaria tomentosa is used in a variety of supplements throughout the US with Uncaria guianensis more commonly used throughout Europe.
The bark and roots have been used in traditional medicines for centuries to treat ailments such as inflammation, cancer, and infections. Today the herb is mostly used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, however, only some of its uses are supported by science, while others only have early evidence supporting their uses.
The vine contains a unique compound called pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid (POA) which provides Cat's Claw with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, DNA repair, and immune-boosting properties. These four benefits are critical factors for longevity and health as we age and help tackle some of the key hallmarks of ageing.
If you want to know more about the Hallmarks of Aging, you might enjoy reading: What Are the Hallmarks of Ageing? Part 1 - Primary Hallmarks
What are the Benefits of Cat’s Claw?
Although the herb has become highly popular due to its many potential benefits, the claims listed below are supported by sufficient research.
Cat’s Claw may boost your immune system
In a study consisting of 27 men, 700mg of Cat's Claw extract consumed for 7 months showed to increase the number of white blood cells actively combating infections.
A second smaller study consisting of four males given the extract for 6 weeks showed the same positive results.
Although Cat's Claw has shown to improve immune response, it also seems to aid in calming an overactive immune system.
It is believed that Cat's Claws' anti-inflammatory properties are responsible for the vine’s immune system benefits.
Cat’s Claw may relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis
A study in 45 people with osteoarthritis in the knee, showed that 100mg of Cat's Claw taken for 4 weeks reduced pain during physical activity.
An eight-week study showed that supplementation of Cat's Claw and maca root reduced pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis sufferers. Furthermore, the study went on to show these participants used their pain medication less frequently.
Another trial showed that 100mg of Cat's Claw taken alongside a sierrasil (a natural mineral supplement) improved joint function after just 1-2 weeks. However, the benefits were no longer sustained after 8 weeks of usage.
It is also important to keep in mind that the direct benefits of Cat's Claw may be difficult to determine in tests where multiple supplements are used at once.
Cat’s Claw may relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
In a study of 40 rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, 60mg of Cat's Claw daily, taken alongside their medication, reduced the number of painful joints by 29% when compared to the control group.
It is believed that Cat's Claw’s anti-inflammatory action throughout the body is what makes it able to combat rheumatoid arthritis. However, despite having promising results, the evidence is lacking and larger-scale studies are required to further prove these benefits.
Cat’s Claw may combat cancer
A 2010 test-tube study showed that POA derived from the bark of Cat's Claw was able to kill and prevent the spread of Ewing sarcoma and breast cancer cells. Although it should be noted that the dosage required to achieve this effect would be unrealistic for human consumption. The finding however does show promise for further cancer drug development.
A study from 2016 suggested that Cat's Claw could be effective in killing bladder cancer and glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer) cells. Furthermore, the study went on to show that Cat's Claw did not harm the healthy cells. Both of these studies show great potential for therapeutic application in the future.
Further Potential Health Benefits of Cat’s Claw
Although Cat's Claw may have various health benefits due to its powerful components alkaloids, phenolic acids, and flavonols, there is currently not enough research to support the following claims but there are some who have experienced benefits when using Cat’s Claw for the following conditions:
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Anxiety
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Viral infections
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Allergies
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Blood pressure
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Gout
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Stomach disorders
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Aids
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Ovarian cysts
Is Cat’s Claw Good for Inflammation?
Throughout South America and more recently in many Western nations, Cat's Claw is commonly known for its anti-inflammatory action and used in treating arthritis and gastrointestinal inflammation. Inflammation plays a key role in aging and the conditions associated with age, so the anti-inflammatory action of Cat’s Claw may well be beneficial in helping slow age-related decline.
What are the Side Effects of Cat’s Claw?
Although side effects are rarely reported, Cat's Claw is possibly safe for most people when supplementing for short-term. However, due to the high tannin levels, some people may suffer from nausea, stomach upset, headaches, dizziness, and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.
Rare symptoms and possible side effects in case reports and test-tube studies.
- Low blood pressure
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Increased risk of bleeding
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Nerve damage
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Anti-estrogen effects
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Adverse effects on kidney function
The following people are generally advised to limit their use or avoid Cat's Claw:
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Due to the lack of safety information, Cat's Claw should be avoided during pregnancy.
People suffering from bleeding disorders
Cat’s claw may slow blood clotting, thereby increasing the risk of bruising or bleeding in people suffering from bleeding disorders.
People suffering from low blood pressure
Due to evidence suggesting that Cat's Claw may lower blood pressure, it should be avoided in people who already have low blood pressure.
People expecting surgery
Since Cat's Claw may affect blood pressure and blood thinning, it is advised to stop taking Cat's Claw at least two weeks before any scheduled surgeries.
Leukemia
Claims have been made that Cat's Claw may worsen this condition so its use should be avoided in leukemia sufferers.
Auto-Immune diseases such as Lupus or MS(multiple sclerosis)
Because Cat's Claw may cause the immune system to become more active it is generally advised against if you suffer from auto-immune diseases.
Due to the lack of evidence as with any herbal supplement please consult with your general practitioner before use.
It should be noted that some experts warn Cat's Claw may interfere with the body’s response against COVID-19. Although there is no strong evidence supporting this claim, there is no positive evidence in supporting Cat's Claw for use against COVID-19.
How Can Cat’s Claw Slow Aging?
All the cells in our body and their DNA are always under constant attack. This comes from a variety of factors, including pollutants in the air, ultraviolet light from the sun, and even processed foods. To protect our DNA from damage, our cells respond by either repairing or replacing damaged cells. When our DNA is damaged at a rate faster than our body’s ability to repair or replace them, the physical signs of aging occur. C-Med-100, (a Cat's Claw water extract) has been documented as the only natural source that can simultaneously up-regulate both DNA repair and anti-inflammation. Therefore Cat's Claw may prove to support DNA repair — a key element is slowing the aging process.
An active ingredient found in Cat's Claw, namely Quinic Acid(QA) has been found to actively enhance DNA repair and immunity. QA treated worms survived 17.8% and 29.7 % longer than control worms when placed under heat and oxidative stress. Furthermore, QA significantly extended the lifespan of N2 worms under normal culture conditions. These tests proved QA to be a safe and reasonable candidate for great potential in the field of anti-aging.
Conclusion
Cat’s claw is a popular herbal supplement commonly used throughout the US. While more research is needed into the herb, evidence has shown benefits may include boosting your immune system and easing the symptoms of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Since safety and dosage guidelines have not been established please consult your general practitioner before taking the product. As with many herbal supplements, these products are often not regulated so as to ensure quality and safety only purchase these products from certified companies with an established brand presence.
Please be sure to stay tuned to our supplements page as we will be adding Cat's Claw to our range soon.
