Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Oxindole alkaloids from Amazon vine modulate immune function and reduce inflammation — studied for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cat's Claw is a woody vine from the Amazon rainforest named for its hook-like thorns. Used by indigenous peoples for millennia, it contains oxindole alkaloids and other compounds with immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Research supports benefits for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune function.
Enhances and regulates immune function
Reduces inflammatory mediators
Protects against oxidative damage
How Cat's Claw works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
250-350mg standardized extract or 1-3g dried bark, 2-3x daily
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Standardized extract (3% oxindole alkaloids) | Recommended |
| 💊Dried bark capsules | Alternative |
| 🍵Tea | Alternative |
| 💧Tincture | Alternative |
Two species exist — Uncaria tomentosa is most researched. Some products use U. guianensis.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off recommended for long-term use.
Note: Taking with food reduces potential GI upset. Split into 2-3 doses for best results.
Reduced arthritis symptoms
Improved immune function
Lower inflammatory markers
Avoid — traditionally contraindicated
Avoid or use under medical supervision
May increase bleeding risk
May counteract immunosuppression
May have additive blood pressure lowering effects
May affect drug metabolism
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Usually resolves
Top studies from 38+ peer-reviewed papers
Marques O et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2025)
“The present work emphasizes the current pharmacological properties of Uncaria tomentosa, evidencing its therapeutic benefits and encouraging further research on this medicinal plant.”
Roberts KE et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2022)
“AIMSS are chronic and complex symptoms with a significant impact on women with early breast cancer taking AI.”
Carvalho-Silva JM et al. • The Journal of prosthetic dentistry (2025)
“Gels formulated with natural antimicrobials such as Z. multiflora, U. tomentosa, P. granatum, propolis, and clove and cinnamon showed higher or similar antimicrobial efficacy to conventional antifungals in the treatment of DS.”
Plazas E et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
“These findings highlight the immense potential of bioactive compounds from tropical American plants as modulators of immune-inflammatory pathways, providing a foundation for developing effective therapeutic agents to counteract the severe effects of cytokine storms.”
Inácio Silveira DQ et al. • The Journal of prosthetic dentistry (2023)
“Certainty in the body of evidence that natural products might be appropriately used in the treatment of denture stomatitis is low.”
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