What is Cat’s Claw?

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa), a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of Central and South America, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine by Indigenous peoples of Peru. Historically, the inner bark and root have been brewed into decoctions to support immune health, reduce discomfort, and promote recovery from physical exertion. It was also considered a sacred herb for purifying the body and was integrated into ceremonial healing practices.

Why Is Cat’s Claw Healthy?

• Active Plant Compounds: Pentacyclic and tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids, polyphenols, glycosides, and quinovic acid glycosides.
• Antioxidant activity: Reduces the risk of oxidative stress.
• Sterols and phytochemicals: Support normal inflammatory responses and joint comfort.

What Allergies or Medications Interactions are Associated with Cat’s Claw?

Allergies: Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Rubiaceae family (coffee, quinine) should exercise caution.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Limited information exists on the safety of Cat’s Claw before, during, or while breastfeeding. It’s advisable not to use it and to consult a healthcare provider.

Medication Interactions:

• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus). Don’t use before or after an organ or bone marrow transplant
• Antihypertensives (e.g., losartan, amlodipine)
• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel)

Avoid if diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

What Does Cat’s Claw Taste Like?

• Bitter: Earthy undertones similar to bark-based herbal teas.
• Mildly astringent: particularly when steeped as a concentrated tincture.
• Woody and herbal: compared to pau d’arco or burdock root.

How to Use Cat’s Claw?

• Herbal Tea: Brewed with ginger and lemon to soften its bitterness.
• Broth: Infused with other herbs and aromatics.
• Smoothies: Blended with fruit-based smoothies using strong-flavored fruits (e.g., mango, pineapple) to mask the earthy taste.

How Much is a Serving Size?

A typical serving size of cat’s claw powder ranges from ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon (1 to 2 grams) of dried bark powder, typically simmered in 8–10 oz of water for tea or in a broth.

Does Cat’s Claw Need to Be Refrigerated?

It does not require refrigeration. Store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, sealed in an airtight container. Refrigeration can extend its shelf life up to 24 months. ​

How is Nature’s Uncut Cat’s Claw Manufactured?

Our powders contain no added sugars or artificial fillers. Crafted from 100% natural ingredients, they retain all their original, natural properties.

Sources:

1. Piscoya J, Rodriguez Z, Bustamante SA, Okuhama NN, Miller MJ, Sandoval M. Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat’s claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: mechanisms of action of the species Uncaria guianensis. Inflamm Res. 2001;50(9):442-448. doi:10.1007/PL00000268
2. Keplinger K, Laus G, Wurm M, Dierich MP, Teppner H. Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC.—ethnomedicinal use and new pharmacological, toxicological and botanical results. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999;64(1):23-34. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(98)00122-0.
3. Pilarski R, Zieliński H, Ciesiolka D, Gulewicz K. Antioxidant activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;104(1-2):18-23. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.08.061.
4. Sandoval M, Charbonnet RM, Okuhama NN, et al. Cat’s claw inhibits TNFα production and scavenges free radicals: role in cytoprotection. Free Radic Biol Med. 2000;29(1):71-78. doi:10.1016/S0891-5849(00)00316-6.