CAT's CLAW benefits and side effects, research finds, zhion@zhion.com updated on July 12, 2013
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cat’s claw, uña de gato, Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis
INTRODUCTION
Cat's claw grows in the rain forests of the Andes Mountains in South America. South American use cat's
claw to treat medicine for treating intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound
healing. Cat's claw may offer benefit to people suffered from cancers, [1]. In vitro studies, cat's claw
stimulates immune function [2] and cat's claw shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities [3,4]. In a
clinical trial, Cat's claw relieves pain and improves the overall conditions for arthritis [5].
What ingredients may contribute Cat's claw's health benefits? Cat's claw contains quinovic acid glycosides
and six known oxindole alkaloids such as isopteropodine, pteropodine, isomitraphylline, mitraphlline,
isocynochophylline and rychophylline.[18]
___________________________________________________________________________________
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE FOR CAT'S CLAW HEALTH BENEFITS
SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES AND IMMUNO-MODULATION
Cat's claw (uncaria tomentosa) extracts have been shown to have immuno-biochemical modulation, and
this effect is related to interferon-gamma. [11] In another study, Cat's claw extracts were found to be an
effective scavenger of fee radical1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH, 0.3 microM) and protect cells against
ultraviolet light (UV) light. Cat's claw also suppressed TNFalpha production in the study. Researchers
believe that this suppression o TNFalpha synthesis is the primary mechanism for cat's claw anti-
inflammatory actions or immuno-modulation. [12] Further, in a vitro study, Cat's claw protected human
gastric epithelial cells to oxidants such as DPPH, H2O2 and peroxynitrite. [15]
CONDITIONS
CANCERS
Cat's claw may offer benefits to people at risk of certain cancers. In a study, C-Med-100, the main active
ingredient of Cat's claw, inhibited cell growth without cell death, leading to DNA repair, immune stimulation,
anti-inflammation and cancer prevention. [6] In another study, C-Med 100 inhibited nuclear factor kappa
B (NF-kappa B) activity and this at least partially caused the inhibition of proliferation. Further, a hot water
extract of Cat's claw inhibited T and B lymphocyte proliferation. [7] In a different study, In addition to
antimutagenic activity, Cat's claw extracts exerted a direct antiproliferative activity on MCF7 (a human
breast cancer cell line). [8]
INFLAMMATION
Cat's claw extract appeared to prevent O(3)-induced respiratory inflammation in male mice. [9] The anti-
inflammatory activity was found to be significantly higher using the hydroalcoholic compared with the
aqueous extract. [10] Thus, Cat's claw may benefit people at risk of certain inflammation.
LEUKOPENIA
In a study of mice, the main active in Cat's Claw - C-Med 100 significantly prolonged lymphocyte survival.
Thus, C-Med 100 may possibly benefit people suffered from leukopenia, by accelerating their recovery,
and clinical study is needed to support this idea. [13]
ARTHRITIS
In a clinical trial, an extract of Cat's claw (uncaria tomentosa) was found to be effective in treating
rheumatoid arthritis, with a reduction of pain and swollen joints as evidence. Only minor side effects were
observed in the study. [14] Cat's claw was also found to be effective treatment for osteoarthritis in a trial of
45 patients. The species, U guianensis and U tomentosa are equiactive. Both cat's claw species are
effective antioxidants, but their anti-inflammatory properties may result from their ability to inhibit TNFalpha
and to a lesser extent PGE2 production. [16] Thus, Cat's claw may benefit people suffered from arthritis.
DNA REPAIR
In a study of rats, repair of DNA single and double strand breaks were observed after MED-100 treatment
[17] There is a possibiity that Cat's claw may benefit people at risk of mutation, but more studies are
needed to verify this point.
Parkinson's Disease
SH-SY5Y cells are often used as in vitro models of neuronal function and differentiation. They are
adrenergic in phenotype but also express dopaminergic markers and, as such, have been used to study
Parkinson's Disease. Cat's claw extracts was found to be able to protect SH=SY5Y cells against
Oxidopamine damage. [A1] Oxidopamine is a neurotoxic synthetic organic compound used by researchers
to selectively destroy dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons in the brain. Thus, there is a possibility
that Cat's claw extract may benefit people at risk of Parkinson's Disease.
____________________________________________________________________________________
SIDE EFFECTS OF CAT's CLAW
Cat's claw has been used for a long time. Cat's claw and its supplements appear to be safe and well-
tolerated in various studies. The side effects of cat's claw were found to be minor ,while the studies
demonstrated relative safety and modest benefit of cat's claw to various conditions such as tender joints
and knee pain. [14,16]
Though Cat's claw may have limited side effects to most users, acute allergic interstitial nephritis has been
reported after intake of Peruvian Cat's claw. [A1]
__________________________________________________________________________________
RELATED ARTICLES
Supplements and herbs that may benefits at risk of arthritis:
Shark Cartilage Hyaluronic Acid, Glucosamine, Boswellia, Stinging Nettle Root Hop Cod Liver Oil
Resveratrol Pumpkin Seed Oil
__________________________________________________________________________________
THE INFORMATION ABOVE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. MORE RESEARCH STUDIES ARE NEEDED TO CONFIRM SOME FINDINGS
ABOVE. HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS CANNOT REPLACE ANY MEDICINE. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR, IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS.
References
1. Rizzi R, Re F, Bianchi A, et al. ..Cat's claw.., J Ethnopharmacol 1993;38:63–77.2.2. Keplinger H.. Cat's
claw.., US Patent no. 5,302,611, April 12, 1994.3. Aquino R, De Feo V, De Simone F, et al. cat's claw..., J
Nat Prod 1991;54:453–9.4. Rizzi R, Re F, Bianchi A, et al. cat's claw... J Ethnopharmacol 1993;38:63–
77.5. Piscoya J, Rodriguez Z, Bustamante SA, et al. cat's claw...Inflamm Res 2001;50:442–8. [6] J
Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):577-84. Epub 2004 Dec 08]. [7] Int Immunopharmacol. 2003 Dec;3
(13-14):1889-900] [8] Anticancer Res. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4A):2457-61.[9] J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;
96(3):355-64.[10] [J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jul;81(2):271-6].v[.12].Cat Claw....Free Radic Biol Med. 2000
Jul 1;29(1):71-8]. [.13]..cat's claw...Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):23-33].[14] J Rheumatol. 2002 Apr;29
(4):678-81.][15]BMC Complement Altern Med. 2001;1(1):11. Epub 2001 Dec][16] Cat's claw.. Inflamm Res.
2001 Sep;50(9):442-8][17]...cat's claw..J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Feb;69(2):115-26] . [18] Cat's Claw
Extract, Jarrow, 500 mg, 100 caps, iherb.com, online publication. October 15, 2005. [A1] Allard T, et al,
Curr Med Chem. 2013 Jun 3;20(22):2812-9.
INTRODUCTION
Cat's claw grows in the rain forests of the Andes Mountains in South America. South American use cat's
claw to treat medicine for treating intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound
healing. Cat's claw may offer benefit to people suffered from cancers, [1]. In vitro studies, cat's claw
stimulates immune function [2] and cat's claw shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities [3,4]. In a
clinical trial, Cat's claw relieves pain and improves the overall conditions for arthritis [5].
What ingredients may contribute Cat's claw's health benefits? Cat's claw contains quinovic acid glycosides
and six known oxindole alkaloids such as isopteropodine, pteropodine, isomitraphylline, mitraphlline,
isocynochophylline and rychophylline.[18]
___________________________________________________________________________________
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE FOR CAT'S CLAW HEALTH BENEFITS
SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES AND IMMUNO-MODULATION
Cat's claw (uncaria tomentosa) extracts have been shown to have immuno-biochemical modulation, and
this effect is related to interferon-gamma. [11] In another study, Cat's claw extracts were found to be an
effective scavenger of fee radical1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH, 0.3 microM) and protect cells against
ultraviolet light (UV) light. Cat's claw also suppressed TNFalpha production in the study. Researchers
believe that this suppression o TNFalpha synthesis is the primary mechanism for cat's claw anti-
inflammatory actions or immuno-modulation. [12] Further, in a vitro study, Cat's claw protected human
gastric epithelial cells to oxidants such as DPPH, H2O2 and peroxynitrite. [15]
CONDITIONS
CANCERS
Cat's claw may offer benefits to people at risk of certain cancers. In a study, C-Med-100, the main active
ingredient of Cat's claw, inhibited cell growth without cell death, leading to DNA repair, immune stimulation,
anti-inflammation and cancer prevention. [6] In another study, C-Med 100 inhibited nuclear factor kappa
B (NF-kappa B) activity and this at least partially caused the inhibition of proliferation. Further, a hot water
extract of Cat's claw inhibited T and B lymphocyte proliferation. [7] In a different study, In addition to
antimutagenic activity, Cat's claw extracts exerted a direct antiproliferative activity on MCF7 (a human
breast cancer cell line). [8]
INFLAMMATION
Cat's claw extract appeared to prevent O(3)-induced respiratory inflammation in male mice. [9] The anti-
inflammatory activity was found to be significantly higher using the hydroalcoholic compared with the
aqueous extract. [10] Thus, Cat's claw may benefit people at risk of certain inflammation.
LEUKOPENIA
In a study of mice, the main active in Cat's Claw - C-Med 100 significantly prolonged lymphocyte survival.
Thus, C-Med 100 may possibly benefit people suffered from leukopenia, by accelerating their recovery,
and clinical study is needed to support this idea. [13]
ARTHRITIS
In a clinical trial, an extract of Cat's claw (uncaria tomentosa) was found to be effective in treating
rheumatoid arthritis, with a reduction of pain and swollen joints as evidence. Only minor side effects were
observed in the study. [14] Cat's claw was also found to be effective treatment for osteoarthritis in a trial of
45 patients. The species, U guianensis and U tomentosa are equiactive. Both cat's claw species are
effective antioxidants, but their anti-inflammatory properties may result from their ability to inhibit TNFalpha
and to a lesser extent PGE2 production. [16] Thus, Cat's claw may benefit people suffered from arthritis.
DNA REPAIR
In a study of rats, repair of DNA single and double strand breaks were observed after MED-100 treatment
[17] There is a possibiity that Cat's claw may benefit people at risk of mutation, but more studies are
needed to verify this point.
Parkinson's Disease
SH-SY5Y cells are often used as in vitro models of neuronal function and differentiation. They are
adrenergic in phenotype but also express dopaminergic markers and, as such, have been used to study
Parkinson's Disease. Cat's claw extracts was found to be able to protect SH=SY5Y cells against
Oxidopamine damage. [A1] Oxidopamine is a neurotoxic synthetic organic compound used by researchers
to selectively destroy dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons in the brain. Thus, there is a possibility
that Cat's claw extract may benefit people at risk of Parkinson's Disease.
____________________________________________________________________________________
SIDE EFFECTS OF CAT's CLAW
Cat's claw has been used for a long time. Cat's claw and its supplements appear to be safe and well-
tolerated in various studies. The side effects of cat's claw were found to be minor ,while the studies
demonstrated relative safety and modest benefit of cat's claw to various conditions such as tender joints
and knee pain. [14,16]
Though Cat's claw may have limited side effects to most users, acute allergic interstitial nephritis has been
reported after intake of Peruvian Cat's claw. [A1]
__________________________________________________________________________________
RELATED ARTICLES
Supplements and herbs that may benefits at risk of arthritis:
Shark Cartilage Hyaluronic Acid, Glucosamine, Boswellia, Stinging Nettle Root Hop Cod Liver Oil
Resveratrol Pumpkin Seed Oil
__________________________________________________________________________________
THE INFORMATION ABOVE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. MORE RESEARCH STUDIES ARE NEEDED TO CONFIRM SOME FINDINGS
ABOVE. HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS CANNOT REPLACE ANY MEDICINE. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR, IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS.
References
1. Rizzi R, Re F, Bianchi A, et al. ..Cat's claw.., J Ethnopharmacol 1993;38:63–77.2.2. Keplinger H.. Cat's
claw.., US Patent no. 5,302,611, April 12, 1994.3. Aquino R, De Feo V, De Simone F, et al. cat's claw..., J
Nat Prod 1991;54:453–9.4. Rizzi R, Re F, Bianchi A, et al. cat's claw... J Ethnopharmacol 1993;38:63–
77.5. Piscoya J, Rodriguez Z, Bustamante SA, et al. cat's claw...Inflamm Res 2001;50:442–8. [6] J
Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):577-84. Epub 2004 Dec 08]. [7] Int Immunopharmacol. 2003 Dec;3
(13-14):1889-900] [8] Anticancer Res. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4A):2457-61.[9] J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;
96(3):355-64.[10] [J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jul;81(2):271-6].v[.12].Cat Claw....Free Radic Biol Med. 2000
Jul 1;29(1):71-8]. [.13]..cat's claw...Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):23-33].[14] J Rheumatol. 2002 Apr;29
(4):678-81.][15]BMC Complement Altern Med. 2001;1(1):11. Epub 2001 Dec][16] Cat's claw.. Inflamm Res.
2001 Sep;50(9):442-8][17]...cat's claw..J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Feb;69(2):115-26] . [18] Cat's Claw
Extract, Jarrow, 500 mg, 100 caps, iherb.com, online publication. October 15, 2005. [A1] Allard T, et al,
Curr Med Chem. 2013 Jun 3;20(22):2812-9.