Cat’s claw is a popular herbal supplement, which some claim helps fight a range of ailments, including infections, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, scientific research is still ongoing to find out the benefits of the whole plant. Read on to learn everything you need about cat’s claw, including its benefits and side effects.

What is cat’s claw?

Cat’s claw, or Uncaria tomentosa, is a tropical vine that can reach 98 feet (30 m) in height.

Its name comes from its hooked thorns that resemble cat’s claws, and this plant is found mainly in the Amazon rainforest, and in other tropical regions of South and Central America.

Cat’s claw is often used in dietary supplements, and its bark and root have been used as a traditional medicine for many conditions, such as inflammation and cancer. Cat’s claw supplements can be taken as either a liquid extract, capsule, powder or tea.

Benefits of cat’s claw

Cat’s claw is thought to contain chemicals that may stimulate the immune system, kill cancer cells, and fight viruses. Here are more details about the benefits of cat’s claw that it provides to the body:

Boosting the body’s immune system

Cat’s claw may support the body’s immune system by helping it fight infections more effectively. A small study of 27 men found that when they took 700 mg of cat’s claw extract for two months, it increased their white blood cell count, which helped on infection control.

Another small study in four men who took cat’s claw extract for six weeks saw similar results.

Therefore, it seems to scientists that cat’s claw works by enhancing the immune response, and this may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which may be responsible for these immune benefits.

Despite these promising results, more research and studies are needed.

Reducing symptoms of osteoporosis

In one study of 45 people with osteoarthritis of the knee area, taking 100 mg of cat’s claw extract for 4 weeks resulted in

The results found that the plant extract reduced pain during physical activity, and no side effects were reported. Either during rest or swelling of the knee, there was no change in the feeling of pain.

In another eight-week study, a supplement of cat’s claw and maca root (a medicinal plant) reduced pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. Participants also needed pain relievers less frequently, though the benefits did not last after eight weeks.

Based on previous findings, scientists believe that cat’s claw extract may relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but keep in mind that more research is needed on the relationship of cat’s claw to the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Some studies have indicated that cat’s claw can help relieve symptoms of this disease. A study of 40 people with rheumatoid arthritis found that 60 mg of cat’s claw extract daily combined with certain medications decreased joint pain.

As with osteoarthritis, cat’s claw is believed to reduce inflammation in the body, relieving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms as a result. Although these results are promising, larger and better studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

Other benefits

Cat’s claw contains several powerful compounds that may promote health, such as:

• Phenolic acids.
• Alkaloids.
• Flavonoids.

These compounds may help in the following cases:

• cancer.
• Viral infection.
• allergy.
• Hypertension.
• gout.
• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as colitis.
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), such as AIDS.
• asthma.
• Ovarian cysts.
• Arthritis and bone pain.
• Birth control.
• Gonorrhea.
• Hemorrhoids.
• Oral or genital herpes.
• Ulcers of the stomach or intestines.

Cat’s claw oil for erectile dysfunction

In addition to the previous benefits, cat’s claw herb oil extract may be used in cases of erectile dysfunction in men, as this extract may help regulate blood circulation in the body, which helps blood flow to the penis in men, thus increasing erection and delaying ejaculation.

Cat’s claw to prevent pregnancy

The cat’s claw herb may be used to prevent pregnancy in a natural way, by using the extract of the cat’s claw plant with some water, then the mixture is taken during a woman’s menstrual time to prevent pregnancy.

Notice; Despite all these benefits, there is no conclusive scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this plant for the treatment of these diseases, so we recommend that you consult a doctor before taking it, especially if you have a specific medical problem.

What are the side effects of cat’s claw?

Cat’s claw extract is considered safe for most people when taken by mouth on a short-term basis, but in some rare cases it may cause some side effects, such as:

• Headache.
• dizziness;
• Nausea and vomiting.
• diarrhea.
• upset stomach
• Reduction of Blood pressure.
• Increased risk of bleeding.
• Nerve damage.
• Anti-estrogenic effects.
• Adverse effects on renal function.

It is also generally advised to avoid taking cat’s claw extract if:

• During pregnancy and breast-feeding, there is some concern that the plant may be unsafe during pregnancy or breast-feeding; Therefore, it is preferable to avoid using this herb in this case.
• Those with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, consuming the plant may increase the activity of the immune system, which can worsen symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
• People with bleeding disorders. Cats claw might slow blood clotting, which could increase the risk of bruising or bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
• People with low blood pressure, due to the effect of the cat’s claw plant and its ability to lower blood pressure, it may cause a very low blood pressure to cause problems.
• Leukemia patients (blood cancer), taking this herb extract may exacerbate this condition.
• There is concern that cat’s claw extract might make it difficult to control blood pressure during surgery. Therefore, it is preferable to stop taking the plant extract at least two weeks before the surgery.

Drug interactions with cat’s claw plant

• Taking this plant may decrease how quickly medications are broken down by the liver, which may lead to an increase in the side effects of some medications.
• This plant works to reduce blood pressure; Therefore, taking the plant with high blood pressure medications may lead to a significant drop in blood pressure.
• Taking cat’s claw might decrease how quickly the body breaks down medicines used for HIV, which could increase the side effects of some of the medicines used.
• This plant may boost the body’s immune system, which may decrease the effectiveness of medications that suppress the immune system.
• Taking cat’s claw along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in some people.