Natural Medical SolutionsCat's claw is a woody vine from the Amazon rainforest. People have used it for hundreds of years. Today it is sold as a supplement for many health problems.
What is cat's claw?
Cat's claw is a vine that grows in tropical areas of Central and South America. There are two main types used as supplements. Most products sold in the United States use the type called Uncaria tomentosa.
It is sold for many conditions. These include joint pain, cancer, and viral infections. The FDA does not approve these products for safety or effectiveness before they are sold.
What are the benefits of cat's claw?
There is no solid proof that cat's claw works for any health goal. This includes using it for COVID-19.
Researchers have studied it for various conditions. However, these studies were not done well. They did not have enough people in them to give clear answers.
What are the side effects of cat's claw?
Cat's claw seems safe when taken by mouth for up to 6 months. We do not have enough information to know if it is safe to put on your skin.
It may make your immune system more active. This could make symptoms of autoimmune diseases worse. It may also slow down blood clotting. This could raise the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Who should not take cat's claw?
Talk to your doctor before using this herb if you have an autoimmune disease. You should also tell your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery.
Studies suggest it is not safe to use during pregnancy. We do not know if it is safe to use while breastfeeding.
Does cat's claw have drug interactions?
The source warns that some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways. It does not name specific medicines for cat's claw.
There are reasons to think it might interact with blood pressure drugs. It may also affect medicines that change how your blood clots. Always tell your doctor about any herbs you take.
What is the dosage for cat's claw?
There is no standard dose for cat's claw. Because it is a supplement, the rules for making it are not as strict as they are for drugs.
Talk to your health care provider about what is right for you. They can help you make a safe choice.
Common questions about cat's claw
Is cat's claw proven to work?
Is it safe to take during pregnancy?
Can I use it if I have an autoimmune disease?
How long can I safely take it?
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Where this information comes from
Written from NCCIH, a public-domain resource from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Information retrieved 2026-08-21.
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