ADVERTISEMENT
Close
In This Issue, Subscribe, Free Issue, Contact Us
ADVERTISEMENT
 
Treatments > Supplement Guide > Supplements > Supplement Guide: Cat's Claw
Text Size Plus Minus | Print Email

Supplement Guide: Cat's Claw

Uncaria tomentosa

Origin: Dried root bark of a woody vine that grows in the Amazon rain forests in Peru and other South American countries.

Dosage: Capsules, tablets, liquid and tea bags; 250 mg to 1,000 mg daily. Buy only products that contain Uncaria tomentosa. Another plant (Acacia greggi), which also has the name cat’s claw, is highly toxic.

Claims: Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties; may stimulate immune system.

What we know: Researchers in Peru state that anti-inflammatory properties may result from the ability to inhibit the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).

Studies: In 2002, the Journal of Rheumatology published a randomized double-blind study of cat’s claw for the treatment of RA. Researchers found the supplement modestly reduced joint swelling and pain in 40 people with RA.

Cat’s claw can cause headache, dizziness and vomiting, and can lower blood pressure, so don’t use if taking an anti-hypertensive medication or blood thinner. Do not use if you have tuberculosis or are taking drugs that suppress the immune system.

 

Cary
05 Oct 2010, 13:05
Ive gotton excellent results with both Cats claw and Devils claw herbal suppliments. I have severe OA in back, hips an knees. I can take these instead of RX medications on some days an get relief !!
Ben
11 May 2010, 21:35
Hello Darlene Danaher. I would try Omgea 3 Fatty Acid. Cold-water fish with darker flesh such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines have the highest concentrations of Omega-3. I would also try Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acid is found in all connective tissue, joints, body cavities, joint spaces, and tissue surfaces. The highest levels are found in the synovial fluid of all joints and the skin. There are also high levels of Hyaluronic Acid found in the eyes, cartilage, heart, intervertebral discs of the spine and in the fluids of the inner and middle ear.
The level of Hyaluronic Acid in the human body declines with age, causing problems with the structural integrity of the body. Hyaluronic Acid is important in the lubrication of joints, integrity of tissues, fighting bacterial invasiveness, elasticity of skin, vision, and molecular transport between cells. Hyaluronic Acid fills the intercellular space between collagen and other cells, providing support and the essential framework for tissues. In the joint, Hyaluronic Acid also acts as a shock absorber and structural stabilizer.
Hope this helps. God Bless.
Could be why
05 May 2010, 18:44
@ Curious
I believe that this area might be for comments and not for questions. That is probably why there are no answers to these questions.
The Editors
21 Apr 2010, 14:13
Thank you for your comments. The comment function on this site is designed to provide an opportunity for readers to comment on the content above. Each person's medical case is unique and it's vital to always consult a physician and/or other members of a health-care team when seeking treatment for arthritis – this includes questions or concerns regarding medications, supplements and physical fitness. The comment function is not intended to diagnose conditions or provide specific medical advice. To connect with others who have arthritis and related conditions, please visit the Arthritis Foundation's Online Community by cutting and pasting the link below into your Web browser window:

http://community.arthritis.org/community/app/nf/vistafs.aspx

All the best,
The Editors
Arthritis Today
Curious
21 Apr 2010, 13:42
Why no answers to peoples questions ???????
Louise Bechtoldt
26 Mar 2010, 21:39
I have arthritis pain of the back, plus other back problems including scoliosis, and bursitis of the left hip, affeccting my thigh, groin and walking. However, I have a very sensitive stomach (can't take aspirin). I'd love to take cat's claw. 1) What do you think? 2) What doseage should I take? Thank you. Louise
Darlene Danaher
24 Mar 2010, 15:07
I have osteoarthritis in both of my knees and my back and I'm looking for a herbal supplement that may ease the pain. I'm using glucosamine/chodritin with little releif. Are there another herbs/vitamins that may ease the pain?

Leave a Comment

The comment function provides the opportunity to comment on the content above.

General comments or questions to Arthritis Today editors and medical experts can be submitted here. Past medical questions and answers are available here.

Promotion of products and services and other inappropriate comments are prohibited and will be removed. If you spot one of these before we do, please send an alert.

All fields are required but only your name and comment will be displayed. Your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose.

Name:
Email:
Text:

ADVERTISEMENT