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.
