Cat’s claw

Cat’s claw has many modern and ethno-traditional uses in health conditions requiring anti-inflammatory, antiviral,  antibacterial, immunostimulatory, antioxidant and cardiovascular actions, as well as affecting the central nervous system. The potential for future development of further research with cat’s claw continues, particularly around anti-inflammatory, immune and vascular-related health conditions (5).

Cat’s claw is useful in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (6,7). It’s noted for its use in inflammatory digestive system disorders such as diverticulitis, colitis, gastritis, stomach ulcers and leaky bowel syndrome (8). Its traditional use in wound healing has led to research in its antimicrobial action specific for wounds along with gum infections and Lyme’s disease (9–16). As an adjunctive treatment, cat’s claw has been used in Peru and Europe for HIV (17–18) and cancer (19–20) since the 1990s. Extracts of cat’s claw were found to slow down the growth of cancer cells in cervical carcinoma, osteosarcoma, as well as colon adenocarcinoma, breast cancer (MCF7), and AGS gastric cells, and this is an ongoing area of research (21).

Research has found cat’s claw to improve DNA repair enhancement as well as improve white blood cell function in response to infection in chemotherapy-induced immunodeficience (22,23). Its effects upon parasites such as Babesia — spread through tick bites — is attributed to its capacity to digest harmful microorganisms (24).

Cat’s claw has a long history of cultural, spiritual and medicinal use in Peru and has been reported as being used by the ancient Incas as a medicine for physical and spiritual ailments (25). It is considered to be one of the most important medicinal plants to the native Ashaninka community who reside in the Peruvian amazon basin. Cat’s claw is reserved solely for use by Ashaninka priests to encourage the communication between the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence.

The efficacy of cat’s claw was empirically thought to be due to the presence of oxindole alkaloids; however, traditional water extracts of cat’s claw contain a very small quantities of the constituent, yet, the preparation is still shown to be highly therapeutic (26,27)

In Peruvian traditional medicine, cat’s claw is one of the most used medicinal plant preparations for tumour treatment and it is also prescribed in hospitals. Cat’s claw is usually taken as a tea, tablet or capsule and traditional use advocates a hot water extraction using the bark (26).

Both the bark and root of cat’s claw have been traditionally used in tropical South America as therapy for asthma, abscesses, fever, urinary tract infections, viral infections, and wounds (28,29). There is documented use for blood and kidney cleansing, cancer, contraception, gastric ulcers, inflammation, infection, menstrual irregularities and haemorrhage, anxiety and stress (24).

The Chirik Sacha native community legally manage cat’s claw in northern Peru as part of a nationwide program to protect and ensure sustainability of cat’s claw as a plant and medicinal product. Interviews with members of Chirik Sacha native community , who, along with medical practitioners at Takiwasi, confirmed that the water inside the vine is used for its strengthening and revitalizing properties. The community’s usage of cat’s claw medicinally is shown below (3).

Cat’s claw can treat following health concerns:

• Anti-inflammatory: Inflammations, rheumatism, arthritis
• Immune support: Strengthen immune system
• Gastrointestinal health: Gastritis, ulcers, Haemorrhoids
• Skin and wound care: Wound healing
• Reproductive health: Venereal diseases, prostatitis
• Anti-microbial: Candida infections
• Detoxification: Liver cleanser
• Respiratory health: Whooping cough
• Formation of tumours: Cancer treatment
• Cardiovascular system: Haemorrhoids
• Eye health: Improve eyesight

It is important to note that in Peruvian–Amazonian traditional medicine, a medicinal plant is used as part of la dieta (the diet) — a focused retreat of the person with the ailment that involves them adhering to dietary, social and behavioural limitations along with the application of an appropriate herb such as cat’s claw. The clinical research into the impact on medicinal plant use with la dieta is limited but indicates effectiveness (3,29,30).

Cat’s claw was used as a medicinal plant by the ancient Incas (25). There are two similar types of the South American Uncaria species — Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) and Uncaria guianensis. Both are used by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest in very similar ways and have long histories of use. Cat’s claw has been used medicinally by the Aguaruna, Ashaninka, Cashibo, Conibo, and Shipibo tribes of Peru for at least 2,000 years. The Ashaninka community in central Peru has the longest recorded history of use of the plant and is one of the largest commercial sources of Peruvian cat’s claw. Here, the use of cat’s claw is to treat asthma, inflammation of the urinary tract and as a kidney cleanse, arthritis, rheumatism and bone pain. It’s used for inflammation in general, to treat deep wounds, gastric ulcers, cancer, diabetes and to aid women’s recovery from childbirth(31).

Indigenous tribes use cat’s claw to treat diabetes, tumours, rheumatism, urinary tract cancer in women, haemorrhages, menstrual irregularity, cirrhosis, fevers, abscesses, gastritis, rheumatism, and inflammatory states as well as for internal cleansing and to ’normalize the body’, which may be similar to the Western understanding of adaptogens. Large quantities of cat’s claw have also been used as a female contraceptive by several different tribes of Peru in a large dose that is reportedly effective for several years. 

Cardiovascular

Cat’s claw has a hypotensive action and is effective in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It also works as a diuretic. The oxindole alkaloids and hirsutine are responsible for inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing the risk of blood clots, helping to protect against heart attacks and strokes (5). 

Digestive

Cat’s claw has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal issues, as it may help protect the lining of the stomach and intestines, making it useful for ulcers, leaky gut, and inflammatory bowel conditions (1). 

Endocrine

It is traditionally used in Amazonian medicine to manage diabetes. Modern research has shown that cat’s claw is effective in enhancing insulin sensitivity and lower fasting insulin levels as well as reducing fasting blood glucose (31). 

Immune

Cat’s claw is used to stimulate the immune system, increasing the production of white blood cells and supporting the body’s defence mechanisms. Modulating the immune response by also reducing inflammatory cytokines can help in treating chronic viral infections as well as autoimmune or inflammatory diseases (11).

Nervous

Cat’s claw has traditionally been applied to help treat Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative conditions. Scientific research has found evidence to suggest that the proanthocyanidin constituents in cat’s claw can inhibit and reduce beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, which results have been demonstrated clinically as improved memory and cognitive function (32). Cat’s claw can also reduce neuroinflammation, protecting brain health, improving cognitive function and memory and reducing risk of neurological decline (32). 

Reproductive

Traditionally, cat’s claw has been used as a contraceptive measure as well as a remedy to reduce menstrual irregularities and pain (2). 

Respiratory

Via its anti-inflammatory effect on bronchial tissue, cat’s claw is indicated for whooping cough and asthma, which is reflected in traditional use (27)..

Musculoskeletal

The alkaloids within cat’s claw inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. This effect has an analgesic action, reducing pain and inflammation in cases of arthritis — both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (6). 

Skin

Cat’s claw helps to accelerate wound healing and prevent infection, making it an effective topical application for small cuts and abrasions and acne (9).

Urinary

Cat’s claw supports kidney function and waste excretion, and owing to its  antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions is indicated for treating urinary tract infections (24).

Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) in the rreatment of the herpes labialis: Randomized double-blind trial. Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), Cold sores

This trial looked at the efficacy of cat’s claw in treating cold sores (HSV-1, herpes simplex labialis virus symptoms) in comparison to acyclovir — a common pharmaceutical antiviral treatment for herpes simplex.  Cat’s claw extract in a gel form was applied to cold sores in a randomised double blinded clinical trial that comprised of 74 healthy volunteers who experienced recurring cold sores. 

Cat’s claw bark extract was added to a gel cream at 50 mg of extract per gram of cream. During the study period, 54 episodes of herpes labialis lesions developed in 31 volunteers — acyclovir in cream was used by 27 participants, and cat’s claw extract in cream by the remaining 27 and applied four times daily. The study looked at the following: the number of days until the cold sore was gone; the number of days for the cold sore to start drying out along with observation of the cold sore site; and the intensity of signs and symptoms. Whilst the time for both cat’s claw and acyclovir were the same, the patient-registered symptom scores using cat’s claw were significantly lower scores during the initial two days of treatment (32).

Anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory activities of Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s claw) extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vivo studies

This review of 24 studies using mainly water and water/alcohol extracts of the stem bark, roots, and leaves of cat’s claw showed a decrease in NF-κB, which is the central regulator in the inflammatory response, and IL-6 which is a key cytokine involved in inflammation and immune responses along with the progression of various diseases like cancer and cardiovascular issues. The NF-κB and IL-6 pathway is linked to chronic inflammation and development of disease (33). 

The studies exhibited an anti-inflammatory action with or without immunomodulatory activities as well as low toxicity suggesting that cat’s claw has the potential to treat inflammatory diseases in which these markers are increased (33).

Studies on use of cat’s claw on humans have shown increases in lymphocyte counts, improvements in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (34). In vitro studies have shown antioxidant activities, immunomodulation and antiviral actions. Mice studies have demonstrated an anti-inflammatory action, whilst rat studies show an increase in white blood cells and DNA repair, and a reduction paw oedema in response to chemically-induced inflammation (34,36,50).

Cytotoxic effect of different Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) extracts, fractions on normal and cancer cells: a systematic review.

In a review of 14 different in vitro studies evaluating cat’s claw extracts on both normal and cancer cells, preliminary laboratory studies suggest that cat’s claw extracts may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells and enhance the repair of DNA damage (20). While promising, these are early-stage findings and will require further clinical validation (37). Overall, cat’s claw extracts have some cytotoxicity against some cancer cells and are non-toxic to normal cells. The pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid (POA)-rich extracts show the highest potential for use on cancer cells.

Cat’s claw may improve quality of life and fatigue in cancer patients without further treatment options. Whilst there was no demonstrated improvement in sleep quality, there was no change in liver or kidney function, blood counts, or inflammatory blood parameters (19).

Studies show that a water extract of cat’s claw has the potential to affect squamous carcinoma cells through impaired DNA repair of those cells and increased oxidative stress and warrants further research into its effect on skin cancer lesions (39).

Ancient Amazonian folklore says that there was once a hungry hunter struggling to find game, who came across a jaguar playing with cat’s claw — clawing at the vine seeking water. The jaguar drank from the vine and immediately pursued its prey, successfully killing it. Inspired, the hunter drank the water of the cat’s claw vine and felt rejuvenated. With a newfound strength in the days that followed, like the jaguar, he too had a successful hunt (40).

The water in the vine is used as a restorative drink and to quench thirst (24).

In May 1994 the WHO organised an international conference on cat’s claw, where it received official worldwide recognition as a medicinal plant (28).

The vine is also used to make furniture (40,41).

Cat’s claw is a woody vine native to the tropical humid forests of Central America and the Amazon — Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, andVenezuela (47).  

Cat’s claw usually prefers humid conditions close to streams and in clearings in primary forests growing on nutrient rich clay soils at an altitude of between 0–500 m (3,46).

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed
• NatureServer no assessment
• TRAFFIC no assessment
• Plants for a Future Species note that on the Atlantic side of Central America the plant is reported as being an invasive weed in banana plantations. The stems of the Liana are large enough to harvest at eight years or more with a recommendation that the vine is cut between 20 cm to 1 m above ground and subsequently left to regenerate before harvesting again. In 1999, it was noted that the root was not usually harvested as this method of harvest is too destructive and that in trade the stem bark is mainly utilised (48).

The Amazon has an incredibly rich environment of flora and fauna with many undiscovered medicinal species that are at grave risk due to a variety of economic, social and environmental factors. Cat’s claw is currently recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation as a Valuable Non-Wood Forest Product (NTFP) and the sustainability of cat’s claw will consider how long it takes to grow, what it grows on and with, the impact upon the soil grown in and subsequent suitability for future plant use once harvested as well as the impact upon other plant and animal life, native communities and human life environmentally, ecologically, societally, financially.

After a rise in export in the 1990s, when cat’s claw became a popular dietary supplement in the U.S, this impacted greatly upon the sustainability of the vine. The extensive trade in cat’s claw was unsustainable, uncontrolled and there were reports of it becoming scarce. Unsustainable harvesting methods contributed to its scarcity. Adulteration was an issue, with other Uncaria species and unrelated plant species, such as acacia being sold as cat’s claw (48).

Legally, the exportation of the plant form or processed form of cat’s claw (both Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis) is prohibited unless it originates from managed areas or cultivations as stated in Decreto Supremo No. 009/99/AG, 1999. However, since 2011 in Peru, several native communities officially manage the cat’s claw growing in their region through an infrastructure supported by the Peruvian government (3). This generates some economic income through the responsible use of cat’s claw and  support trees whilst conserving its communal forest.

In Amazonian medicine, certain areas where cat’s claw grows are revered more than others and utilised by healers, shamans and considered sacred with a more potent, master plant that has been harvested there for an undocumented amount of time. On a western scientific molecular level, it could also be the case that cat’s claw has optimal growing conditions. Traditionally, it takes five years of growth before a cat’s claw vine can be harvested, and best quality specimens are thought to be grown in primary forest (3). 

Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

Read our article on Herbal quality & safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

Cat’s claw is an evergreen climbing vine which can reach up to 25 m by 0.5 m. Hardy to UK zone 10 or USDA 10–12 and suitable for light, sandy, loamy and well-drained soil (40).

Emoliente: A traditional drink

Cat’s claw is often used in the traditional hot drink ‘emoliente’ where it is blended with toasted barley, flaxseed and horsetail (Equisetum arvense) to support digestive health. This was a culinary tradition brought to the Americas by the colonising conquistadors and is now a lost tradition in Spain (42). It is mainly found in Peru and sold in restaurants, food stalls and by the ‘emolienteros’ on carts in the streets in the mornings and evenings, where you can choose herbs to add to the base barley drink according to your health needs.

It is so popular that February 20th has been dedicated to ‘day of the emoliente, quinoa, maca and traditional beverages’ (42). Visually impactful, with steaming pots of herbal infusions and the scent of different herbs and barley, the emolienteros’ carts line the streets. The actual ingredients vary greatly from place to place with some including cornsilk, fruit juice, spices or vegetable infusions making up their base. A delicious and refreshing drink that can be drunk hot or cold.

Ingredients

Use following ingredients in equal parts.

• Cat’s claw
• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
• Boldo (Peumus boldus)
• Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
• Toasted barley
• Flax seed
• Squeeze of lemon

How to make cat’s claw emoliente

• In a large pot of water, boil the barley for 20 minutes. 
• Add the horsetail, flaxseed, alfalfa, plantain, boldo cinnamon and cat’s claw for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat, let stand for 15 minutes, and strain. 
• Sweeten with sugar or honey to taste. 
• Add lemon juice to taste when serving.

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