Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest, where it has a long history of traditional use for a wide range of health concerns. Research suggests that compounds in its bark, particularly oxindole alkaloids and polyphenols, may support immune function, offer antioxidant protection, and help modulate the body's inflammatory response. Studies indicate potential benefits for joint comfort and digestive health, with some clinical trials showing improvements in pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While the existing evidence is encouraging, much of the research is still preliminary or based on small sample sizes, so continued investigation will help clarify the full scope of its therapeutic potential.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that cat's claw (primarily Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis) demonstrates meaningful anti-i...
View studies →Research suggests that cat's claw demonstrates meaningful antioxidant activity across multiple laboratory and animal ...
View studies →Research on cat's claw for digestive health is extremely limited in the available evidence base, with the single iden...
View studies →Research on cat's claw for immune function is extremely limited in the available evidence base, with the single linke...
View studies →Research suggests that cat's claw shows some potential as a complementary approach for joint pain, particularly in os...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 250–350 mg | Twice daily | Joint pain relief and anti-inflammatory support | Based on RCTs using standardized Uncaria tomentosa extract for osteoarthritis |
| Capsule | 20–60 mg | Three times daily | Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation | Based on RCTs with pentacyclic alkaloid-standardized extract (e.g., Krallendorn) |
| Extract | 60–300 mg | Daily | Immune function and antioxidant support | Common in clinical trials examining immunomodulatory effects |
| Liquid | 1–2 g | Daily | General anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support | Common in clinical studies using aqueous bark extract preparations |
| Powder | 1–3 g | Three times daily | Digestive health and general immune support | Traditional use and ethnobotanical records from South American herbal medicine |