CONCLUSION: Cat’s claw is an effective anti-inflammatory agent in vivo and in vitro. While it is an antioxidant it does not modify NO levels. Its primary mechanism of action involves suppression of the transcription factor NF-κB, and subsequent inhibition of inflammatory gene expression.

What are the benefits of cat’s claw?

Today, cat’s claw is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes, human papilloma virus, and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, and leaky bowel syndrome.

Does Cats Claw help arthritis?

Some studies suggest that cat’s claw can help relieve its symptoms. For example, a study in 40 people with rheumatoid arthritis determined that 60 mg of cat’s claw extract per day alongside regular medication resulted in a 29% reduction in the number of painful joints compared to a control group ( 13 ).

Is Cat’s Claw a natural antibiotic?

Its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects have proven particularly effective in combating persistent infections such as Lyme disease, Candida, Eppstein-Barr (glandular fever), herpes, bladder infections, hepatitis, prostatitis, gastritis and Crohn’s disease.

What are the side effects of cat’s claw?

Some people have reported dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea when taking cat’s claw. The diarrhea or loose stools tend to be mild and go away with continued use of the herb. Pregnant or nursing women should not take cat’s claw because it may cause miscarriage.

How long should you take cat’s claw?

Cat’s claw has most often been used by adults in doses of 60-300 mg by mouth daily for 8-24 weeks. Cat’s claw extract is also used in gels and sprays. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Is Cat’s Claw an anti-inflammatory?

Cat’s claw is commonly used in South America and more recently in Western nations, as an anti-inflammatory agent in treating arthritis and gastrointestinal inflammation. Cat’s claw is the bark of a vine, Uncaria tomentosa, that is prepared as a tea or taken in capsule form.

Can you take cat’s claw with ibuprofen?

NSAIDs — Cat’s claw may protect against gastrointestinal damage associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

Is Cat’s claw and devil’s claw the same thing?

Cat’s Claw and Devil’s Claw “ The evidence for devil’s claw is stronger than for cat’s claw or turmeric, but it’s still not strong,” Dr. Gregory said. According to the Arthritis Foundation some studies suggest stomach acid may counteract the benefits of harpagoside (the active ingredient in devil’s claw).

Is cat claw poisonous?

When taken by mouth, cat’s claw may cause headaches, dizziness, and vomiting. Studies show that cat’s claw isn’t toxic at standard dosing levels. At higher doses, it may be toxic.

Is Cat’s Claw good for the liver?

Despite being widely used, cat’s claw has not been implicated in cases of clinically apparent liver injury and, in prospective studies, has had no effect on serum enzyme levels. In vitro studies have demonstrated antioxidant activity of cat’s claw extracts which may be hepatoprotective.

Can cat’s claw cure Lyme disease?

Some people have started exploring the use of natural remedies for Lyme disease, such as samento and banderol. A form of cat’s claw—an herb best known as a remedy for arthritis—samento is said to treat Lyme disease by boosting your immune system.

Is Cat’s Claw good for anxiety?

Cat’s claw may have some properties to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Cat’s claw has been examined for its effects on sleep-wake disturbances, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in patients with cancer.

Does cat’s claw thin blood?

Cat’s claw might slow blood clotting. Taking cat’s claw along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in some people.

How much cats claw should I take for Lyme?

Suggested dosage: 375 mg, one to two times daily. Inner bark extract standardized to 3% alkaloids is preferred. Side effects: Occasionally, cat’s claw can cause stomach upset, but it is generally very well tolerated. Cat’s claw requires activation by stomach acid to be effective and should be taken with food.