Cat's Claw Bark (Uncaria tomentosa)

Cut inner bark of Uncaria tomentosa, called Una de Gato (Cat's Claw) in Spanish, a large climbing rainforest vine native to the Peruvian Amazon and surrounding regions. The plant gets its name from the small claw-shaped thorns on its stems that allow it to climb up trees. Cat's Claw has long traditional use in Peruvian Amazonian medicine and has gained substantial modern Western attention as an immune-supporting and inflammation-supporting herb.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Uncaria tomentosa

Family

Rubiaceae

Common names

Cat's Claw, Una de Gato (Spanish)

Native region

Peruvian Amazon, surrounding Amazonian rainforest

Studied compounds

Oxindole alkaloids, glycosides, tannins

Distinct from

Mexican Cat's Claw (Uncaria guianensis), a closely related species

What is Cat's Claw?

Cat's Claw is a large rainforest vine native to the Peruvian Amazon and surrounding regions. The vine can grow over 100 feet long, climbing through the rainforest canopy with the help of distinctive claw-shaped thorns on its stems. Traditional use among Amazonian Indigenous peoples (particularly the Asháninka) is long-documented; the bark and root were used for a wide range of conditions. Modern Western interest centers on the oxindole alkaloids and traditional immune-supporting and inflammation-supporting reputation.

Important Safety Information

Cat's Claw can stimulate immune activity and is generally not recommended for individuals with autoimmune conditions or on immunosuppressive medications. Can interact with blood thinners. Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

How to Use Cat's Claw

Tea: simmer 1 teaspoon of cut bark in 8 oz water for 15-20 minutes; strain. The flavor is tannic and bitter. Tincture: alcohol extracts the alkaloids. Capsules: encapsulated bark for measured dosing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cat's Claw used for?
Traditional Amazonian use was broad; modern Western use focuses on immune-supporting and inflammation-supporting traditional uses.

Why is it called "Cat's Claw"?
Named for the small claw-shaped thorns on the vine's stems that allow it to climb.

Should autoimmune patients avoid it?
Generally yes; Cat's Claw can stimulate immune activity, which can be problematic in autoimmune conditions.

Is Cat's Claw sustainable?
Traditional harvest takes only inner bark from sections of the vine, allowing the plant to survive. Sustainably-sourced material is increasingly important.

What are oxindole alkaloids?
A class of compounds in Cat's Claw considered the primary actives for the herb's traditional reputation.

What's the Spanish name?
Una de Gato (literally "Cat's Claw").

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.