Herbs

Cat's claw

Also called: uncaria tomentosa

A woody vine from the Amazon.

Why people take it
Arthritis, immunity.
What the evidence says
Small studies only.
How it is usually taken
Usually 250 to 350 mg of extract a day.
Be careful
Avoid with autoimmune disease, before surgery and in pregnancy.
Medicines it can interact with
May add to blood pressure medicines and blood thinners; may affect immune-suppressing medicines.

Other herbs

EchinaceaElderberryGarlic extractGingerPeppermint oilMilk thistleSaw palmettoSt John's wortValerianChamomileLemon balmPassionflowerKavaRhodiolaGinkgoMoringaFenugreekCinnamonBlack seedLicorice

Common questions

What is Cat's claw?

A woody vine from the Amazon.

Why do people take Cat's claw?

Arthritis, immunity.

Does Cat's claw work?

Small studies only.

How much Cat's claw do people take?

Usually 250 to 350 mg of extract a day.

Is Cat's claw safe?

Avoid with autoimmune disease, before surgery and in pregnancy.

Does Cat's claw interact with medicines?

May add to blood pressure medicines and blood thinners; may affect immune-suppressing medicines.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.