Rubiaceae
Cat’s Claw
Uncaria tomentosa
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Amazon rainforest, Peru, Bolivia
Also known as: Uña de Gato, Samento, Life-giving Vine of Peru
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
BarkRoot
Therapeutic Uses
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, immune deficiency, viral infections (HPV, herpes), cancer adjunct (DNA repair), IBS, Lyme disease support. Traditional Amazonian remedy for inflammatory and immune conditions.
Herbal Actions
Immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimutagenic, antioxidant, DNA repair stimulant
Active Constituents
Oxindole alkaloids (pentacyclic: isopteropodin, pteropodine; tetracyclic: rhynchophylline), quinovic acid glycosides, proanthocyanidins, tannins
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried bark per 500ml, simmer 20 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Pentacyclic alkaloid fraction (POA) is therapeutically active. Standardized extract: 250–350mg 3x daily. Avoid TOA (tetracyclic) alkaloid fractions — these antagonize POA effects. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Contraindicated in pregnancy (abortifacient). Avoid with immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 substrates. Not for children under 3.
Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness at high doses. Rare hypotension. Allergic reactions possible.