Cat's claw
Cat's claw is the name for Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis, woody vines from tropical parts of Central and South America.
Also listed as Vincaria, Uncaria Tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis, Cat's Claw Extract
What happened in the rheumatoid arthritis trial?
An Austrian trial enrolled 40 people already taking sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine. After 24 weeks, tender-joint counts fell by 53.2% with an Uncaria tomentosa extract versus 24.1% with placebo. This was an add-on study, so it does not test replacing prescribed treatment. 1
A small trial found fewer tender joints; it did not establish a general improvement in mobility. 1
Did it help knee pain?
In a four-week trial of 45 people with knee osteoarthritis, Uncaria guianensis improved pain during activity compared with placebo. Rest pain, night pain and knee circumference did not improve significantly. The selective result is a reason for further study, not evidence that every kind of joint pain responds. 2
The activity-pain signal came from a small trial; knee circumference did not improve significantly. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Longevity1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Bone & Joint1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Gut Health2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.