Cat’s Claw Herb: Uses, Benefits, Safety, and What the Science Actually Shows

Key Takeaways

• Cat’s claw refers to a tropical vine, Uncaria tomentosa or Uncaria guianensis, named for its curved, claw-shaped thorns.
• The bark and root are the parts used to make teas, capsules, and liquid extracts.
• It’s traditionally used for inflammation, arthritis, and immune support, but high-quality human clinical trials are scarce.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with autoimmune conditions, and anyone on blood pressure or immune-suppressing medication should avoid it or talk to a doctor first.
• “Cat’s claw” is also a completely unrelated search topic covering cat scratching behavior and claw caps (nail covers) for pets; this guide covers both meanings.
• No official dosage has been established, and supplement quality varies widely because herbal products face less regulation than drugs.

What Is Cat’s Claw?

Cat’s claw is the common name for a large, woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical parts of Central and South America. Its scientific name is Uncaria tomentosa, though a related species, Uncaria guianensis, is also sold under the same name. The plant gets its nickname from small, curved thorns along the vine that look like a cat’s claws.

Indigenous communities in the Amazon have used cat’s claw bark for generations, brewing it into teas and remedies believed to fight disease and reduce inflammation. Today, it’s one of the more widely sold herbal supplements in North America, available at pharmacies, health food stores, and online retailers.

Cat’s Claw Vine, Plant, and Bark: Are They the Same Thing?

Yes, with a small distinction. “Cat’s claw vine” and “cat’s claw plant” both refer to the whole living plant, which can grow over 30 meters (about 98 feet) long in the wild. “Cat’s claw bark” refers specifically to the part of the plant that’s harvested, dried, and processed into the supplements and teas sold commercially. Most products use bark from the root or stem, since that’s where the plant’s active compounds, including oxindole alkaloids, are concentrated.

Traditional and Modern Uses of Cat’s Claw

For centuries, Amazonian communities have used cat’s claw to treat fevers, wounds, digestive issues, and inflammation. It was also historically used, and continues to be studied, for its effects on fertility and pregnancy, which is one reason modern health authorities urge caution around its use.

In modern herbal medicine, cat’s claw is most commonly promoted for:

• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• General inflammation
• Immune system support
• Viral infections
• Digestive complaints
• Supportive care during cancer treatment

It’s important to separate traditional use from proven modern medical benefit. Long-standing use in traditional medicine tells us a plant has a history of use, not that its effects are scientifically confirmed. That distinction matters for every claim in this guide.

What Does the Research Actually Show?

This is where many articles about cat’s claw fall short. Plenty of blog posts list impressive-sounding benefits without explaining how strong the underlying evidence really is. Here’s an honest breakdown by condition.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is the area with the most supportive, though still limited, research. A small clinical trial found that a specific cat’s claw extract, taken alongside standard rheumatoid arthritis medication, reduced the number of painful and swollen joints over 24 weeks. Another small study on osteoarthritis of the knee reported reduced pain within days of starting a freeze-dried cat’s claw preparation. These are encouraging results, but the trials involved small numbers of people, and results from one specific extract don’t necessarily apply to every product on the shelf.

Immune System Support

Laboratory research suggests certain compounds in cat’s claw can influence immune cell activity. This is part of why it’s marketed as an “immune booster.” However, stimulating the immune system isn’t automatically a good thing for everyone; it’s precisely why people with autoimmune diseases are advised to avoid it (more on that below).

Cancer-Related Research

Some laboratory studies have found that compounds in cat’s claw can trigger apoptosis, a process where damaged or abnormal cells self-destruct, in certain cancer cell lines. A small study also suggested it may improve quality of life in people with advanced solid tumors when used alongside standard treatment. This research is preliminary and conducted mostly in cells or small patient groups, not large human trials. Cat’s claw is not a cancer treatment, and no major health authority recommends it as one (source).

Antiviral and COVID-19 Research

Laboratory studies published during the COVID-19 pandemic explored whether cat’s claw extract could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 activity in cell cultures. These lab findings generated interest, but the NCCIH is explicit: there is no conclusive evidence from studies in people that cat’s claw works for COVID-19 or any other viral illness (source).

The Bottom Line on Evidence

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), part of the National Institutes of Health, there have been very few high-quality clinical trials of cat’s claw in people, and no conclusive evidence supports its use for any specific health condition. That doesn’t mean it has zero effect; it means the research hasn’t caught up to the marketing.

How Is Cat’s Claw Used?

Cat’s claw is sold in a few different forms, each with different practical considerations.

Cat’s Claw Tea

Cat’s claw tea is made by steeping the dried bark in hot water, similar to other herbal teas. It has an earthy, slightly bitter taste. Tea is generally the mildest preparation, since less of the plant’s active alkaloid content transfers into hot water compared to alcohol-based tinctures.

How to prepare cat’s claw tea:

1. Use about 1 gram (roughly half a teaspoon) of dried cat’s claw bark per cup of water.
2. Bring water to a boil, then add the bark.
3. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, since bark needs longer than leafy herbs to release its compounds.
4. Strain and let cool slightly before drinking.

Read more about herbal teas: How to Make Homemade Herbal Tea: Easy Guide with Recipes & Blending Tips

Cat’s Claw Supplements (Capsules and Tinctures)

Capsules and standardized extracts are the most common commercial form in the U.S. and Canada. “Standardized” means the manufacturer has tested the product to contain a consistent amount of specific alkaloids, which matters because raw cat’s claw bark can vary significantly in potency depending on the plant chemotype used.

Typical Dosage

There is no officially established or universally agreed-upon dosage for cat’s claw. Clinical studies have used doses ranging from about 20 mg to 350 mg per day of various extracts, depending on the preparation and condition studied. Because dosing isn’t standardized across brands, always follow the label instructions on the specific product you buy, and check with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re combining it with other supplements or medications.

Cat’s Claw Side Effects and Safety

Cat’s claw is generally considered possibly safe for most healthy adults when taken by mouth for a short period, according to major drug and supplement references. That said, “possibly safe” is not the same as “risk-free for everyone.”

Common Side Effects

Reported side effects are relatively rare but can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vomiting or upset stomach
• Low blood pressure (particularly when combined with other blood-pressure-lowering substances)

Who Should Avoid Cat’s Claw

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Cat’s claw has a documented traditional use for preventing and ending pregnancy, and some research suggests it may have contraceptive or anti-implantation effects. Health authorities recommend avoiding it entirely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• People with autoimmune conditions. Because cat’s claw may stimulate immune activity, it could theoretically worsen conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups when the immune system is already overactive.
• People with bleeding disorders or low blood pressure. Cat’s claw may lower blood pressure and could interact with blood-thinning medications.
• People awaiting surgery or organ transplant. Its effects on immune activity and blood clotting make it a risk around major procedures; most sources recommend stopping use at least two weeks before surgery.
• People taking specific medications. These include blood pressure medications, cholesterol drugs, certain chemotherapy agents, immunosuppressants, and hormonal birth control. Cat’s claw may affect how the liver processes some drugs.

A Note on Supplement Quality

Herbal supplements, including cat’s claw, are regulated far less strictly in the U.S. than prescription drugs. Some products on the market are inconsistently labeled or contaminated with other substances. Buying from a reputable brand and looking for third-party testing seals can reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

Cat’s Claw vs. Similar Herbs

People often confuse cat’s claw with other herbs that have overlapping uses or similar names. Here’s how it compares to two commonly confused options.

Despite the similar names, cat’s claw and devil’s claw come from entirely different plants on different continents and are not interchangeable.

Common Misconceptions About Cat’s Claw

• “Natural means safe for everyone.” Cat’s claw can interact with medications and is unsafe during pregnancy, which shows that plant-based doesn’t automatically mean risk-free.
• “It’s a proven cancer treatment.” Laboratory studies on cells are not the same as proven treatment in humans. No major cancer organization recommends cat’s claw as a cancer therapy.
• “More research exists than there actually does.” Many articles cite the same handful of small studies repeatedly, which can make the evidence feel more robust than it is.
• “Cat’s claw and devil’s claw are the same herb.” They aren’t. They come from different plants and have different safety profiles.
• “Any cat’s claw supplement works the same as the ones used in studies.” Studies often use specific standardized extracts; an unstandardized capsule from a different brand may not have the same alkaloid content.

Beyond the Herb: Other Meanings of “Cat’s Claw”

If you searched “cat’s claw” hoping to learn about your actual cat rather than a supplement, you’re in good company; this is one of the most commonly confused search terms in the pet and wellness space. Here’s what you need to know about the other side of “cat’s claw.”

Why Do Cats Claw Things?

Scratching is a normal, instinctive cat behavior, not misbehavior. Cats claw furniture, posts, and other surfaces for several reasons:

• Removing old nail sheaths. A cat’s claws grow in layers, and scratching helps shed the outer layer to reveal a sharper claw underneath.
• Stretching and muscle conditioning. Digging claws into a surface and pulling back stretches the muscles in the shoulders, back, and legs.
• Scent marking. Cats have scent glands in their paws, so scratching leaves both a visual mark and a scent signal to other animals.
• Stress relief. Scratching can help a cat self-soothe or release pent-up energy.

Because scratching meets real physical and emotional needs, the solution to furniture damage isn’t stopping the behavior entirely. It’s redirecting it toward appropriate surfaces, like scratching posts, cardboard scratchers, or cat trees.

What Is a Cat’s Claw Tool?

A “cat’s claw tool” usually refers to one of two things: a nail trimmer designed for a cat’s curved claws, or a specialty pry bar/tool used in construction that’s named after the claw-hammer shape (unrelated to pets). In a pet context, cat nail clippers are typically small, curved scissors or guillotine-style trimmers designed to cut a claw’s tip without crushing it, since a cat’s nail structure differs from a human nail.

Are Claw Caps Bad for Cats? Do They Hurt?

Claw caps, often sold under brand names like Soft Paws or Soft Claws, are small vinyl covers glued over a cat’s claws to blunt the sharp tip. When applied correctly, veterinary groomers and manufacturers report that claw caps are not painful and do not interfere with a cat’s natural ability to extend and retract its claws.

For claw caps to be safe and comfortable, a few conditions need to be met:

1. The claw should be trimmed to the correct length before the cap is applied.
2. The cap must be sized correctly; too large, and it can press into the sensitive skin around the nail bed.
3. Glue should be applied only to the inside of the cap, not pushed up into the skin at the base of the claw.
4. Caps should be checked periodically and reapplied as they shed naturally with claw growth, typically every 4–6 weeks.

Potential downsides worth knowing:

• Some cats, especially anxious or paw-sensitive ones, take longer to adjust and may over-groom or chew at the caps initially.
• Claw caps should only be used on indoor cats, since they blunt a cat’s natural defense and climbing ability.
• Improper sizing or application, rather than the caps themselves, is the most common cause of irritation.

Compared to declawing, which permanently removes part of the bone in a cat’s toe and is considered inhumane by organizations including the ASPCA, claw caps are a non-invasive, reversible option that many veterinarians consider a reasonable alternative for cats that scratch destructively.

Pros and Cons of Claw Caps

Pros and Cons of Cat’s Claw Herbal Supplement

How to Choose a Quality Cat’s Claw Supplement

1. Look for the Latin name on the label. Products should specify Uncaria tomentosa or Uncaria guianensis, not just “cat’s claw.”
2. Check for third-party testing. Seals from organizations like USP or NSF indicate the product has been independently verified for purity.
3. Note the extraction type. Some studies used specific pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid extracts; a product that discloses its alkaloid profile is more transparent than one that doesn’t.
4. Start with the lowest labeled dose. Since no universal dosage exists, starting low lets you gauge tolerance.
5. Talk to your doctor first, especially if you take any prescription medication or have an existing health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cat’s claw used for? 

Cat’s claw is traditionally used for inflammation, joint pain, and immune support. Modern research has looked at its potential role in arthritis symptom relief, though evidence remains limited and it is not a proven treatment for any disease.

Is cat’s claw safe to take every day? 

Cat’s claw appears to be possibly safe for most healthy adults when used short-term, but there is no established long-term safety data or standard daily dosage. It’s best used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially for extended use.

Can I take cat’s claw with other medications? 

You should check with a doctor first. Cat’s claw can interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and certain chemotherapy drugs, among others.

Why do cats claw furniture, and how do I stop it? 

Cats scratch to shed old claw sheaths, stretch their muscles, mark territory, and relieve stress. Rather than trying to eliminate the behavior, redirect it with scratching posts, regular nail trims, or claw caps.

Do claw caps hurt cats? 

No, not when sized and applied correctly. Claw caps sit on the claw’s surface without affecting the nail bed or the tendons that let a cat extend and retract its claws. Discomfort usually results from improper sizing or application, not the caps themselves.