What is cats claw used to treat?

Is cat’s claw good for arthritis?

A number of early studies have suggested that cat’s claw has immune-modulating and antioxidant effects beneficial to the treatment of arthritis and other health conditions. Despite the expansiveness of these claims, there is little current evidence support its use.

Can cat’s claw help lower blood pressure?

Cat’s claw is considered a treatment for lowering blood pressure in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Another variety of cat’s claw called Uncaria Rhynchophylla prevents platelet aggregation and blood clotting. With a mechanism similar to blood thinners, it can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation.

What is cat’s claw extract used for?

Cat’s claw extract can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure. It’s also well tolerated with few common side effects, making it a safe addition to any supplement regimen. What is Cat’s Claw Extract?

Why is it called Cat’s claw?

Its name is derived from the hook-like thorns that resemble the claws of a cat. Cat’s claw bark and root have been used for centuries by South Americans as a remedy for arthritis and to treat digestive disorders such as gastritis, colitis, and stomach ulcers.

What is cat’s claw good for?

Cat’s claw is a popular herbal supplement derived from a tropical vine. While research to support many of its supposed health benefits is limited, some evidence suggests that cat’s claw may help boost your immune system and ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Is CatCat’s claw effective for rheumatoid arthritis?

Cat’s claw is a herbal remedy which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Only one RCT was conducted to evaluate its role in treating rheumatoid arthritis, which showed some clinical benefits with only minor side-effects when taken along with conventional medications.

How much cat’s claw should I take for arthritis?

Studies have used daily doses of 60 and 100 mg of cat’s claw extract for treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee, respectively ( 8, 13 ). One potential risk is that many herbal supplements — including cat’s claw — are not tightly regulated by the FDA.

What are the side effects of cat’s claw?

No serious side-effects were reported in one trial whose participants had rheumatoid arthritis, but there was one report of serious kidney problems in a woman with lupus. You should be cautious about taking cat’s claw if you take drug for hypertension because it may increase the effect of these drugs.

Can cat’s claw help with arthritis?

Multiples studies have confirmed using cat’s claw to naturally improve both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. In a 2001 study, 45 subjects suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee either took 100 milligrams per day of freeze-dried cat’s claw or a placebo for four weeks.

Does cat’s claw interact with other medications?

If it does not, consult your doctor. Cat’s claw is known to interact with a number of different drugs ( x ). If you are taking blood thinners, cholesterol drugs or immunosuppressants, speak to your doctor before taking cat’s claw. The drug interactions are usually minor, but in rare cases can cause severe reactions.

What are the benefits of Cat’s Claw extract?

Cat’s Claw Extract Benefits 1 Blood Pressure. Hypotension, or high blood pressure, affects millions of people and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 2 Digestive Support. Cat’s claw may also help with healthy digestive support and reduce irritation in the intestines. … 3 Anti-Inflammatory. … 4 Immune Support. … 5 Cancer.

How to use cat’s claw extract powder?

Nowadays, it is usually consumed as an extract. This makes it easier to use, and also helps ensure that you get a consistent dose. For cat’s claw extract powder, take 500 mg one to two times daily. Do note, however, that it is best to consult with a doctor before beginning supplementation. To take the extract, you can mix it in water or milk.

What are the health benefits of cat’s claw?

Today, cat’s claw is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes, human papilloma virus, and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, and leaky bowel syndrome. How Much Do We Know?

What is a claw made of?

What is a claw? The cat’s claw is made up of two parts: the keratinized part formed by a superposition of horny layers, and nail pulp in the center, which contains the nerves and the blood vessels. The cat has 4 toes on each his/her hind legs and 5 toes on the front ones.

What is cat’s claw bark used for?

Cat’s claw bark and root, often made into a tea, have been used for centuries by South Americans as a remedy for a wide range of ailments, including stomach ulcers and fevers. 1 Most of these uses are unsupported by scientific evidence or only have early evidence supporting their use.

Is cat’s Claw an effective natural cancer treatment?

A 2015 study also found that the cat’s claw might be especially beneficial to advanced cancer patients by improving their quality of life and reducing fatigue. ( 7) All of this makes cat’s claw a potentially effective natural cancer treatment. 3. Repairs DNA

How effective is cat’s claw for arthritis?

53% of participants given cat’s claw in phase A reported a significant reduction in the number of painful joints compared to only 24% of participants who started on placebo tablets.

Are Cat’s Claw supplements safe to take?

Cat’s claw supplements are generally sold in capsule and tincture formulations. The herb is also available in tea bags or purchased as loose “wild-crafted” powders and bark chips. Capsule formulations are generally considered safe at doses of up to 350 milligrams daily.

How much Cat’s Claw can I give my Cat?

The dosing of cat’s claw tinctures can vary by the strength of the formulation, but 1 to 4 milliliters (ml) daily is the most commonly recommended dose. As a rule of thumb, never take more than is recommended on the product label. At this time, there is little scientific data on how long cat’s claw can be used safely.

Can I take Cat’s Claw with my medications?

Taking cat’s claw along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications.

What does cat’s claw do for the body?

Cat’s claw inhibits platelet aggregation and blood clot formation, decreasing overall blood pressure and increasing circulation. It also inhibits the formation of plaques and blood clots in the heart, brain, and blood vessels [45].

What are the side effects of Cat’s Claw in Canada?

In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Cat’s claw is generally considered safe. The main side effects reported in clinical trials were usually mild and included [ 42, 65 ]: Pregnant women should avoid using cat’s claw because of the herb’s potential to cause abortion [ 2 ].

What happens if you eat too much Cat’s Claw?

The high levels of tannins in cat’s claw may cause some side effects — including nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea — if consumed in large amounts ( 1 ).

Can Cat’s Claw extract help with knee pain?

For a small study published in Inflammation Research, people with osteoarthritis of the knee took either a cat’s claw extract or a placebo. After four weeks, a significantly greater number of those who took the cat’s claw extract had reduced pain during activity.

Is it safe to take Cat’s Claw before surgery?

Surgery: There is a concern that cat’s claw might make blood pressure control difficult during surgery. Stop taking cat’s claw at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Interactions? ! Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.

Cat’s claw might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications.