Use(s) or Purpose(s)
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- Used for diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, Alzheimer’s disease, and leaky bowel syndrome.
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- Used for arthritis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, glioblastoma, gonorrhea, dysentery, birth control, bone pains, and “cleansing” the kidneys
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- Cancer (especially urinary tract cancer)
Risk Information
Caution(s) and Warning(s)
PREGNANCY : When used orally. There is concern that cat’s claw might be unsafe based on its use as a contraceptive; avoid using.
Contraindication(s)
Since cat’s claw may lower blood pressure, exercise caution when using cat’s claw with antihypertensive drugs. There’s preliminary evidence that cat’s claw can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes. Theoretically, cat’s claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4; however, so far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and numerous others. Use cat’s claw cautiously or avoid in patients taking these drugs. Theoretically, cat’s claw may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to immunostimulating activity. It stimulates phagocytosis and increases respiratory cellular activity and the mobility of leukocytes. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), and other corticosteroids (glucocorticoids). HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS WITH HYPOTENSIVE EFFECTS: Cat’s claw is thought to have hypotensive effects. Theoretically, combining cat’s claw with other herbs or supplements with hypotensive effects might increase the risk of hypotension. Some of these herbs and supplements include andrographis, casein peptides, cat’s claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, and others. WHITE BLOOD CELLS (WBCs): Cat’s claw increases several WBCs including B and T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and granulocytes in animal models. But cat’s claw does not seem to change the proportion of these cells. Cat’s claw does not seem to increase precursors to the cells, suggesting that it prolongs white blood cell survival, rather than increasing cell production. Theoretically, cat’s claw might increase WBCs in patients who take it, however, this effect has not been demonstrated in humans. AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: There is some concern that cat’s claw might adversely affect patients with autoimmune disorders because of its immune stimulating effects. Avoid using in patients with multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or other autoimmune disorders without the advice of a healthcare professional. HYPOTENSION: Cat’s claw might reduce blood pressure and exacerbate hypotension. LEUKEMIA: Preliminary evidence suggests that cat’s claw might prolong survival time of childhood leukemia cells in vitro. Theoretically, taking cat’s claw might worsen disease activity in patients who have leukemia. Advise patients with leukemia not to take cat’s claw. SURGERY: Cat’s claw might affect blood pressure. Theoretically, cat’s claw might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgical procedures. Tell patients to discontinue cat’s claw at least 2 weeks before elective surgical procedures.
Known Adverse Reaction(s)
Orally, cat’s claw can cause headache, dizziness, and vomiting.