What Is Cat’s Claw?

Cat’s claw is a large and woody vine with medicinal benefits that is native to Peru. It has large, curved thorns that resemble the claws of a cat, hence the name.

We offer only the inner bark of the cat’s claw vine, as this part is most prized for medicinal use.

How to Use Cat’s Claw (Common Uses)

Cat’s claw can be taken internally as a tea, powder, capsules, or extract.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw has a long history of traditional use by the Indigenous Peoples of the Amazonian rain forest. They have historically prescribed it for internal conditions such as arthritis and stomach ulcers, and external conditions such as wounds and fungal infections.

In Western herbalism, cat’s claw is best known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing benefits. It is a potent herb popular for conditions such as arthritis, joint and muscle inflammation, viral infections, and more.

Cat’s claw is also gaining popularity for uses some stomach conditions such as Crohn’s, IBS, gastritis, and leaky gut syndrome, as it may help to heal the mucosal membrane of the digestive tract.

Some recent research has shown potential for cat’s claw as an anti-tumor herb.

Cat’s claw has some mild diuretic effects and may also be beneficial for reducing high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Active Constituents in Cat’s Claw

Oxinadole alkaloids, indole alkaloid glucosides , proanthocyanidins, triterpenoid saponins, catechins, carboxyl alkyl esters.