Cat's Claw | NCCIH

Cat's Claw | NCCIH

Background

• Cat’s claw is a woody vine that grows wild in the Amazon rainforest. Its thorns resemble a cat’s claws.
• The use of cat’s claw for health purposes dates back 2,000 years.
• Cat’s claw is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, and more.

How Much Do We Know?

• There have been very few high-quality clinical trials (studies done in people) of cat’s claw.

What Have We Learned?

• There’s no conclusive scientific evidence based on studies in people that supports using cat’s claw for any health purpose.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Cat’s claw appears to be safe when used orally for short periods of time. However, it can cause headache, dizziness, and vomiting in some people.
• If you have an autoimmune disease or you take medication, consult your health care provider before using cat’s claw.

Find out more