Cat's Claw

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 2, 2025.

What are other common names?

• Uncaria guianensis
• Uncaria tomentosa
• C-Med 100
• Cat's Claw
• Cortex Uncariae
• Life-Giving Vine of Peru
• Reparagen
• Samento
• Uña de Gato

What is this product used for?

Cat's claw is used by some people as medicine. Using cat’s claw for any health problem is not supported by medical studies.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• Do not use this product in children.

• Do not use this product if you are taking drugs that alter your immune response.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs for blood pressure. These are drugs like atenolol, captopril, furosemide, and losartan.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs that contain hormones. These are drugs like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs that affect your hormones. These are drugs like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, anastrozole, exemestane, fluvestrant, letrozole, or tamoxifen.

• Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.

• You may bleed easily. Be careful to avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Bleeding problems

  • Blood pressure problems

  • Cancer

  • Immune system problems or an infection

  • Kidney problems

  • Nerve problems

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Stomach cramps

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of low blood pressure. These include feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; fainting; more thirst; or skin that is pale, cool, and clammy.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad loose stools

• Very bad headache

• Blood in stool or throwing up blood

• Bruising or bleeding that is not normal

• Changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-05-23

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