Cat’s Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa)

Uncaria tomentosa is a large woody vine indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and tropical areas of South and Central America.  Known as "Uña de Gato" (Cat's Claw) in Spanish-speaking countries, it has been
used by Amazonian indigenous peoples — particularly the Asháninka of Peru — for over 2,000 years to treat inflammation, infection, and cognitive decline.

While related to Uncaria rhynchophylla (the Asian variety), Uncaria tomentosa has a distinct alkaloid profile featuring pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) — particularly isopteropodine, pteropodine, and mitraphylline — that are responsible for its unique immune-modulating and neuroprotective properties.

Uncaria tomentosa's bioactive pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) work through several complementary mechanisms:

- Immune modulation — POAs stimulate the production and activity of immune cells including lymphocytes
and macrophages, supporting balanced immune function without overstimulation

- NF-κB inhibition — powerfully inhibits nuclear factor kappa-B, one of the master regulators of
inflammatory response in the body, reducing systemic and neuroinflammation

- Neuroprotection — alkaloids have demonstrated protective effects against amyloid-beta aggregation
and tau phosphorylation — two key drivers of cognitive decline

- DNA repair support — research suggests Uncaria tomentosa alkaloids support DNA repair mechanisms at the cellular level

- Antioxidant — significant free radical scavenging activity protects neurons and other cells from oxidative damage

Uncaria tomentosa has a long traditional use history with a generally favorable safety profile:

- Well tolerated at standard supplemental doses
- May lower blood pressure — monitor if on antihypertensive medications
- May enhance effects of blood thinning medications — consult your doctor if on anticoagulants
- May enhance immune activity — those on immunosuppressant medications should avoid use
- Not recommended during pregnancy — traditional use suggests potential uterine effects
- Not for use in autoimmune conditions without medical supervision (immune stimulation)
- Children under 3 years should not use
- Allow 2-4 weeks of consistent use to experience full benefits

- Mur et al. (2002) — Published in Journal of Rheumatology, randomized controlled trial found Uncaria tomentosa extract significantly reduced pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis patients through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

- Snow et al. (2019) — Published in Scientific Reports, demonstrated Uncaria tomentosa extract significantly reduced amyloid plaque formation and improved cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease mouse models.

- Akesson et al. (2003) — Study in Phytomedicine found Cat's Claw extract significantly repaired oxidative DNA damage and reduced inflammatory markers in healthy volunteers.

- Allen-Hall et al. (2010) — Research in Journal of Ethnopharmacology documented the mechanism by which Uncaria tomentosa alkaloids modulate NF-κB signaling to reduce neuroinflammation.