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Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis)
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Cat's claw/Drug Interactions:- AnalgesicsAnalgesics: Based on animal evidence, Uncaria tomentosa may produce dose-related antinociception through mechanisms that involve an interaction with 5-HT2 receptors (11).
- Antiarrhythmic agentsAntiarrhythmic agents: Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid component of Uncaria tomentosa, has been shown to exhibit antiarrhythmic activity in vitro (6; 21).
- Antiarthritic agentsAntiarthritic agents: Based on in vitro study using human cartilage, co-administration of extracts from Uncaria guianensis and maca (Lepidium meyenii) may promote chondrocyte growth (34). Clinical trial using cat's claw has demonstrated reduction in arthritis symptoms (16; 15).
- AntibioticsAntibiotics: Based on a laboratory study, micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa may have antibacterial activity, especially on Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus spp. (2). However, an increased colony-stimulating activity (CSA) was observed in the serum of normal and infected (Listeria monocytogenes) mice pretreated with 100mg/kg of Uncaria tomentosa extract (35). The effects of cat's claw with antibacterial agents are not well understood.
- Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Based on animal study, cat's claw has demonstrated antiplatelet effects (18). Laboratory findings indicate cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may inhibit platelet aggregation (19; 20).
- AntihistaminesAntihistamines: Based on secondary sources, cat's claw may act as an antihistamine. The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antihistamines are not well understood.
- AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: Laboratory findings indicate that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may cause hypotension and decrease heart rate (19; 20). Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and antihypertensive agents may cause additive blood pressure lowering.
- Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: According to in vitro and clinical study, the anti-inflammatory properties of Uncaria guianensis and Uncaria tomentosa may result from their ability to inhibit TNF-alpha and, to a lesser extent, PGE2 production (36; 15; 37; 9). An in vitro analysis corroborates this theorized mechanism of action theory, finding that cat's claw is a remarkably potent inhibitor of TNF-alpha production (37). The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and anti-inflammatory agents are not well understood.
- Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: Animal study shows that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline (22), which may theoretically lower blood cholesterol.
- Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: According to in vitro and animal study, C-Med-100® inhibited tumor cell proliferation and inflammatory responses (38), induced prolonged lymphocyte half life, increased spleen cells (39), and exhibited direct antiproliferative activity (40; 13; 10; 41; 42). The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antineoplastic agents are not well understood.
- Antiviral agentsAntiviral agents: In in vitro study, quinovic acid glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa exhibited antiviral properties when tested against two RNA viruses, vesicular stomatitis virus and rhinovirus 1B (5). The quinovic acid glycosides were all found to be active against vesicular stomatitis virus, but only two were active against rhinovirus 1B. The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antiviral agents are not well understood.
- Cytochrome P450 3A(4,5,7) substratesCytochrome P450 3A(4,5,7) substrates: There is preliminary in vitro evidence that cat's claw may inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes (23). Theoretically, cat's claw may increase levels of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4.
- Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticalsDiagnostic radiopharmaceuticals: Based on an animal study, the oral ingestion of Uncaria tomentosa extract may alter the biodistribution of the radiobiocomplex sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4), particularly in heart, pancreas, and muscle tissue (43).
- Disulfiram (Antabuse®)Disulfiram (Antabuse®): Many cat's claw tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and theoretically may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with disulfiram (Antabuse®).
- DiureticsDiuretics: Based on secondary sources, the mitraphylline constituent of cat's claw may have diuretic properties and lead to electrolyte imbalances. Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and diuretics may cause additive effects.
- Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: Laboratory evidence suggests that serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations may be reduced after cat's claw ingestion (32).
- ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In vitro study has indicated that the alkaloids of Uncaria tomentosa may display phagocytosis-stimulating action (24). According to in vitro and in vivo evidence, a formulation of cat's claw water extract containing medicinal mushroom extract, nicotinamide, and zinc exhibited synergistic immunostimulatory health benefits and did not exhibit metabolic competition (44). Theoretically, cat's claw may alter the effects of immunosuppressant agents.
- Metronidazole (Flagyl®)Metronidazole (Flagyl®): Many cat's claw tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and theoretically may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl®).
- Nephrotoxic agentsNephrotoxic agents: In a case report, cat's claw was linked to acute renal failure in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (17).
- VasodilatorsVasodilators: Geissoschizine methyl ether, an indole alkaloid extracted from Uncariae ramulus et Uncus, has been shown to be a potent vasorelaxant of isolated rat aorta (45).
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Cat's claw/Herb/Supplement Interactions:- AnalgesicsAnalgesics: Based on animal evidence, Uncaria tomentosa may produce dose-related antinociception through mechanisms that involve an interaction with 5-HT2 receptors (11).
- AntiarrhythmicsAntiarrhythmics: Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid component of Uncaria tomentosa, has been shown to exhibit antiarrhythmic activity in vitro (6; 21).
- Antiarthritic herbs and supplementsAntiarthritic herbs and supplements: Based on in vitro study using human cartilage, co-administration of extracts from Uncaria guianensis and maca (Lepidium meyenii) may promote chondrocyte growth (34). Clinical trial using cat's claw has demonstrated reduction in arthritis symptoms (16; 15).
- AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Based on a laboratory study, micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa may have antibacterial activity, especially on Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus spp. (2). However, an increased colony-stimulating activity (CSA) was observed in the serum of normal and infected (Listeria monocytogenes) mice pretreated with 100mg/kg of Uncaria tomentosa extract (35). The effects of cat's claw with antibacterial agents are not well understood.
- Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Based on animal study, cat's claw has demonstrated antiplatelet effects (18). Laboratory findings indicate cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may inhibit platelet aggregation (19; 20).
- AntihistaminesAntihistamines: Based on secondary sources, cat's claw may act as an antihistamine. The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antihistamines are not well understood.
- Anti-inflammatory herbsAnti-inflammatory herbs: According to in vitro and clinical studies, the anti-inflammatory properties of Uncaria guianensis and Uncaria tomentosa may result from their ability to inhibit TNF-alpha and, to a lesser extent, PGE2 production (36; 15; 37; 9). An in vitro analysis corroborates this theorized mechanism of action, finding that cat's claw is a remarkably potent inhibitor of TNF-alpha production (37). The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and anti-inflammatory agents are not well understood.
- AntilipemicsAntilipemics: Animal study shows that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline (22), which may theoretically lower blood cholesterol.
- AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: According to in vitro and animal study, C-Med-100® inhibits tumor cell proliferation and inflammatory responses (38), induces prolonged lymphocyte half life, increases spleen cells (39), and exhibits direct antiproliferative activity (40; 13; 10; 41; 42). The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antineoplastics are not well understood.
- AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Based on in vitro study, Uncaria tomentosa may possess a high antioxidant capacity (3; 4).
- AntiviralsAntivirals: In in vitro study, quinovic acid glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa exhibited antiviral properties when tested against two RNA viruses: vesicular stomatitis virus and rhinovirus 1B (5). The quinovic acid glycosides were all found to be active against vesicular stomatitis virus, but only two were active against rhinovirus 1B. The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antiviral agents are not well understood.
- Cytochrome P450 3A(4,5,7) substratesCytochrome P450 3A(4,5,7) substrates: There is preliminary in vitro evidence that cat's claw may inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes (23).
- DiureticsDiuretics: Based on secondary sources, the mitraphylline constituent of cat's claw may have diuretic properties and lead to electrolyte imbalances. Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and diuretics may cause additive effects.
- Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: Laboratory evidence suggests that serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations may be reduced after cat's claw ingestion (32).
- HypotensivesHypotensives: Laboratory findings indicate that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may cause hypotension and decrease heart rate (19). Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and antihypertensive agents may cause additive blood pressure lowering.
- ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: Based on in vitro study, the alkaloids of Uncaria tomentosa have displayed phagocytosis-stimulating action (24). According to in vitro and in vivo evidence, a formulation of cat's claw water extract, medicinal mushroom extract, nicotinamide, and zinc exhibits synergistic immunostimulatory health benefits and does not exhibit metabolic competition (44). Theoretically, cat's claw may alter the effects of immunosuppressant agents.
- IronIron: Cat's claw has been shown to contain tannins (46). Theoretically, the tannin content of cat's claw may bind with iron (47), decreasing its absorption into the body.
- MacaMaca: Based on in vitro study using human cartilage, co-administration of extracts from Uncaria guianensis and maca (Lepidium meyenii) may promote chondrocyte growth (34).
- Nephrotoxic agentsNephrotoxic agents: In a case report, cat's claw was linked to acute renal failure in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (17).
- Vasorelaxant herbs and supplementsVasorelaxant herbs and supplements: Geissoschizine methyl ether, an indole alkaloid extracted from Uncariae ramulus et Uncus, has been shown to be a potent vasorelaxant of isolated rat aorta (45).
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Cat's claw/Food Interactions:- Iron-containing foodsIron-containing foods: Cat's claw has been shown to contain tannins (46). Theoretically, the tannin content of cat's claw may bind with iron (47), decreasing its absorption into the body.
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Cat's claw/Lab Interactions:- Blood pressureBlood pressure: Laboratory findings indicate that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may cause hypotension and decrease heart rate (19). Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and antihypertensive agents may cause additive blood pressure lowering.
- Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: Based on animal study, cat's claw has demonstrated antiplatelet effects (18). Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may inhibit platelet aggregation (19; 20).
- Diagnostic proceduresDiagnostic procedures: Based on animal study, the oral ingestion of Uncaria tomentosa extract may alter the biodistribution of the radiobiocomplex sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4), particularly in the heart, pancreas, and muscles (43).
- ElectrolytesElectrolytes: The mitraphylline constituent of cat's claw may have diuretic properties (22), which may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
- Heart rateHeart rate: Laboratory findings indicate that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may cause hypotension and decrease heart rate (19). Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and antihypertensive agents may cause additive blood pressure lowering.
- Hormone panelHormone panel: Laboratory evidence suggests that serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations may be reduced after cat's claw ingestion (32).
- Lipid profileLipid profile: Animal study shows that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline (22), which may theoretically lower blood cholesterol.
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Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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