Cat's Claw Inner Bark
May Boost Your Immune System
Cat’s claw may support your immune system, possibly helping fight infections more effectively.
A small study in 27 men found that consuming 700 mg of cat's claw extract for 2 months increased their number of white blood cells, which are involved in combating infections (3Trusted Source).
Another small study in four men given cat's claw extract for six weeks noted the same results (4Trusted Source).
Cat’s claw seems to work both by boosting your immune response and calming an overactive immune system (3Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
Its anti-inflammatory properties could be responsible for its immune benefits (6Trusted Source).
Despite these promising results, more research is needed.
May Relieve Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition in the United States, causing painful and stiff joints (7Trusted Source).
In one study in 45 people with osteoarthritis in the knee, taking 100 mg of cat’s claw extract for 4 weeks resulted in reduced pain during physical activity. No side effects were reported.
However, there was no change in either pain at rest or knee swelling (8Trusted Source).
In an eight-week study, a supplement of cat’s claw and maca root — a Peruvian medicinal plant — reduced pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. In addition, participants needed pain medication less frequently (9Trusted Source).
Another trial tested a daily mineral supplement alongside 100 mg of cat’s claw extract in people with osteoporosis. After 1–2 weeks, joint pain and function improved compared to those not taking the supplements (10Trusted Source).
However, after eight weeks, the benefits were not sustained.
It should also be noted that it can be difficult to determine the specific actions of cat’s claw in studies that test multiple supplements at once.
Scientists believe that cat’s claw may ease osteoarthritis symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties (6Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that more research is needed on cat’s claw and osteoarthritis (11Trusted Source).
May Relieve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes warm, swollen, painful joints. It is increasing in prevalence in the United States, where it affects more than 1.28 million adults (12Trusted Source).
Some studies suggest that cat's claw can help relieve its symptoms.
For example, a study in 40 people with rheumatoid arthritis determined that 60 mg of cat’s claw extract per day alongside regular medication resulted in a 29% reduction in the number of painful joints compared to a control group (13Trusted Source).
As with osteoarthritis, cat’s claw is thought to reduce inflammation in your body, easing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms as a result (6Trusted Source).
Although these results are promising, the evidence is weak. Larger, better-quality studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
Research suggests that cat’s claw extract may aid your immune system and reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, more studies are needed.
Cat’s claw contains several powerful compounds — such as phenolic acids, alkaloids, and flavonoids — that may promote health (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
cancer
viral infections
anxiety
allergies
high blood pressure
gout
stomach and bowel disorders
asthma
ovarian cysts
AIDS