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Cat's claw
  • Treatments
  • Herbal Supplementation

Cat's claw

Generic name: cat's claw (CATS CLAW)
Drug class:Herbal products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 29, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cat's claw?

Cat's claw is a plant that is also known as Griffe Du Chat, Liane du Pérou, Life-Giving Vine of Peru, Samento, Uña De Gato.

Cat's claw has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating arthritis. People with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis have used cat's claw. Different forms of cat's claw may be specific to treating each type of arthritis. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about which form to use.

Other uses not proven with research have included stomach and intestinal disorders, hemorrhoids, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, shingles, chickenpox, hay fever, and many other conditions.

It is not certain whether cat's claw is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of cat's claw has not been approved by the FDA. Cat's claw should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Cat's claw is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Cat's claw may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

Do not use cat's claw if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether cat's claw passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this product.

Do not give...