Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Une interaction plante-médicament se produit lorsqu'une plante ou un complément modifie l'action d'un médicament dans votre organisme — en le rendant plus puissant, moins efficace, ou plus susceptible de provoquer des effets nocifs. Les plantes contiennent des composés actifs qui peuvent accélérer ou ralentir les enzymes et transporteurs utilisés pour métaboliser les médicaments.

Pourquoi c'est important

Millepertuis peut rendre la contraception, les antidépresseurs et les anticoagulants moins efficaces.

Ail peut augmenter le risque de saignement avec la warfarine et autres anticoagulants (aussi ginkgo, gingembre et curcuma).

Kava peut amplifier la sédation avec les médicaments contre l'anxiété ou le sommeil (aussi la valériane).

Le risque est plus élevé chez les personnes âgées, ceux qui prennent plusieurs médicaments et les personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques.

Indiquez toujours à votre médecin et à votre pharmacien toutes les plantes et compléments que vous prenez — et vérifiez ci-dessous avant toute association.

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (2)

1 Modéré1 Léger

Médicament	Sévérité	Description
Immunosuppressants	Modéré	Le cat's claw stimule la fonction immunitaire et peut contrecarrer les médicaments immunosuppresseurs.
Antihypertensives	Léger	L'épilobe peut avoir des effets légers abaissant la pression artérielle qui sont additifs avec les antihypertenseurs.

Cette liste reflète un sous-ensemble sélectionné d'interactions documentées et n'est pas exhaustive. L'absence d'un médicament ici ne prouve pas qu'il est sans danger à combiner. Confirmez toujours auprès d'un pharmacien ou d'un professionnel de santé.

Questions fréquentes

How does Cat's Claw work to reduce inflammation in the body?

Cat's Claw contains pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids that modulate immune function by influencing white blood cell activity. These compounds suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-alpha and NF-kappa B, which are key drivers of chronic inflammation. The herb also contains antioxidant proanthocyanidins that neutralize free radicals contributing to oxidative stress. Evidence Level B supports these immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, making it potentially beneficial for conditions like arthritis.

Does Cat's Claw interact with prescription medications?

Yes, Cat's Claw has clinically significant drug interactions. It should never be combined with immunosuppressant medications used after organ transplants, as it may counteract their effects and risk organ rejection. The herb can potentiate anticoagulant medications like warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. It may also enhance the effects of antihypertensive drugs, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining Cat's Claw with any prescription medication.

What is the recommended dosage for Cat's Claw supplements?

Adults typically take 250-350mg of standardized extract one to three times daily. Standardized extracts should contain 1-3% pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids for consistent potency. Alternatively, 1-2 grams of dried bark can be brewed as tea and consumed up to three times daily. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being addressed. Evidence Level B supports these dosage ranges. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Cat's Claw safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, Cat's Claw is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Traditional evidence spanning over 2,000 years of use indicates the herb may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially causing miscarriage or premature labor. The immunomodulatory compounds could also affect fetal development. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should avoid Cat's Claw entirely. There is insufficient safety data to support use during these periods.

What is Cat's Claw used for and does it work for arthritis?

Cat's Claw is traditionally used for inflammation, immune support, digestive complaints, and wound healing. Evidence Level B research suggests it may help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing inflammatory pathways. A standardized extract has shown promise in reducing joint pain and stiffness in clinical observations. Indigenous Amazonian peoples have used this vine for over 2,000 years. While promising, more rigorous human trials are needed to confirm efficacy for arthritis.

Who should not take Cat's Claw supplements?

Several groups should avoid Cat's Claw. People with autoimmune disorders like lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis should not take it, as immune stimulation may worsen these conditions. Those scheduled for surgery should discontinue use at least two weeks prior due to bleeding risks. Organ transplant recipients, leukemia patients, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid it. Additionally, individuals with low blood pressure should use caution. Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 29 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a medicinal vine from the Amazon used for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and antioxidant properties [PMID:31643645, PMID:17210508].

Contexte

Uncaria tomentosa, also known as uña de gato, is a species of vine in the Rubiaceae family native to the tropical low mountain forests of Central and South America [PMID:31643645, PMID:40725012].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used in Peru and by Amazonian indigenous groups for conditions including arthritis, gastritis, osteoarthritis, fever, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, viral infections, skin disorders, abscesses, allergies, asthma, cancer, gastric ulcers, haemorrhages, inflammations, menstrual irregularity, rheumatism, urinary tract inflammation, and wounds [PMID:31643645, PMID:17210508, PMID:40725012, PMID:10075119].

Composés actifs

Key constituents include oxindole alkaloids (categorized into pentacyclic and tetracyclic chemotypes), triterpenes, quinovic acid glycosides, flavonoids, coumarins, and proanthocyanidins [PMID:10328636, PMID:15649507, PMID:28788071].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include inhibition of TNF-alpha, antioxidant activity, and modulation of the immune response by potentiating or suspending cytokines secreted by macrophages [PMID:17210508, PMID:37729210]. Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids stimulate endothelial cells to produce a lymphocyte-proliferation-regulating factor, while tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids act as antagonists to this effect [PMID:10328636, PMID:10075119].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve COsteoarthritis

Used as a complementary therapy to assist in the reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators and effectors [PMID:17210508]

Preuve ACancer

Extracts exhibited selective cytotoxicity in some cancer cell lines in vitro [PMID:40438596]

Preuve DChikungunya Virus

Hydroalcoholic bark extract inhibited CHIKV infection in a dose-dependent manner in vitro, with >90% antiviral activity at 100 µg/mL [PMID:38543735]

Preuve DAlveolar Bone Loss

Uncaria tomentosa extract reduced osteoclastic bone loss in rat models [PMID:32920290]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Cat's claw has not been implicated in causing liver injury [PMID:31643645].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Uncaria tomentosa extract significantly inhibited all ABC transporters and the majority of tested SLC transporters [PMID:39598486]. It has been identified as a PXR-activating herb that can induce CYP3A4 expression [PMID:36797057]. Samento extract showed weak inhibition of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 and approximately 40% inhibition of CYP3A4 in vitro [PMID:30602711].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and literature reviews; there is a noted lack of randomized controlled trials or published human outcome studies for many of its reported uses.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 33917843 (2021) — Neuroprotective Herbs for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. · Biomolecules
2.PMID: 31643645 (2012) — Uncaria tomentosa. · Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia : organo ufficiale, Societa italiana di dermatologia e sifilografia
3.PMID: 10328636 (1999) — Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) D.C.: cat's claw, uña de gato, or savéntaro. · Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)
4.PMID: 32764275 (2020) — Postulated Adjuvant Therapeutic Strategies for COVID-19. · Journal of personalized medicine
5.PMID: 23597204 (2013) — Mechanisms of herb-induced nephrotoxicity. · Current medicinal chemistry

Cat's Claw

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Cat's Claw

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

2 interactions médicamenteuses connues — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles