Evidence supporting the use of: Cat's claw
For the health condition: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of Central and South America. Its use for respiratory conditions, including chronic coughs and bronchial ailments, is rooted in traditional medicine practices of indigenous peoples in South America. While cat's claw is widely recognized in folk medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and antioxidant properties, there is minimal scientific evidence directly supporting its use in the management or treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).

Ethnobotanical records indicate that traditional healers have used cat's claw to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation, infections, and respiratory problems. This traditional use forms the primary justification for its application in respiratory diseases, such as COPD, rather than robust clinical evidence. Only a few preclinical studies have explored cat's claw's impact on inflammatory pathways, and these studies do not specifically address COPD or provide conclusive outcomes applicable to human patients with this disease. Systematic reviews and clinical trials focusing on cat's claw are sparse, and none have established its efficacy in COPD management.

In conclusion, the use of cat's claw for COPD is primarily based on traditional practices rather than scientific validation. There is a lack of quality clinical evidence to support its effectiveness or safety for this condition, and its use should be approached with caution until more rigorous studies are available.

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