Evidence supporting the use of: Cat's claw
For the health condition: Cough (dry)

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Synopsis

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

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa), a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other parts of Central and South America, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly among indigenous peoples. Traditionally, cat's claw has been used to address a variety of ailments related to inflammation and infection, including respiratory complaints such as cough and asthma. The rationale for its use in dry cough is primarily based on its purported anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, which may help soothe irritated respiratory passages.

However, there is limited direct scientific evidence supporting cat's claw as a treatment for dry cough in humans. Most modern research has focused on its potential benefits for arthritis, immune system modulation, and antioxidant activity, rather than on respiratory conditions specifically. Few, if any, clinical trials have evaluated cat's claw for cough, and existing studies tend to focus on its broad anti-inflammatory effects, which are only indirectly relevant to dry cough.

In summary, while cat's claw has a traditional reputation for supporting respiratory health and easing coughs, this use is not strongly validated by modern clinical research. Its application for dry cough remains based on anecdotal and ethnobotanical evidence rather than robust scientific data.

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