Synopsis

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

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems of South America, particularly by indigenous peoples of the Amazon. While cat's claw is most commonly associated with immune modulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and digestive health, there are some traditional references to its use in addressing respiratory ailments, including coughs. Specifically, for spastic (or dry, irritating) cough, cat's claw was sometimes included in traditional herbal mixtures aimed at soothing the throat and reducing inflammation.

However, the evidence supporting cat's claw for cough (spastic) is primarily anecdotal and rooted in ethnobotanical practices rather than rigorous clinical research. There is a paucity of scientific literature or modern clinical trials directly evaluating cat's claw's efficacy for cough, spastic or otherwise. Some laboratory studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, which could theoretically ease airway irritation, but these findings are not directly linked to cough relief in humans.

In summary, cat's claw's use for spastic cough is justified by traditional use, with only weak and indirect support from scientific findings. Modern medical guidelines do not endorse cat's claw for this purpose due to the lack of robust clinical evidence.

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