Evidence supporting the use of: Cat's claw
For the health condition: Herpes

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has a long history of use in South American traditional medicine, particularly by indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest. Its use for viral infections, including herpes, is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific validation. Traditional healers have employed cat's claw as an immune booster and anti-inflammatory agent. Some laboratory studies suggest that cat's claw contains compounds—such as oxindole alkaloids, quinovic acid glycosides, and polyphenols—that may exhibit antiviral properties and modulate immune function. However, the evidence from controlled human clinical trials specifically targeting herpes simplex virus (HSV) is extremely limited or absent.

Most of the available scientific literature focuses on cat's claw's general immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, rather than direct antiviral activity against herpes viruses. Anecdotal reports and some herbal medicine texts reference its use for cold sores and genital herpes, but these claims are not strongly supported by high-quality, peer-reviewed research. A handful of in vitro studies suggest potential antiviral action, but translating these findings into clinical efficacy remains unproven. Therefore, the use of cat's claw for herpes is best described as traditional, with a low level of supporting evidence (rated 2/5), reflecting mostly historical or cultural practices rather than scientific consensus.

More about cat's claw
More about Herpes