Synopsis

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

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has a long history of traditional use in South American herbal medicine, particularly by Indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest. Traditionally, cat’s claw has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including infections—both viral and bacterial—as well as inflammatory conditions. The rationale for its use against infections is primarily based on its purported immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties, as observed in traditional healing practices. Folk medicine often utilized cat’s claw decoctions or infusions to help manage fevers, colds, and other symptoms suggestive of infection.

Scientific evidence supporting the use of cat’s claw specifically for viral infections is limited. Laboratory studies have shown some antiviral activity of cat’s claw extracts against certain viruses in vitro, such as herpes simplex virus and dengue. Some components, namely oxindole alkaloids, may modulate immune responses, but the clinical relevance of these findings is unclear. Human studies are sparse, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly evaluating cat’s claw’s efficacy in treating or preventing viral infections. Most available evidence is preclinical or anecdotal. Therefore, while the use of cat’s claw for viral infections is rooted in traditional medicine, it is not strongly supported by present scientific research.

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