cat's claw

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

It is thought that a cat’s claw has immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. It contains oxindole alkaloids, which are supposed to increase white blood cell activity and improve the immune system’s capacity to fight off illness. 

Regarding its range of the spectrum, cat’s claw is frequently employed to boost the immune system and lessen inflammation. It has long been used to treat various medical diseases, such as skin conditions, arthritis, digestive problems, and viral infections. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Headache  

Dizziness 

Vomiting 

Hypotension  

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• A cat’s claw may boost the immune system, which can be dangerous for people with autoimmune conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As a result, those with certain conditions should not use cat’s claw. 
• Use of a cat’s claw should be avoided by those who have had organ transplants and are receiving immunosuppressant drugs since it may interact negatively with such drugs and increase the risk of organ rejection. 
• People who are on blood pressure drugs should exercise caution when taking cat’s claw because it has the potential to reduce blood pressure. 
• People taking blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin should exercise caution when taking a cat’s claw because it has the potential to thin the blood. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols are only a few of the chemical substances found in a cat’s claw, and these are thought to be what give it its pharmacological benefits.  

The oxindole alkaloids mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, and pteropodine are among those found in a cat’s claw. These substances may have immune-stimulating effects in addition to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. 

Several quinovic acid glycosides, found in a cat’s claw, are thought to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Procyanidins, a kind of polyphenol that has been linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, are present in a cat’s claw. 

Pharmacodynamics 

The immunomodulatory qualities of a cat’s claw are its pharmacodynamic actions. It improves the functionality of T cells and natural killer cells, two types of white blood cells that are essential for the immunological response. It has been demonstrated that cat’s claw increases the synthesis of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a cytokine that aids in immune system activation and infection resistance. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

According to certain research, the active ingredients in a cat’s claw are well absorbed in the gut, with a bioavailability of between 12 and 60%.  

The presence of other substances in the digestive tract and variations in individual metabolism may affect how well a cat’s claw is absorbed. 

Distribution 

The active ingredients in a cat’s claw are dispersed throughout the body after absorption. They have been demonstrated to build up in several tissues and organs, including the spleen, liver, and kidneys. 

Metabolism 

Although the metabolism of a cat’s claw is unknown, it is thought to occur in the liver.  

Elimination and excretion 

cat’s claw and its metabolites are mostly eliminated through the urine and feces. According to some research, a cat’s claw has an elimination half-life that is just 0.9 to 1.9 hours long. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

There are several different cat’s claw herbal supplements you may buy, including capsules, tablets, liquid extracts and teas.  

 It can be taken with or without meals and is typically taken orally along with water or another beverage. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: cat’s claw 

Why do we use a cat’s claw? 

It is said that a cat’s claw improves immune system performance and helps in the body’s ability to fight off illnesses. 

It has been demonstrated that a cat’s claw possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, which may help to lessen inflammation brought on by diseases including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Numerous antioxidants found in cat’s claw may help shield cells from oxidative damage and promote general health and wellbeing. 

Especially in people with gastrointestinal diseases including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and crohn’s disease, cat’s claw may help improve digestive health