NOW Supplements Cat's Claw 500 mg

We conducted a study to determine whether cat's claw, a medicinal plant from the Amazon, could effectively treat osteoarthritis of the knee. With 45 participants, we divided them into two groups—30 received freeze-dried Uncaria guianensis, while 15 were given a placebo. Over four weeks, we monitored their health through various assessments, including pain levels and any potential side effects.

Our findings indicated that cat's claw showed no harmful effects on participants' blood or liver function when compared to the placebo. Importantly, those taking cat's claw reported significant reductions in pain during activity and improvements in assessment scores within the first week. However, we did note that pain relief during rest or at night, as well as changes in knee circumference, were not significantly impacted in this short time frame.

In our lab tests, both U. guianensis and U. tomentosa demonstrated equivalent abilities to neutralize harmful free radicals and inhibit the production of TNFalpha, an inflammatory marker. Although cat's claw did reduce the release of another inflammatory substance, PGE2, this effect required higher concentrations than needed for TNFalpha inhibition. Overall, our study suggests that cat's claw could be an effective natural treatment option for managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

9.5

Quality of life restored

Most Useful Review

Simply AMAZING relief! I purchased this after researching homeopathic supplements for managing rheumatoid arthritis. Despite past autoimmune issues, my pain and stiffness increased post-hip replacement surgery. Adding Wellspring's Organic Omega 3's and Now Brand's Cat's Claw to my regimen remarkably improved my quality of life. After only four days, my lower back pain is gone, and my hands and feet feel significantly better. I’m truly amazed and grateful for this product!

Treatment with Promotes Apoptosis in B16-BL6 Mouse Melanoma Cells and Inhibits the Growth of B16-BL6 Tumours.

Most Relevant Research

We explored the potential of cat's claw, a medicinal plant from Peru, as a treatment for cancer using B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells. In controlled experiments, we treated these cancer cells with both ethanol and phosphate-buffered saline extracts of cat's claw. The results were promising, showing a remarkable reduction in cell growth—up to 80% less compared to untreated cells—and a notable increase in apoptosis, which is a form of programmed cell death essential for eliminating cancer cells.

Our in vivo studies with C57/bl mice provided further insights. Mice treated with both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of cat's claw showed a substantial decrease in tumor weight by an average of 59% and a reduction in tumor size by about 40%. We also performed histochemical analysis, which revealed a significant drop in the Ki-67 marker—indicative of cell proliferation—in the tumors of treated mice. While there was a slight increase in TUNEL staining, it was not statistically significant.

Additionally, we observed that cat's claw extracts reduced markers of angiogenesis and limited T cell infiltration into the tumors. Overall, our research indicates that cat's claw exhibits powerful anti-cancer properties, enlightening its potential as a complementary treatment in cancer therapy.

9.5

Cervical cancer recovery

Most Useful Review

Superb natural remedy for pain and cancer. I purchased these for a friend with cervical cancer, known for helping with pain. Shortly after starting them, she noticed her chemotherapy burns diminishing and significantly less pain. Both she and her doctor were astonished at how quickly the cancer cells were vanishing. Certainly recommended after what I witnessed!