Medical Researches
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
In this study, we explored the effects of the herbal medicine Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as cat's claw, particularly in treating arthritis. Cat's claw has long been valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, but we aimed to assess its broader pharmacological potential, especially regarding cytotoxicity and mutagenicity.
Our approach involved administering aqueous extracts of cat's claw to Wistar rats and observing its impact on bone marrow cells. Over the course of either 24 hours or 7 days, we evaluated whether the extract posed any harmful effects. Remarkably, we found that cat's claw did not exhibit any signs of cytotoxicity or mutagenicity in our analyses.
Furthermore, we examined how cat's claw interacts with cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapeutic drug. Interestingly, when cat's claw extracts were given alongside or just before/after cyclophosphamide, they significantly reduced the chromosomal aberrations caused by the drug. This indicates that cat's claw could serve as a complementary treatment option, potentially improving overall quality of life for arthritis patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy.
Overall, our findings support the safe use of this herbal remedy, which is accessible through the Brazilian Public Health System, for managing arthritis symptoms while enhancing the recovery experience during chemotherapy.
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Cat's claw supports cartilage healthThe chrondoprotective actions of a natural product are associated with the activation of IGF-1 production by human chondrocytes despite the presence of IL-1beta.
Focused on cat's claw effects
We examined how a natural product called cat's claw, derived from the Uncaria guianensis plant, might protect cartilage in the joints, especially for those suffering from arthritis. Cartilage loss is a common issue in arthritis, often driven by inflammation and catabolic processes that overwhelm the body’s ability to repair itself.
In our research, we focused on how cat's claw could counteract this damage by limiting degradation and promoting the production of a crucial growth factor known as IGF-1. This factor plays an essential role in maintaining cartilage health, and our goal was to see if cat's claw could boost its production even in the presence of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta.
We analyzed human cartilage samples and observed that cat's claw successfully stimulated IGF-1 production while also protecting against cartilage degradation. This exciting finding suggests that natural products like cat's claw might offer new therapeutic options for people dealing with joint issues, making them both relevant and promising for long-term joint health.
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We explored the effectiveness of cat's claw as a dietary supplement for managing arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our investigation included a thorough review of 16 clinical studies, including several randomized controlled trials, that assessed how cat's claw impacts arthritis symptoms.
Notably, our findings revealed that three studies support the use of cat's claw, either on its own or in combination with other treatments, for OA. However, it’s important to note that while there are some positive outcomes, the exact benefits of cat's claw might be complicated due to the use of other treatments alongside it.
When it comes to RA, the evidence is less robust, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about its effectiveness in that area. Overall, we found that the current research highlights some potential for cat's claw, but more high-quality studies are needed to fully understand and recommend its use in arthritis management.
In addition to cat's claw, our review covered various other supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, but these did not show strong enough results to endorse their use for either OA or RA.
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Cat's claw shows modest benefitsRandomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Study relevant but combined treatments.
We explored the effects of a cat's claw extract, specifically from the pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria tomentosa, on patients suffering from active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this well-structured study, forty participants already receiving traditional treatments like sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine were involved.
Over a year, the research took place across two phases. The first phase lasted for 24 weeks and was designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where patients either received the UT extract or a placebo. In the following 28 weeks, everyone was treated with the extract.
Our findings were promising: those who took the cat's claw extract during the first phase showed a reduction in painful joints by over 53% compared to only 24% for those on placebo. Even when the extract was only given to patients in the second phase, they experienced significant relief from pain and swelling. Importantly, any side effects noted were minor, suggesting good safety.
This initial research indicates that a highly purified cat's claw extract might offer a modest benefit for patients with RA, particularly in easing joint tenderness when combined with existing therapies.
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Cat's claw benefits knee arthritisEfficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat's claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: mechanisms of action of the species Uncaria guianensis.
Direct examination of cat's claw effects
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.
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User Reviews
Using it for arthritis. This product is pure magic. I was initially recommended cats claw by my doctor when diagnosed with early-stage arthritis in 2012. After a hiatus, my pain worsened, so I reordered this brand. Within three days, the pain was gone. Highly recommended!
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!
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Great! I acquired it for rheumatoid arthritis, and it works like a charm. Consult your provider as it can interact with other medications. I've been using it for over six months, alongside turmeric, with relief. Thank you for such a fantastic product! Please don’t alter the formula.
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Works great for arthritis! My rheumatologist recommended it for my osteoarthritis and pseudo-gout. With low expectations, I was astonished by the significant difference it has made. If you're sceptical, I suggest doing some research!
Helps my arthritis. I've been using Cat's Claw for decades. This is as good as any I've used. It works better than anything else for my arthritis.