Uncaria guianensis

Cat's claw/Drug Interactions:

  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animal research, Uncaria tomentosa may produce dose-related antinociception through mechanisms that involve an interaction with 5-HT2 receptors (12). In human research, Uncaria guianensis reduced the rescue medication consumption of paracetamol in patients with osteoarthritis (31).
  • AnestheticsAnesthetics: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may interact with anesthetic agents.
  • Antiarrhythmic agentsAntiarrhythmic agents: Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid component of Uncaria tomentosa, exhibited antiarrhythmic activity in vitro (7; 28). In vivo, isorhynchophylline and rhynchophylline had antiarrhythmic effects due to calcium ion channel modulation (27; 1).
  • Antiarthritic agentsAntiarthritic agents: According to in vitro research using human cartilage, coadministration of extracts from Uncaria guianensis and maca (Lepidium meyenii) may promote chondrocyte growth (54). Clinical trials using cat's claw have demonstrated reduction in arthritis symptoms (22; 21).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In laboratory research, micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa may have antibacterial activity, especially on Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus spp. (3). However, increased colony-stimulating activity (CSA) was observed in the serum of normal and infected (Listeria monocytogenes) mice pretreated with 100mg/kg of Uncaria tomentosa extract (55). The effects of cat's claw with antibacterial agents are not well understood.
  • AnticholinergicsAnticholinergics: According to animal research, pteropodine and isopteropodine (heteroyohimbine-type oxindole alkaloid components of Uncaria tomentosa) may act as positive modulators of muscarinic receptors (36). Animal research has shown that the total alkaloid of Uncaria tomentosa attenuated the amnesic effect produced by scopolamine (36).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In animal research, cat's claw demonstrated antiplatelet effects (24). Laboratory findings indicate that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may inhibit platelet aggregation (25; 26). In vivo, isorhynchophylline demonstrated anticoagulant effects (1).
  • AnticonvulsantsAnticonvulsants: In animal research, hirsutine and hirsuteine (extracted from cat's claw) had anticonvulsant effects in mice (2). In vivo, isorhynchophylline and rhynchophylline has demonstrated effects in central nervous system diseases, such as epileptic seizures (27; 1).
  • Antigout agentsAntigout agents: According to secondary sources, cat's clay may interact with antigout herbs and supplements.
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may act as an antihistamine. The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antihistamines are not well understood.
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: Laboratory findings indicate that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may cause hypotension and decrease heart rate (25; 26; 27; 1). Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and antihypertensive agents may cause additive blood pressure lowering.
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: According to in vitro and clinical research, the anti-inflammatory properties of Uncaria guianensis and Uncaria tomentosa may result from their ability to inhibit TNF-alpha and, to a lesser extent, PGE2 production (32; 21; 33; 10; 34; 35). In animal and in vivo research, Uncaria tomentosa had anti-inflammatory effects (56; 57; 58; 59). The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and anti-inflammatory agents are not well understood.
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: Animal research shows that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline (36), which may theoretically lower blood cholesterol.
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: In in vitro and animal research, C-Med-100? inhibited tumor cell proliferation and inflammatory responses (60), induced prolonged lymphocyte half-life, increased spleen cells (61), and exhibited direct antiproliferative activity (62; 15; 11; 63; 64). In vivo, Uncaria tomentosa had antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in human medullary thyroid carcinoma cells (65), and Ewing's sarcoma MHH-ES-1 and breast cancer MT-3 cell lines (66). In vitro and in vivo, Uncaria tomentosa had anticancer effects against Lewis lung carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and breast carcinoma (67). The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antineoplastic agents are not well understood.
  • Antiparkinson agentsAntiparkinson agents: In an in vivo study, isorhynchophylline demonstrated therapeutic effects in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's (13).
  • Antiretroviral agentsAntiretroviral agents: In vitro, cat's claw combined with antiretroviral agents, specifically protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), caused significant pharmacokinetic interactions such as alterations to the drug efflux transporters (P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4) and inhibition and activation of proteins by the pregnane X receptor (PXR) (38).
  • Antiviral agentsAntiviral agents: In in vitro research, quinovic acid glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa exhibited antiviral properties when tested against two RNA viruses, vesicular stomatitis virus, and rhinovirus 1B (6). The quinovic acid glycosides were all found to be active against vesicular stomatitis virus, but only two were active against rhinovirus 1B. The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antiviral agents are not well understood.
  • Calcium-channel blockersCalcium-channel blockers: In vivo, the alkaloids of cat's claw, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine, and isocorynoxiene, had hypotensive effects by acting as calcium channel blockers (27; 1).
  • Chronotropic agentsChronotropic agents: In animal research, the alkaloid hirsutine, isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla, exhibited antiarrhythmic and negative chronotropic activities (7).
  • ContraceptivesContraceptives: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may interact with contraceptives.
  • Cytochrome P450-modifying agentsCytochrome P450-modifying agents: According to preliminary in vitro research, cat's claw may inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes (29). In addition, according to secondary sources, cat's claw may interact with P450 2C9 inhibitors, P450 2D6 inhibitors, and P450 3A (4,5,7) inhibitors.
  • Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticalsDiagnostic radiopharmaceuticals: In animal research, the oral ingestion of Uncaria tomentosa extract may alter the biodistribution of the radiobiocomplex sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4), particularly in heart, pancreas, and muscle tissue (68).
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse?)Disulfiram (Antabuse?): Many cat's claw tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and theoretically may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with disulfiram (Antabuse?).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: According to secondary sources, the mitraphylline constituent of cat's claw may have diuretic properties and lead to electrolyte imbalances. Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and diuretics may cause additive effects.
  • Gastrointestinal herbs and supplementsGastrointestinal herbs and supplements: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may cause diarrhea, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal problems, and nausea, though these claims are unsubstantiated in the literature.
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: According to laboratory research, serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations may be reduced after cat's claw ingestion (30).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In vitro research has indicated that the alkaloids of Uncaria tomentosa may display phagocytosis-stimulating action (37). According to in vitro and in vivo evidence, a formulation of cat's claw water extract containing medicinal mushroom extract, nicotinamide, and zinc exhibited synergistic immunostimulatory health benefits and did not exhibit metabolic competition (69). Theoretically, cat's claw may alter the effects of immunosuppressant agents.
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl?)Metronidazole (Flagyl?): Many cat's claw tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and theoretically may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl?).
  • Nephrotoxic agentsNephrotoxic agents: In a case report, cat's claw was linked to acute renal failure in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (23).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may cause dizziness.
  • ScopolamineScopolamine: Animal research has shown that the total alkaloid of Uncaria tomentosa attenuated the amnesic effect produced by scopolamine (36).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: Geissoschizine methyl ether, an indole alkaloid extracted from Uncariae ramulus et uncus, has been shown to be a potent vasorelaxant of isolated rat aorta (70).

    • Cat's claw/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: According to animal research, Uncaria tomentosa may produce dose-related antinociception through mechanisms that involve an interaction with 5-HT2 receptors (12). In human research, Uncaria guianensis reduced the rescue medication consumption of paracetamol in patients with osteoarthritis (31).
  • AnestheticsAnesthetics: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may interact with anesthetic agents.
  • Antiarrhythmic agentsAntiarrhythmic agents: Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid component of Uncaria tomentosa, exhibited antiarrhythmic activity in vitro (7; 28). In vivo, isorhynchophylline and rhynchophylline had antiarrhythmic effects due to calcium ion channel modulation (27; 1).
  • Antiarthritic herbs and supplementsAntiarthritic herbs and supplements: According to in vitro research using human cartilage, coadministration of extracts from Uncaria guianensis and maca (Lepidium meyenii) may promote chondrocyte growth (54). Clinical trials using cat's claw have demonstrated reduction in arthritis symptoms (22; 21).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In laboratory research, micropulverized Uncaria tomentosa may have antibacterial activity, especially on Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus spp. (3). However, increased colony-stimulating activity (CSA) was observed in the serum of normal and infected (Listeria monocytogenes) mice pretreated with 100mg/kg of Uncaria tomentosa extract (55). The effects of cat's claw with antibacterial agents are not well understood.
  • Anticholinergic herbs and supplementsAnticholinergic herbs and supplements: According to animal research, pteropodine and isopteropodine (heteroyohimbine-type oxindole alkaloid components of Uncaria tomentosa) may act as positive modulators of muscarinic receptors (36). Animal research has shown that the total alkaloid of Uncaria tomentosa attenuated the amnesic effect produced by scopolamine (36).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In animal research, cat's claw has demonstrated antiplatelet effects (24). Laboratory findings indicate cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may inhibit platelet aggregation (25; 26). In vivo, isorhynchophylline demonstrated anticoagulant effects (1).
  • AnticonvulsantsAnticonvulsants: In animal research, hirsutine and hirsuteine (extracted from cat's claw) had anticonvulsant effects in mice (2). In vivo, isorhynchophylline and rhynchophylline has demonstrated effects in central nervous system diseases, such as epileptic seizures (27; 1).
  • Antigout agentsAntigout agents: According to secondary sources, cat's clay may interact with antigout herbs and supplements.
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may act as an antihistamine. The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antihistamines are not well understood.
  • Anti-inflammatory herbsAnti-inflammatory herbs: According to in vitro and clinical studies, the anti-inflammatory properties of Uncaria guianensis and Uncaria tomentosa may result from their ability to inhibit TNF-alpha and, to a lesser extent, PGE2 production (32; 21; 33; 10; 34; 35). An in vitro analysis corroborates this theorized mechanism of action, finding that cat's claw is a remarkably potent inhibitor of TNF-alpha production (33). In animal and in vivo research, Uncaria tomentosa had anti-inflammatory effects (56; 57; 58; 59). The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and anti-inflammatory agents are not well understood.
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: Animal research shows that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline (36), which may theoretically lower blood cholesterol.
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: In in vitro and animal research, C-Med-100? inhibited tumor cell proliferation and inflammatory responses (60), induced prolonged lymphocyte half life, increases spleen cells (61), and exhibited direct antiproliferative activity (62; 15; 11; 63; 64). In vivo, Uncaria tomentosa had antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in human medullary thyroid carcinoma cells (65), and Ewing's sarcoma MHH-ES-1 and breast cancer MT-3 cell lines (66). In vitro and in vivo, Uncaria tomentosa had anticancer effects against Lewis lung carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and breast carcinoma (67). The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antineoplastics are not well understood.
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: According to in vitro research, Uncaria tomentosa may possess a high antioxidant capacity (4; 5; 71). In in vitro studies, cat's claw protected against oxidative stress (72; 73; 33).
  • Antiparkinson herbs and supplementsAntiparkinson herbs and supplements: In an in vivo study, isorhynchophylline demonstrated therapeutic effects in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's (13).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In in vitro research, quinovic acid glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa exhibited antiviral properties when tested against two RNA viruses: vesicular stomatitis virus and rhinovirus 1B (6). The quinovic acid glycosides were all found to be active against vesicular stomatitis virus, but only two were active against rhinovirus 1B. The effects of concurrent use of cat's claw and antiviral agents are not well understood.
  • Chronotropic agentsChronotropic agents: In animal research, the alkaloid hirsutine, isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla, exhibited antiarrhythmic and negative chronotropic activities (7).
  • ContraceptivesContraceptives: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may interact with contraceptives.
  • Cytochrome P450-modifying agentsCytochrome P450-modifying agents: According to preliminary in vitro research, cat's claw may inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes (29). In addition, according to secondary sources, cat's claw may interact with P450 2C9 inhibitors, P450 2D6 inhibitors, and P450 3A (4,5,7) inhibitors.
  • DiureticsDiuretics: According to secondary sources, the mitraphylline constituent of cat's claw may have diuretic properties and lead to electrolyte imbalances. Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and diuretics may cause additive effects.
  • Gastrointestinal herbs and supplementsGastrointestinal herbs and supplements: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may cause diarrhea, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal problems, and nausea, though these claims are unsubstantiated in the literature.
  • Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: According to laboratory research, serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations may be reduced after cat's claw ingestion (30).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: Laboratory findings indicate that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may cause hypotension and decrease heart rate (25; 27; 1). Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and antihypertensive agents may cause additive blood pressure lowering.
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In vitro research has indicated that the alkaloids of Uncaria tomentosa may display phagocytosis-stimulating action (37). According to in vitro and in vivo evidence, a formulation of cat's claw water extract, medicinal mushroom extract, nicotinamide, and zinc exhibited synergistic immunostimulatory health benefits and did not exhibit metabolic competition (69). Theoretically, cat's claw may alter the effects of immunosuppressant agents.
  • IronIron: Cat's claw has been shown to contain tannins (74). Theoretically, the tannin content of cat's claw may bind with iron (75), decreasing its absorption into the body.
  • MacaMaca: According to in vitro research using human cartilage, coadministration of extracts from Uncaria guianensis and maca (Lepidium meyenii) may promote chondrocyte growth (54).
  • Nephrotoxic agentsNephrotoxic agents: In a case report, cat's claw was linked to acute renal failure in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (23).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: According to secondary sources, cat's claw may cause dizziness.
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: Geissoschizine methyl ether, an indole alkaloid extracted from Uncariae ramulus et uncus, has been shown to be a potent vasorelaxant of isolated rat aorta (70).

    • Cat's claw/Food Interactions:

  • Iron-containing foodsIron-containing foods: Cat's claw has been shown to contain tannins (74). Theoretically, the tannin content of cat's claw may bind with iron (75), decreasing its absorption into the body.

    • Cat's claw/Lab Interactions:

  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: Laboratory findings indicate that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may cause hypotension and decrease heart rate (25; 27; 1). In vivo, Yinian Jiangya Yin (a blood pressure-lowering decoction) was compared to Tianma Gouteng Yin (a Gastrodia and Uncaria decoction), and blood pressure lowering was significantly different between groups; however, the effects of Uncaria alone are unclear (76). Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and antihypertensive agents may cause additive blood pressure lowering.
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: In animal research, cat's claw demonstrated antiplatelet effects (24). Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may inhibit platelet aggregation (25; 26). In vivo, isorhynchophylline demonstrated anticoagulant effects (1).
  • Diagnostic proceduresDiagnostic procedures: According to animal research, the oral ingestion of Uncaria tomentosa extract may alter the biodistribution of the radiobiocomplex sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4), particularly in the heart, pancreas, and muscles (68).
  • ElectrolytesElectrolytes: The mitraphylline constituent of cat's claw may have diuretic properties (36), which may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
  • Endothelin (serum)Endothelin (serum): In vivo, Yinian Jiangya Yin (a blood pressure-lowering decoction) was compared to Tianma Gouteng Yin (a Gastrodia and Uncaria decoction), and serum endothelin was significantly different between groups; however, the effects of Uncaria alone are unclear (76).
  • Heart rateHeart rate: Laboratory findings indicate that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline, which may cause hypotension and decrease heart rate (25). Theoretically, concurrent use of cat's claw and antihypertensive agents may cause additive blood pressure lowering.
  • Hepatic functionHepatic function: Uncariaguianensis lacked liver function effects (21).
  • Hormone panelHormone panel: Laboratory evidence suggests that serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations may be reduced after cat's claw ingestion (30).
  • Lipid profileLipid profile: Animal research shows that cat's claw contains rhynchophylline (36), which may theoretically lower blood cholesterol.
  • Nitrogen monoxide (serum)Nitrogen monoxide (serum): In vivo, Yinian Jiangya Yin (a blood pressure lowering decoction) was compared to Tianma Gouteng Yin (a Gastrodia and Uncaria decoction), and serum nitrogen monoxide was significantly different between groups; however, the effect of Uncaria alone is unclear (76).
  • White blood cellsWhite blood cells: In vivo, C-Med 100? increased the levels of white blood cells (WBC) significantly (43).