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Cat's Claw
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a South American vine bark with potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It inhibits brain plaque formation, supports immune function, and shows early promise for preserving cognitive function during ageing.
Benefits
What is Cat's Claw?
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and tropical regions of Central and South America. Named for the hook-shaped thorns that resemble a cat's claws, it has been used by indigenous peoples for over 2,000 years as a medicine for inflammation, infections, and digestive ailments.
Modern research has identified a rich phytochemical profile including oxindole alkaloids, pentacyclic triterpenoids, and proanthocyanidins that exert powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Of particular interest for brain health is its ability to inhibit the formation and promote the disaggregation of amyloid-beta plaques - the hallmark pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease.
A specific extract of Cat's Claw (PTI-00703, marketed as AC-11) has shown in laboratory studies the ability to reduce brain plaque load, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and support healthy inflammatory responses in neural tissue. While clinical evidence in humans is still early-stage, the neuroprotective potential is significant.
- Amyloid-beta inhibition: Proanthocyanidins in Cat's Claw inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and promote disaggregation of existing fibrils, potentially protecting against Alzheimer's disease pathology.
- NF-kB inhibition: Potently inhibits NF-kB, a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression, reducing chronic neuroinflammation that drives cognitive decline.
- DNA repair enhancement: The AC-11 extract has been shown to enhance DNA repair mechanisms, supporting cellular longevity and resilience in neurons.
- Antioxidant activity: Scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative damage to neural membranes and mitochondria.
- Immune modulation: Balances immune function by stimulating white blood cell production while reducing excessive inflammatory responses.
- Typical dose: 250–500 mg of standardised bark extract per day
- For cognitive support: 350 mg of a standardised extract (3% alkaloids and 8% carboxy alkyl esters)
- For general health: 250–500 mg daily
- Tea: 1–2 grams of inner bark simmered for 15 minutes
- Important: Use only Uncaria tomentosa (not U. guianensis), and look for products standardised to pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid (POA) content
- Side effects: Generally well-tolerated. Possible nausea, diarrhoea, or dizziness at higher doses.
- Autoimmune conditions: May stimulate immune function - use with caution in autoimmune conditions or alongside immunosuppressant medications.
- Blood thinning: May have mild anticoagulant effects - discontinue 2 weeks before surgery.
- Drug interactions: May interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
- Pregnancy: Not recommended - traditional use as a contraceptive suggests possible effects on reproductive function.
Natural Sources & Forms
- Inner bark: The inner bark of Uncaria tomentosa vine is the primary medicinal source
- Supplements: Available as capsules, tablets, tinctures, and teas. Standardised extracts are preferred for consistent potency.
- AC-11: A patented water-soluble extract with enhanced bioavailability and documented DNA repair benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a South American vine bark with potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It inhibits brain plaque formation, supports immune function, and shows early promise for preserving cognitive function during ageing.
The key benefits of Cat's Claw include: Cognitive Enhancement, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.
Amyloid-beta inhibition: Proanthocyanidins in Cat's Claw inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and promote disaggregation of existing fibrils, potentially protecting against Alzheimer's disease pathology. NF-kB inhibition: Potently inhibits NF-kB, a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression, reducing chronic neuroinflammation that drives cognitive decline. DNA repair enhancement: The AC-11 extract has been shown to enhance DNA repair mechanisms, supporting cellular longevity and resilience in neurons. Antioxidant activity: Scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative damage to neural membranes and mitochondria. Immune modulation: Balances immune function by stimulating white blood cell production while reducing excessive inflammatory responses.
Typical dose: 250–500 mg of standardised bark extract per day For cognitive support: 350 mg of a standardised extract (3% alkaloids and 8% carboxy alkyl esters) For general health: 250–500 mg daily Tea: 1–2 grams of inner bark simmered for 15 minutes Important: Use only Uncaria tomentosa (not U. guianensis), and look for products standardised to pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid (POA) content
Side effects: Generally well-tolerated. Possible nausea, diarrhoea, or dizziness at higher doses. Autoimmune conditions: May stimulate immune function - use with caution in autoimmune conditions or alongside immunosuppressant medications. Blood thinning: May have mild anticoagulant effects - discontinue 2 weeks before surgery. Drug interactions: May interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants. Pregnancy: Not recommended - traditional use as a contraceptive suggests possible effects on reproductive function.
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