Cat’s claw is a vine. It grows in the rainforest in South and Central America. Two species of cat’s claw are used as medicine. Uncaria tomentosa is most commonly used in the U.S. Uncaria guianensis is used in Europe. Medicine is made from the root and bark. Be careful not to confuse cat’s claw with cat’s foot.
Cat’s claw is most commonly used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is also used for cancer, viral infections, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
