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Dietary supplement

Cat's Claw Bark Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Z Natural Foods

Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cat's Claw Bark Powder is a dietary supplement by Z Natural Foods with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 962 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cat's Claw. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cat's Claw Bark Powder by Z Natural Foods

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains a single active ingredient: cat's claw, a vine native to South America, delivered here as a powder. The inactive ingredients are the powder form of the plant itself.

Does it work?

Insufficient evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immunity, joints, and healthy inflammation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune function, inflammatory response.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cat's Claw is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Cat's Claw is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The evidence for cat's claw isn't well established in the data we hold. We have insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, cancer, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

If you're thinking about using it for one of these reasons, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the science actually shows for your specific situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cat's Claw

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Cat's claw is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. A clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors reported anemia in 12% of participants, and leukopenia (low white blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (low platelets) each in 2%, though the study couldn't determine whether these were from the disease itself or the supplement.

Several case reports link cat's claw to kidney injury; patients experienced acute kidney failure or inflammation that improved after stopping the supplement. Headache (2%), fatigue and insomnia (4% each), and neuropathy (nerve damage, 8%) were also reported in that same trial, though again the underlying disease may have played a role.

The safety data advises against cat's claw during pregnancy because of its traditional use as an abortifacient and lack of safety data. Avoid it while breastfeeding as well — there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe for a nursing infant.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cat's Claw

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Cat's Claw.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 963 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking cat's claw, double-check any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate severity), blood pressure medications or calcium channel blockers (Moderate), drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 in your liver (Moderate), immunosuppressants (Moderate), and Paxlovid if you're taking it for COVID-19 (Moderate). If you're on any of these, run them through the search tool on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cat's claw might appeal to someone looking for a traditional herbal remedy, but the evidence for it is thin and the interaction picture is broad. If you take blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, immunosuppressants, or medications broken down by your liver, you'll want to check with your pharmacist first.

Pregnant people and those breastfeeding should avoid it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Cat's Claw Bark Powder, straight from the product label.

Brand Z Natural Foods
Barcode (UPC) 616983447208
Net contents 1 Pound(s); 454 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2023
DSLD ID 299842
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cat's Claw Bark Powder by Z Natural Foods, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
8.4 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
8.4 Gram(s)
Servings per container
53
UPC/BARCODE
616983447208
IngredientAmount% DV
Cat's Claw8.4 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Cat's Claw, Powder

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Immunity Joints Healthy Inflammation

Grown and dried in Peru. Packaged with care in Florida, USA.

Non-GMO Gluten free

Vegan

Formula

Traditionally Cat's Claw was used to support the immune system, joint health, and a healthy inflammation response. Originating deep in the Amazon rainforest, Cat's Claw is a lush tropical vine that has served an important role in herbal medicine for centuries in South and Central America.

EarthKosher

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Cat's Claw powder is best served brewed as a tea, added to soup, as a yogurt topper, or in your favorite smoothie. Suggested use: Mix 1 tablespoon (8.4g) with juice, yogurt, add to your favorite smoothie or infuse into a tea.

Seals/Symbols

EarthKosher

Precautions

California Prop 65 Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food

See for yourself

Cat's Claw Bark Powder by Z Natural Foods label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cat's Claw Bark Powder by Z Natural Foods

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size8.4 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container53 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cat's Claw

Interacts with
962 drugs
8.4 Gram(s) per serving

Cat's claw is a South American vine traditionally used for inflammation, joint pain, and immune support. Some small studies hint it may help with arth...

Cat's Claw monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cat's Claw, Powder. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cat's Claw Bark Powder by Z Natural Foods Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cat's Claw Bark Powder?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

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962Drugs
962 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cat's Claw Bark Powder with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Cat's Claw6 drug types · 962 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline. Animal research suggests that these alkaloids can inhibit platelet aggregation. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking cat's claw with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline. In vitro and animal research suggests that rhynchophylline can lower blood pressure. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, taking cat's claw with calcium channel blockers might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cat's claw contains various alkaloids, including rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine, and isocorynoxiene. Animal research suggests that these alkaloids can lower blood pressure by acting as calcium channel blockers. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Cat's claw may affect the clearance of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. In vitro research shows that cat's claw can inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes. In one case report, a patient taking cat's claw (at an unspecified dose) experienced increased serum levels of atazanavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir, all of which are CYP3A4 substrates. Levels returned to normal 15 days after discontinuation of the cat's claw supplement, suggesting inhibition of CYP3A4 by cat's claw. In contrast, animal research suggests that rhynchophylline, an alkaloid contained in cat's claw, induces CYP3A expression and accelerates the metabolism of nirmatrelvir, the active component in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combination product.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, cat's claw might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In human and laboratory research, cat's claw has been shown to have immunostimulating activity. It stimulates phagocytosis and increases respiratory cellular activity and the mobility of leukocytes. Theoretically, this could interfere with the activity of immunosuppressant medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid)

Theoretically, cat's claw may decrease the levels of nirmatrelvir.
Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline. Animal research suggests that this alkaloid induces CYP3A expression, thereby accelerating the metabolism of nirmatrelvir, the active component in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combination product. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cat's Claw Bark Powder, from the product label.

Z Natural Foods

See all Z Natural Foods products
Name
Z Natural Foods
Street Address
5407 N Haverhill Rd Ste 336
City
West Palm Beach
State
FL
ZipCode
33407
Web Address
www.ZNaturalFoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cat's Claw Bark Powder by Z Natural Foods: Common Questions

Does Cat's Claw Bark Powder by Z Natural Foods interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cat's Claw Bark Powder has a known interaction with 962 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cat's Claw Bark Powder contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take cat's claw if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against it during pregnancy because of its traditional use as an abortifacient and lack of safety information. Avoid it while breastfeeding too, since there isn't enough data to know if it's safe for a nursing infant. Talk with your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to be.
What side effects has cat's claw caused in studies?
In one clinical trial, a small number of participants experienced anemia, low white blood cells, and low platelets, though the patients had advanced cancers and it's unclear whether these came from the disease or the supplement. Case reports have linked cat's claw to kidney injury in some people. Headache, fatigue, insomnia, and nerve damage were also reported in that trial.
Is cat's claw proven to work for what it claims?
We don't have enough reliable evidence to confirm it works for allergic rhinitis, Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, cancer, or chronic fatigue syndrome. If you're thinking about using it for any of these, talk with your doctor about what the science actually supports.
How safe is cat's claw long-term?
It's generally well tolerated short-term in healthy people, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking of taking it regularly, that's a good conversation to have with your pharmacist.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Cat's claw contains alkaloids that can affect blood pressure, blood clotting, and how your liver breaks down many drugs. It also stimulates immune activity, which can interfere with immunosuppressive therapy. These effects are why it touches such a wide range of medications.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Cat's Claw Bark Powder label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cat's Claw Bark Powder’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cat's Claw Bark Powder's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Cat's Claw 16 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
  3. Sandoval M, Charbonnet RM, Okuhama NN, et al. Cat's claw inhibits TNFalpha production and scavenges free radicals: role in cytoprotection. Free Radic Biol Med 2000;29:71-78.
  4. Müller AC, Kanfer I. Potential pharmacokinetic interactions between antiretrovirals and medicinal plants used as complementary and African traditional medicines. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2011;32(8):458-70. PubMed
  5. Sheng, Y., Bryngelsson, C., and Pero, R. W. Enhanced DNA repair, immune function and reduced toxicity of C-MED-100, a novel aqueous extract from Uncaria tomentosa. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;69(2):115-126. PubMed
  6. Lamm, S., Sheng, Y., and Pero, R. W. Persistent response to pneumococcal vaccine in individuals supplemented with a novel water soluble extract of Uncaria tomentosa, C-Med-100. Phytomedicine 2001;8(4):267-274.
  7. Sheng, Y., Li, L., Holmgren, K., and Pero, R. W. DNA repair enhancement of aqueous extracts of Uncaria tomentosa in a human volunteer study. Phytomedicine 2001;8(4):275-282.
  8. Chen, C. X., Jin, R. M., Li, Y. K., Zhong, J., Yue, L., Chen, S. C., and Zhou, J. Y. Inhibitory effect of rhynchophylline on platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue.Bao. 1992;13(2):126-130.
  9. Flythe, J. E., Rueda, J. F., Riscoe, M. K., and Watnick, S. Silicate nephrolithiasis after ingestion of supplements containing silica dioxide. Am.J.Kidney Dis. 2009;54(1):127-130. PubMed
  10. Zhou, J. and Zhou, S. Antihypertensive and neuroprotective activities of rhynchophylline: the role of rhynchophylline in neurotransmission and ion channel activity. J.Ethnopharmacol. 10-28-2010;132(1):15-27. PubMed
  11. Zhou, J. Y. and Zhou, S. W. Isorhynchophylline: A plant alkaloid with therapeutic potential for cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases. Fitoterapia 2012;83(4):617-626. PubMed
  12. Hemingway, S. R. and Phillipson, J. D. Proceedings: Alkaloids from S. American species of Uncaria (Rubiaceae). J.Pharm.Pharmacol. 1974;26 Suppl:113P.
  13. Hilepo, J. N., Bellucci, A. G., and Mossey, R. T. Acute renal failure caused by 'cat's claw' herbal remedy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Nephron 1997;77(3):361. PubMed
  14. De Paula LCL, Fonseca F, Perazzo F, et al. Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) improves quality of life in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Altern Complement Med. 2015;21(1):22-30.
  15. Portalatin G, Shettigar S, Carrion-Rodriguez A, et al. Ketogenic-Diet Shake Containing Uncaria tomentosa-Associated Acute Interstitial Nephritis. Case Rep Nephrol Dial 2022;12(3):219-225.
  16. Lei S, Guo A, Lu J, et al. Activation of PXR causes drug interactions with Paxlovid in transgenic mice. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023;13(11):4502-4510. PubMed

See these in context on the Cat's Claw monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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