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Dietary supplement

Cat's Claw Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbadiet

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

Cat's Claw Extract is a dietary supplement by Herbadiet 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 bark extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cat's Claw Extract by Herbadiet

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 one active ingredient: cat's claw bark extract. There are no inactive ingredients listed on the label.

Cat's claw is a woody vine from the Amazon rainforest traditionally used in herbal medicine.

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: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), immune function — and 2 related terms.
  • 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 Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Osteoarthritis, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that cat's claw works for the conditions listed — allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, cancer, and chronic fatigue syndrome. For all of these, the data rates as insufficient.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the evidence isn't solid enough yet to make a confident call.

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 over the short term in healthy adults, but we don't have good long-term safety data. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy (it has a traditional history as an abortifacient, and safety information is lacking) and while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information.

In one clinical study of patients with advanced tumors, a small number experienced anemia, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), and low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), though it's unclear whether cat's claw caused these or the underlying disease did. Several case reports link cat's claw to kidney injury; two patients improved after stopping it.

Headache, fatigue, insomnia, and nerve pain (neuropathy) also appeared in that same tumor study at low rates.

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 this product, check your medications with the tool below if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), blood pressure medications (antihypertensives or calcium channel blockers), drugs broken down by CYP3A4 (a very common group — ask your pharmacist), Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), or immunosuppressants. All are documented as Moderate-severity interactions.

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 extract may be worth considering if you're exploring traditional herbal options, but it's not something to start without checking it against your medications first — especially if you take blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, or immune-suppressing medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it.

Talk to your pharmacist before you start, particularly about long-term use and any kidney concerns in your history.

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 Feb 25, 2021.

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 Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbadiet
Barcode (UPC) 5113339163998
Net contents 60 V-Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2021
DSLD ID 244531
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Extract by Herbadiet, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
5113339163998
IngredientAmount% DV
Cat's Claw bark extract500 mg--

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.
Formula

Cat's Claw inner bark has long been traditionally used in traditional medicine to help digestion, enhance immune function and detoxify the body. Herbadiet's full spectrum Cat's Claw is an all natural antioxidant providing a holistic support against free radicals.

Contains nothing other than listed ingredients

Formulation

Antioxidant Support Anti-Inflammatory Support Supports Cardiovascular & Gastrointestinal Functions

100% Natural Immune Support Ayurvedic Proprietary Medicine

Vegan

Free of fillers, binders, artificial ingredients, dairy, soy, wheat, gluten, yeast

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statement have not been evaluated by FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under the cap is broken or missing.

Caution: If you are pregnant, breast feeding, or taking medications, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Storage

Store in a dry place.

General Statements

Batch No: ARK-C82

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Take one capsule twice a day, or as directed by your physician.

See for yourself

Cat's Claw Extract by Herbadiet label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cat's Claw Extract by Herbadiet

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cat's Claw bark extract

Interacts with
962 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Total Oxindole Alkaloids

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 bark extract monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Cat's Claw Extract by Herbadiet Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cat's Claw Extract?

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 Extract 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 Claw bark extract6 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 Extract, from the product label.

Herbadiet

See all Herbadiet products
Name
Arkure Health Care
Street Address
11, Sector - 14
City
Rohtak
State
Haryana
ZipCode
124001
Web Address
www.herbadiet.in
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cat's Claw Extract by Herbadiet: Common Questions

Does Cat's Claw Extract by Herbadiet interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cat's Claw Extract 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 Extract 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.
Is cat's claw safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it. Cat's claw is possibly unsafe in pregnancy because of its traditional use as an abortifacient and lack of safety data. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or nursing and considering it.
What are the common side effects?
In one study, anemia, low white blood cells, and low platelets occurred in a small number of patients, though those patients had advanced cancer, so it's unclear if cat's claw was responsible. Other reported side effects include headache, fatigue, insomnia, and nerve pain, again in small numbers in that same study.
Has anyone had kidney problems from cat's claw?
Yes — several case reports link cat's claw to kidney injury, including one person with lupus who developed acute kidney failure (which improved after stopping it) and another who developed inflammation inside the kidneys. If you have a history of kidney disease, mention cat's claw to your doctor or pharmacist.
How long is it safe to take cat's claw?
It's generally well tolerated over the short term in healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking of taking it for weeks or months, talk with your pharmacist first.
Does cat's claw actually work for colds, fatigue, or arthritis?
The evidence we have doesn't establish that it works for the conditions we can rate — hay fever, Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, cancer, and chronic fatigue syndrome all fall into insufficient evidence. That doesn't mean it's useless, just that solid proof isn't there yet.

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

Not sure if Cat's Claw Extract is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 Extract label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cat's Claw Extract'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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