Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Cat's Claw Liquid Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Planetary Herbals

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

Cat's Claw Liquid Extract is a dietary supplement by Planetary Herbals 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 Liquid Extract by Planetary Herbals

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. Cat's claw is a vine bark used traditionally for various conditions.

The extract also includes grain alcohol and purified water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Cat's Claw product and its label doesn't state a use — see Cat's Claw's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold on cat's claw doesn't establish that it works reliably for any of the conditions it's used for—hay fever, Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, cancer, or chronic fatigue syndrome all show insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the research available to us isn't solid enough to say either way.

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 how safe it is over the long haul isn't well studied. The facts advise against it during pregnancy because of traditional use as an abortifacient (a substance meant to end pregnancy) and lack of safety data.

You should also avoid it while breastfeeding—there isn't enough safety information. In one clinical study of patients with advanced cancer, a small number developed blood-related side effects like anemia, low white blood cells, or low platelets; headache, fatigue, insomnia, and nerve pain also occurred in small numbers.

Several case reports also link cat's claw to kidney injury, so if you have kidney disease or a history of it, this is worth discussing with your pharmacist or doctor.

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 you start this product, double-check with your pharmacist or doctor if you take any of these: blood pressure medication (antihypertensive drugs or calcium channel blockers), blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelets), any drug metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, immunosuppressants, or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid). All carry moderate-severity interaction concerns with cat's claw.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take blood pressure medication, blood thinners, immune-suppressing drugs, or certain antivirals, you need to check with your pharmacist before using this product. Don't take it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

For everyone else, short-term use appears tolerable, but the evidence that it actually works for what it claims is not established in our data.

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 20, 2017.

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 Liquid Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Planetary Herbals
Barcode (UPC) 021078102779
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 29.57 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 20, 2017
DSLD ID 80579
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Liquid Extract by Planetary Herbals, 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 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
29
UPC/BARCODE
021078102779
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)2%
Cat's Claw Bark Extract1 mL--

Other ingredients: Grain Alcohol, purified Water

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

Una De Gato

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General Statements

Approved by Michael Tierra L.Ac, O.M.D

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 45 drops 2-3 times daily between meals.

Shake well before using.

Precautions

Warning: Not for use by women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not use if tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Planetary Herbals, LLC

General

PF0277 REV E131

See for yourself

Cat's Claw Liquid Extract by Planetary Herbals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cat's Claw Liquid Extract by Planetary Herbals

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

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container29 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cat's Claw Bark Extract

Interacts with
962 drugs
1 mL 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 Bark Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Grain Alcohol, Purified Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cat's Claw Liquid Extract by Planetary Herbals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cat's Claw Liquid 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.

Go to the checker
962Drugs
962 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cat's Claw Liquid 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 Liquid Extract, from the product label.

Planetary Herbals

See all Planetary Herbals products
Name
Planetary Herbals, LLC
Street Address
P.O. Box 1760
City
Soquel
State
CA
ZipCode
95073
Web Address
www.planetaryherbals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cat's Claw Liquid Extract by Planetary Herbals: Common Questions

Does Cat's Claw Liquid Extract by Planetary Herbals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cat's Claw Liquid 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 Liquid 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.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No—the safety data advises against cat's claw during pregnancy because it was traditionally used to end pregnancy and we don't have safety information. You should also avoid it while breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on what's right for your situation.
What is cat's claw and what does it do?
Cat's claw is a bark extract from a vine used in traditional herbalism for various conditions. The evidence we hold doesn't establish that it reliably works for hay fever, Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, cancer, or chronic fatigue—though research into its uses continues.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
Cat's claw is generally well tolerated short-term. In one study, some patients experienced anemia, low blood cells, platelets, headache, fatigue, insomnia, or nerve pain—though that was in patients with advanced cancer, so it's unclear if the herb was the cause. Case reports have also linked it to kidney injury, so if you have kidney disease, check with your pharmacist first.
How long is it safe to take this?
Short-term use in healthy adults is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking of using it regularly, talk with your pharmacist about how long is reasonable for you.
Does this product have any fillers or other ingredients besides the herb?
Besides the cat's claw bark extract, it contains grain alcohol and purified water. These are inactive ingredients used to make the liquid form.

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

Not sure if Cat's Claw Liquid 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 Liquid Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cat's Claw Liquid Extract’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 Liquid 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

Keep exploring