Core Cat's Claw Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Energetix
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Core Cat's Claw against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Core Cat's Claw is a dietary supplement by Energetix 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.
Check Your Meds Against Core Cat's Claw by Energetix
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Core Cat's Claw by Energetix — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Core Cat's Claw by Energetix
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.
What’s inside
Low disclosure
Core Cat's Claw contains one active ingredient: cat's claw bark extract, a botanical preparation from the bark of the cat's claw plant. The liquid formula also includes water and ethyl alcohol as inactive ingredients that help deliver the extract.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The evidence for cat's claw isn't established in the data we hold. The product is marketed for conditions like allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, and cancer, but the research available shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate how well it works for any of these.
That doesn't mean it's ineffective — it means larger, well-designed human studies haven't confirmed benefit yet.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Cat's claw is generally well tolerated in the short term for healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. In one clinical trial of patients with advanced solid tumors, a small number experienced blood-related effects (anemia in 12%, low white blood cell count and low platelets each in 2%), headache in 2%, and fatigue, insomnia, or nerve damage in 4% to 8% — though these patients had serious disease and weren't compared to a placebo group, so it's unclear what role cat's claw played.
Several case reports have linked cat's claw to kidney injury in patients with lupus or cancer, with effects reversing after discontinuation. The safety data advises against cat's claw during pregnancy because of its traditional use as an abortifacient and lack of safety information.
Avoid it while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information. No pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data is on file for the botanical extract component.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check with your pharmacist before taking this product if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, blood pressure medications (including calcium channel blockers), immunosuppressants, drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, or Paxlovid. These are Moderate-severity interactions; the CYP3A4 system is especially broad and affects hundreds of medications.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Cat's claw is generally well tolerated short-term but has a real interaction footprint with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, immune-suppressing drugs, and drugs processed through CYP3A4 — affecting a very large number of prescriptions. Avoid it entirely if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you take any regular medications.
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 May 21, 2025.
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
General information
Key facts about Core Cat's Claw, straight from the product 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 Core Cat's Claw by Energetix, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Cat's Claw Bark Extract | 0 NP | -- |
| Botanical extract | 1.2 mL | -- |
Other ingredients: Water, Purified, Ethyl Alcohol
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
As a dietary supplement, take 30 to 40 drops orally (in water or juice, if desired) twice daily or as directed by a healthcare professional. Shake well before use.
Precautions
Do not use if neck wrap is broken or missing.
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a healthcare professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children.
Storage
Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formula
Spagyrically Processed Botanical
General Statements
Questions? Comments? 800.990.7085 www.energetix.com
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Core Cat's Claw by Energetix label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Core Cat's Claw by Energetix
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1.2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container49 Amounts shown are per serving.
Botanical extract
Other (inactive) ingredients: Water, Purified, Ethyl Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Core Cat's Claw by Energetix Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Core Cat's Claw by Energetix is a single-ingredient liquid extract that does interact with medications.
The most serious concern is with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin) — cat's claw may increase bleeding risk. Animal research suggests its alkaloids can slow down platelet clumping, though this hasn't been seen in humans yet.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Cat's claw also affects how your liver processes certain drugs. It may speed up or slow down the metabolism of medications broken down by the CYP3A4 enzyme pathway — a system that handles a huge number of common prescriptions.
Additionally, if you take blood pressure medications (either antihypertensive drugs or calcium channel blockers like amlodipine), cat's claw might lower your blood pressure further, raising the risk of dizziness or fainting. There's also a theoretical concern with immunosuppressants used after transplants or for autoimmune conditions — cat's claw stimulates immune activity, which could work against those medications.
If you're taking Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) for COVID-19, cat's claw may reduce how well it works.
Altogether, these interactions span 948 individual medications. Before you start this product, use the medication checker on this page to see if any of your prescriptions are affected.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Core Cat's Claw?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Core Cat's Claw interact with 962 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Core Cat's Claw interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cat's Claw Bark Extract
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAdo-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Abciximab interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Immunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acalabrutinib interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking cat's claw with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Core Cat's Claw — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cat's Claw Bark ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Cat's Claw Bark Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Core Cat's Claw 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 Extract
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Core Cat's Claw, from the product label.
Energetix
See all Energetix products- Name
- Energetix Corp.
- City
- Dahlonega
- State
- GA
- ZipCode
- 30533
- Phone Number
- 800.990.7085
- Web Address
- www.energetix.com
Core Cat's Claw by Energetix: Common Questions
Does Core Cat's Claw by Energetix interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is it safe to take cat's claw during pregnancy?
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
What are the side effects I should know about?
Does cat's claw actually work for the conditions it's sold for?
How long is it safe to take this product?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Core Cat's Claw is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Core Cat's Claw’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Core Cat's Claw'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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- 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.
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