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Dietary supplement

Core Cat's Claw Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Energetix

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

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.

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • “Botanical extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1.20 mL) without saying how much of each component you get.

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
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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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

At a glance

General information

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

Brand Energetix
Barcode (UPC) 364578010701
Net contents 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 59.1 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 21, 2025
DSLD ID 333028
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 Core Cat's Claw by Energetix, 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:
1.2 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.2 mL
Servings per container
49
UPC/BARCODE
364578010701
IngredientAmount% DV
Cat's Claw Bark Extract0 NP--
Botanical extract1.2 mL--

Other ingredients: Water, Purified, Ethyl Alcohol

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.
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

See for yourself

Core Cat's Claw by Energetix label

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

What’s inside

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

1.2 mL per serving

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

Interaction report

Core Cat's Claw by Energetix Drug Interactions

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 checker
962Drugs
962 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each 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 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 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
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Core Cat's Claw by Energetix: Common Questions

Does Core Cat's Claw by Energetix interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Core Cat's Claw 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?
Core Cat's Claw 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 it safe to take cat's claw during pregnancy?
No. The safety data advises against it because of its historical use as an abortifacient and the lack of safety information. Talk with your doctor before taking it if you're pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety information to recommend it while breastfeeding. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you're nursing or planning to.
What are the side effects I should know about?
In a clinical trial, the most common effects were anemia (12%), and smaller numbers experienced low white blood cell counts, low platelets, headache, fatigue, insomnia, or nerve damage. Case reports have linked it to kidney injury. Long-term safety data is limited.
Does cat's claw actually work for the conditions it's sold for?
The evidence isn't established yet. Research on hay fever, Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, and cancer all shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate how well it works.
How long is it safe to take this product?
Cat's claw is generally well tolerated in the short term in healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Ask your pharmacist about the right duration for your situation.

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.

Core Cat's Claw label
Sources

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.

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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