Cat's Claw (Una de Gato): Origin, Forms & Intake

Cat's claw, known in South America under the name Una de Gato, is a woody liana plant from the Amazon region, whose bark and root have long been used by indigenous peoples. It owes its name to the small, curved thorns at the leaf axils that resemble cat's claws. Today you find the plant above all as capsules, powder, tea or extract in the field of food supplements. In this guide we explain factually what cat's claw is, from which species it is obtained, which ingredients it contains, in which forms it is offered and what you should pay attention to regarding intake, purchase and safety.

What is cat's claw (Una de Gato)?

Cat's claw is the German name for two closely related liana species from the family of the madder plants: Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Both grow as climbing woody plants in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, above all in Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. The plants can climb several metres upwards and wind themselves up trees.

Traditionally used are above all the inner bark and the root of the liana. Indigenous peoples in the Amazon basin have prepared infusions and decoctions from it for generations. Most of the raw material that is harvested and processed for food supplements today also comes from the bark. The two species differ in their ingredient profile, which is why reputable products should clearly name the species used.

Origin and traditional use

Cat's claw is deeply rooted in the handed-down customs of various indigenous communities of the Amazon region. In the language of some peoples it carries its own names, and the preparation as a brew from the bark is passed on over generations. Beyond traditional use, the plant also came into focus outside South America in the 20th century, when travellers and researchers became aware of it. Since then, the bark has been harvested and exported on a larger scale.

This growing demand brings two topics with it that you can keep in the back of your mind when buying. On the one hand, the sustainability of wild collection is an important point, because uncontrolled harvesting can burden the stocks. Suppliers who pay attention to responsible collection or cultivation are at an advantage here. On the other hand, the long transport route from South America means that the raw material should be carefully checked before it is processed. Both speak in favour of paying attention to transparent and documented supply chains with cat's claw.

Occurrence, species and ingredients

Of the two cat's claw species, Uncaria tomentosa is the better known and is most frequently used for supplements. In the bark, various plant substances occur, including so-called oxindole alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes as well as polyphenols. Within Uncaria tomentosa, two chemotypes are distinguished that differ in the type of their alkaloids. Suppliers who work in a technically clean way therefore state which chemotype is used.

As with all plant raw materials, the exact composition varies depending on origin, harvest time, plant part and processing. Extracts are often standardised to a certain content of alkaloids or tannins in order to enable a consistent quality. For the consumer this means: a standardised extract provides more comprehensible information than a simple bark powder, in which the content of characteristic ingredients is not specified in more detail.

A further point concerns the processing itself. Some extracts are obtained with water, others with alcohol, and the chosen method influences which plant substances end up in the final product and in what ratio. The concentration figure, for example as a ratio of raw material to extract, also says something about the strength. Because these figures differ strongly between products, a close look at the label is worthwhile, instead of orienting yourself solely by catchwords such as high-dose.

Forms and use

In the trade you find cat's claw in several dosage forms that differ in handling and dosability:

• Capsules and tablets: taste-neutral and easy to dose, often with a standardised extract.
• Powder: can be stirred in but has a tart, tannin-rich taste of its own.
• Tea and bark pieces: traditional form as an infusion or decoction of the bark.
• Liquid extracts and tinctures: dosable drop by drop, often dissolved in alcohol.

There is no officially set consumption amount for cat's claw, since it is not a nutrient with a defined need. Manufacturers usually name daily amounts in the range of a few capsules or grams of bark powder. You should not exceed these figures. Since it is a plant raw material with a strong character, it makes sense to start with a small amount and observe individual tolerance over a few days.

Which form suits you depends above all on your habits. Capsules are practical when out and about and provide a consistent amount, while loose powder and bark pieces connect more strongly to the traditional preparation but bring more effort and a considerably more tart taste with them. Liquid extracts can be finely dosed but often contain alcohol, which is an exclusion criterion for some people. So there is not one right form, but a choice that suits your everyday life and your preferences.

What you should pay attention to when buying

Because cat's claw is a natural product, the quality of the raw material decides the value of a product. You can pay attention to the following points:

• Named species and plant part: reputable suppliers name the botanical species (mostly Uncaria tomentosa) and whether bark or root is used.
• Standardisation: figures on the content of alkaloids or tannins allow a real comparison between products.
• Purity testing: analyses for heavy metals, pesticides and microbial contamination are sensible with imported raw material.
• Transparent origin: clear statement of the country of origin and processing.
• Packaging: light- and airtight, in order to protect the plant substances.

A batch-related test certificate is a strong quality signal and should be available on request. The price can also be an indication, because tested raw material and elaborate analyses have their price. You should rather keep your distance from very cheap offers without any statement about the species or standardisation.

Safety and interactions

Cat's claw is traditionally used but is not a harmless everyday product that everyone should take carelessly. In the specialist literature, possible interactions with the immune system and with certain medications are discussed. People who take medicines that influence the immune system, as well as persons before planned operations, should therefore be particularly careful and seek medical advice.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women and children are advised against intake, since there is insufficient safety data here and a particularly careful approach is required. People with autoimmune diseases should also not use cat's claw without consultation. Food supplements do not replace a varied and balanced diet as well as a healthy lifestyle. If you are unsure, regularly take medication or have health complaints, speak with your doctor before intake.

Occasionally, temporary reactions in the digestive tract are reported when the amount is chosen too high at the beginning. This underlines why a slow start and observing your own tolerance are sensible. Those who use various preparations at the same time should also keep an eye on the total amount and not carelessly combine several high-dose products. In case of doubt, it is better to choose a single, well-documented product and calmly test its effect on your own tolerance than to try several extracts at once.

Suitable products

Those who are interested in plant-based food supplements in the broader sense often also reach for classic plant extracts from traditional use. Our Curcumin Complex with 95% Curcumin, Organic Turmeric Powder and Piperine combines a highly concentrated turmeric extract with ground organic turmeric and black pepper (piperine). The composition relies on a defined curcumin content and a transparent formulation. The product is understood as a supplement to a balanced diet and not as a replacement for plant variety on the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is cat's claw?

Cat's claw (Una de Gato) is a liana plant from the Amazon region. For food supplements, above all the bark and root of the species Uncaria tomentosa are used, mostly as capsules, powder, tea or extract.

Where does the plant get its name from?

The name refers to the small, curved thorns at the leaf axils of the liana, which resemble the claws of a cat. In Spanish, the plant is therefore called Una de Gato.

In which forms is cat's claw available?

Common are capsules and tablets with standardised extract, loose bark powder, tea or bark pieces for infusions as well as liquid extracts and tinctures. Capsules are the easiest to dose.

What should I pay attention to when buying?

Pay attention to the named botanical species, the plant part used, a standardisation to characteristic ingredients as well as to test evidence on heavy metals and pesticides. Transparent origin details are a good sign.

Who is cat's claw not suitable for?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women and children should refrain from intake. People with autoimmune diseases, before operations or with medications that influence the immune system should also seek medical advice beforehand.