Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Cat's Claw Dosage Guide

Evidence:Emerging
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

General Dosage

60-350mg standardized extract daily, or 1-3g bark powder

Maximum dose: Up to 350mg/day extract has been studied; traditional bark tea uses up to 4g dried bark daily

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: 60-350mg standardized extract daily, or 1-3g bark powder

Timing: Take with meals to reduce potential GI discomfort • Take with food for best absorption.

Dosage by Condition

Rheumatoid arthritis
60mg POA-standardized extract dailyEmerging
Osteoarthritis
100-350mg freeze-dried extract dailyEmerging
General anti-inflammatory
250-350mg bark extract dailyPreliminary

Upper limit: Up to 350mg/day extract has been studied; traditional bark tea uses up to 4g dried bark daily

Timing & Absorption

Take with meals to reduce potential GI discomfort

Best taken with food for optimal absorption.

Full Cat's Claw Guide

References

  1. RCTMur E, Hartig F, Eibl G, Schirmer M (2002). Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of Uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Rheumatology. PubMed
  2. RCTPiscoya J, Rodriguez Z, Bustamante SA, et al. (2001). Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat's claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: mechanisms of action of the species Uncaria guianensis. Inflammation Research. DOI PubMed
  3. Sandoval M, Okuhama NN, Zhang XJ, et al. (2002). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis) are independent of their alkaloid content. Phytomedicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Lopes AA, Coppede JDS, Amatto PPG, Aragon DC, et al. (2025). Cytotoxic effect of different Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) extracts, fractions on normal and cancer cells: a systematic review.. Frontiers in pharmacology. DOI PubMed
  5. Meta-analysisArado GM, Amatto PPG, Marins M, Rizzi ES, et al. (2024). Anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory activities of Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vivo studies.. Frontiers in pharmacology. DOI PubMed
  6. ReviewRosenbaum CC, O'Mathúna DP, Chavez M, Shields K (2010). Antioxidants and antiinflammatory dietary supplements for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.. Alternative therapies in health and medicine. PubMed
  7. Kaziulin AN, Petukhov AB, Kucheriavyĭ IuA (2006). [Efficiency of includes of bioactive substances in diet of patient with hepatic encephalopathy].. Voprosy pitaniia. PubMed
Show 2 more references
  1. Miller MJ, Mehta K, Kunte S, Raut V, et al. (2005). Early relief of osteoarthritis symptoms with a natural mineral supplement and a herbomineral combination: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN38432711].. Journal of inflammation (London, England). DOI PubMed
  2. Lamm S, Sheng Y, Pero RW (2001). Persistent response to pneumococcal vaccine in individuals supplemented with a novel water soluble extract of Uncaria tomentosa, C-Med-100.. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. DOI PubMed