Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Types of Cat's Claw: Forms & Bioavailability

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

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
POA-Standardized ExtractHighAnti-inflammatory — standardized to pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids for consistent potency
Bark Powder/CapsuleModerateTraditional use — whole bark provides full spectrum of alkaloids and tannins
Bark Tea/DecoctionLow-ModerateTraditional Peruvian preparation — gentle and well-tolerated but variable potency

POA-Standardized Extract

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Anti-inflammatory — standardized to pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids for consistent potency.

Bark Powder/Capsule

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Traditional use — whole bark provides full spectrum of alkaloids and tannins.

Bark Tea/Decoction

Bioavailability: Low-Moderate. Best for: Traditional Peruvian preparation — gentle and well-tolerated but variable potency.

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