Nootropic profile
Cat's Claw
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a South American vine bark with potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It inhibits brain plaque formation, supports immune function, and shows early promise for preserving cognitive function during ageing.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Cat's Claw?
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and tropical regions of Central and South America.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- Typical dose: 250–500 mg of standardised bark extract per day
- For cognitive support: 350 mg of a standardised extract (3% alkaloids and 8% carboxy alkyl esters)
- For general health: 250–500 mg daily
- Tea: 1–2 grams of inner bark simmered for 15 minutes
- Important: Use only Uncaria tomentosa (not U. guianensis), and look for products standardised to pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid (POA) content
Watch out for
- Side effects: Generally well-tolerated. Possible nausea, diarrhoea, or dizziness at higher doses.
- Autoimmune conditions: May stimulate immune function - use with caution in autoimmune conditions or alongside immunosuppressant medications.
- Blood thinning: May have mild anticoagulant effects - discontinue 2 weeks before surgery.
- Drug interactions: May interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
- Pregnancy: Not recommended - traditional use as a contraceptive suggests possible effects on reproductive function.
The science, if you're curious.
- Proanthocyanidins in Cat's Claw inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and promote disaggregation of existing fibrils, potentially protecting against...
- Potently inhibits NF-kB, a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression, reducing chronic neuroinflammation that drives cognitive decline.
- The AC-11 extract has been shown to enhance DNA repair mechanisms, supporting cellular longevity and resilience in neurons.
- Scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative damage to neural membranes and mitochondria.
Where to find it
- Inner bark: The inner bark of Uncaria tomentosa vine is the primary medicinal source
- Supplements: Available as capsules, tablets, tinctures, and teas. Standardised extracts are preferred for consistent potency.
- AC-11: A patented water-soluble extract with enhanced bioavailability and documented DNA repair benefits
Frequently asked
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a South American vine bark with potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It inhibits brain plaque formation, supports immune function, and shows early promise for preserving cognitive function during ageing.
The main benefits people report from Cat's Claw are: Cognitive Enhancement, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.
Typical dose: 250–500 mg of standardised bark extract per dayFor cognitive support: 350 mg of a standardised extract (3% alkaloids and 8% carboxy alkyl esters)For general health: 250–500 mg dailyTea: 1–2 grams of inner bark simmered for 15 minutesImportant: Use only Uncaria tomentosa (not U. guianen...
Side effects: Generally well-tolerated. Possible nausea, diarrhoea, or dizziness at higher doses.Autoimmune conditions: May stimulate immune function - use with caution in autoimmune conditions or alongside immunosuppressant medications.Blood thinning: May have mild anticoagulant effects - discontin...
Proanthocyanidins in Cat's Claw inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and promote disaggregation of existing fibrils, potentially protecting against...Potently inhibits NF-kB, a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression, reducing chronic neuroinflammation that drives cognitive de...
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