Immune system modulation and enhancement
Balances and enhances immune system function without overstimulation
Cat's Claw
Amazonian rainforest vine with powerful immunomodulating properties, supporting immune function, inflammation control, and cellular health
Scientific nameUncaria tomentosa
FormulaVarious oxindole alkaloids
Molecular weightVariable natural compounds g/mol
CASVarious natural compounds
60
absorption score
7
safety / 10
45
USD per month
5
documented interactions
Check it against something
Cat's Claw with:
- Amylase
- Ashwagandha
- Avocado Oil
- BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
- Beetroot Powder
- Beta-Alanine
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bovine Collagen
- Caffeine
- Calcium
- Calcium Bone Formula
- Calcium Carbonate
- Casein Protein
- Chicken Collagen
- Choline (Bitartrate)
- Chondroitin Sulfate
- Coconut Oil
- Collagen Peptides
- Comprehensive Immune Support Complex
- Comprehensive Multivitamin-Mineral Complex
- Creatine HCL
- Creatine Monohydrate
- D-Mannose
- DHA
- Electrolyte Blend
- EPA
- Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
- Folate (5-MTHF)
- Ginger
- Iron Fumarate
- Iron Sulfate
- Joint Mobility Formula
- Keratin
- Krill Oil
- L-Carnitine
- L-Citrulline
- Lactase
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lipase
- Magnesium Citrate
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Magnesium Oxide
- Marine Collagen
- Melatonin
- Modafinil
- Olive Oil Extract
- Omega-3 + Curcumin + Vitamin D Triple Anti-Inflammatory Formula
- Papain
- Protease
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Turmeric
- Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate)
- Vitamin D3
- Whey Protein
- Zinc Gluconate
Nothing found
75
out of 100
Works better together
Compatible. Timing differs, so follow each supplement's own window.
What it does
mechanism and evidence for each claimAnti-inflammatory and joint support
Reduces inflammation and supports joint health and mobility
Antioxidant protection and cellular health
Powerful antioxidant activity protecting cells from oxidative damage
Digestive health and gut immunity
Supports digestive health and gut-associated immune function
Energy and vitality enhancement
Traditional support for energy levels and overall vitality
Others take these for the same thing
Same goal, different mechanism — check any of them against this one
Probiotics for Autoimmune Disease Support
Gut health & immune modulation
10-100 billion CFU daily
B
60%
Vitamin D3
Bone health & immune support
1000-2000 IU
A
85%
Zinc Picolinate
Superior immune & healing support
15-30 mg
A
95%
L-Lysine
Immune support & collagen synthesis
1-3g
A
90%
Oregano Oil
Powerful respiratory antimicrobial
100-300mg
B
85%
Oregano Oil for Antimicrobial Protection
Antimicrobial & pathogen defense
1-3 drops diluted daily
B
75%
Every pair we checked
12 combinations scored by the engine
Cat's Claw + Caffeine
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cat's Claw + Creatine Monohydrate
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cat's Claw + Calcium Carbonate
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cat's Claw + Whey Protein
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cat's Claw + Lactase
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cat's Claw + Bovine Collagen
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cat's Claw + DHA
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cat's Claw + Turmeric
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cat's Claw + Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cat's Claw + Omega-9 Complex
Comprehensive anti-inflammatory and immune support
Works better together
75
Cat's Claw + Vitamin D3
Enhanced immune support and antioxidant protection
Works better together
75
Cat's Claw + Omega-3 + Curcumin + Vitamin D Triple Anti-Inflammatory Formula
Enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection
Works better together
80
Dosage
Daily350-1000mg
Immune modulation350-1000mg daily
Anti inflammatory500-1000mg daily
Antioxidant protection350-750mg daily
Digestive support350-750mg daily
Before you take it
VeganYes
When to expect it
First Effects4-8 weeks for immune modulation and anti-inflammatory benefits
Peak Benefits12-24 weeks for sustained immune enhancement and joint support
Deficiency DevelopmentNot applicable - herbal supplement
Toxicity OnsetRare, mainly autoimmune considerations
How to measure it
MarkerInflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), immune function markers, antioxidant status
OptimalReduced inflammation markers, balanced immune function
Deficient belowNot applicable for herbal supplement
FrequencyEvery 6-12 months for immune and inflammatory monitoring
What people actually reported to the FDA
CAERS, 4 reports naming it as the suspectMost reported effects
Named as the suspect
4 reports
of 7 that mention it at all
Serious outcome
100%
hospitalisation, emergency room or worse
Visited Emergency Room2
Hospitalization2
Other Serious or Important Medical Event1
Reports are voluntary and unverified — they record what someone experienced while taking something, not what the compound caused. Counts skew towards products people take a lot of, and a serious outcome is more likely to be reported than a mild one, so these are not rates. How we filter them →
What actually reaches you
The label counts the carrier, your body does not
Absorption
High 60 of 100 · absorbs well relative to other forms
Delivered daily
405 mg
Cost per 100 mg delivered
$0.37 comparative — uses the absorption score, not a measured percentage
Works better with
+
Turmeric Curcumin
Enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection
Synergistic anti-inflammatory pathways for comprehensive inflammation control · level C
+
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Comprehensive anti-inflammatory and immune support
Both provide anti-inflammatory effects through different pathways · level C
+
Vitamin C
Enhanced immune support and antioxidant protection
Complementary immune-enhancing and antioxidant mechanisms · level CWhat not to take with Cat's Claw
!
Immunosuppressive Substances
May counteract immunosuppressive effects
Immune-enhancing effects oppose immunosuppression · high significance
!
Excessive Alcohol
Alcohol may reduce immune and anti-inflammatory benefits
Alcohol increases inflammation and suppresses immune function · moderate significanceMedication interactions
Discuss these with a pharmacist before combiningMay reduce effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs
What to do: Avoid concurrent use or monitor closely
May enhance blood pressure lowering effects
What to do: Monitor blood pressure
Theoretical interaction with blood thinners
What to do: Monitor bleeding parameters
Available forms
Cat's Claw Bark Extract (Standardized Oxindole Alkaloids): Immune modulation, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant protection, Traditional use
Food sources
Cat's claw inner bark (dried)
Traditional herbal preparation · 55
Cat's claw tea
Moderate alkaloid extraction · 50
Standardized extracts
Concentrated oxindole alkaloids · 60
Not found in common foods
Amazonian rainforest plant · N/A
Too little
- Not applicable (herbal supplement, not essential nutrient):
- General symptoms addressed by cat's claw:
- Poor immune function and frequent infections
- Chronic inflammation and joint pain
- High oxidative stress and cellular damage
- Digestive inflammation and poor gut health
- Low energy and poor stress resistance
Too much
- Generally safe with some considerations:
- Immune system overstimulation in autoimmune conditions
- Mild blood pressure lowering effects
- Digestive upset with high doses
- Possible interactions with immunosuppressive medications
Who benefits most
immune-modulation-enhancement
Balanced immune system modulation for optimal immune function
350-1000mg daily (standardized extract)
inflammatory-conditions-joint-pain
Anti-inflammatory support for joint pain and inflammatory conditions
500-1000mg daily
antioxidant-protection-cellular-health
Powerful antioxidant protection for cellular health and DNA protection
350-750mg daily
digestive-health-gut-immunity
Digestive health support and gut-associated immune function
350-750mg daily
energy-vitality-adaptation
Traditional adaptogenic support for energy and stress resistance
350-500mg dailyWhere to buy it
Look for Cat's Claw at 350-1000mg per serving. The form that matters here is Cat's Claw Bark Extract (Standardized Oxindole Alkaloids).
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What else affects it
Beyond other supplements
!
Excessive alcohol
Alcohol may reduce immune and anti-inflammatory benefits
Alcohol increases inflammation and suppresses immune functionHow it works
- Oxindole alkaloids modulate immune cell activity and enhance T-cell function
- Inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) reducing inflammatory gene expression
- Powerful antioxidant activity protects cells from free radical damage
- Supports natural killer (NK) cell activity for enhanced immune surveillance
- Anti-inflammatory effects reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6
- Adaptogenic properties support cellular stress resistance and energy production
Key findings
what the evidence supports- Good evidence for immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects
- Promising research on antioxidant and cellular protection
- Traditional use validation for immune and joint health
- Important considerations for autoimmune conditions and drug interactions
Sources: NIH Examine.com · data reviewed 2026-08-02
Compiled by Denis, who maintains this database and holds no medical qualification — every figure here is sourced or derived, never asserted. How we calculate it →
Common questions
What are the benefits of Cat's Claw?
Documented effects: Immune system modulation and enhancement; Anti-inflammatory and joint support; Antioxidant protection and cellular health; Digestive health and gut immunity. Balances and enhances immune system function without overstimulation
How much Cat's Claw should you take per day?
The common daily range is 350-1000mg. By goal — immune modulation: 350-1000mg daily; anti inflammatory: 500-1000mg daily; antioxidant protection: 350-750mg daily; digestive support: 350-750mg daily.
When is the best time to take Cat's Claw?
With meals. First effects are typically reported within 4-8 weeks for immune modulation and anti-inflammatory benefits.
What are the side effects of Cat's Claw?
At excessive doses: Generally safe with some considerations:, Immune system overstimulation in autoimmune conditions, Mild blood pressure lowering effects, Digestive upset with high doses, Possible interactions with immunosuppressive medications. Safety rating at normal doses is 7 out of 10.
What should you not take with Cat's Claw?
Separate it from Immunosuppressive Substances, Excessive Alcohol by two to four hours. May counteract immunosuppressive effects
Does Cat's Claw interact with medications?
Documented interactions with immunosuppressive-medications, blood-pressure-medications, anticoagulant-medications. Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining.
How do you know if you need Cat's Claw?
The marker is Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), immune function markers, antioxidant status, optimal range Reduced inflammation markers, balanced immune function. Common deficiency signs: Not applicable (herbal supplement, not essential nutrient):, General symptoms addressed by cat's claw:, Poor immune function and frequent infections, Chronic inflammation and joint pain.