Generic: cat's claw
an herbal product - treats Anti-inflammatory, Immune stimulant, Knee pain from osteoarthritis, Allergies, and Cancer
Interactions with Drugs
In theory, cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti- platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
In theory cat's claw may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood, and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions.
Because one component in cat's claw may alter the rhythm of the heart (for example, it may slow heartbeats) or lower blood pressure, cat's claw should be used cautiously by people who take drugs to treat irregular heart rhythms, such as amiodarone (Cordarone®) or digoxin (Lanoxin®), or drugs to lower blood pressure, such as verapamil (Calan®).
Because cat's claw is believed to affect the immune system, people taking immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, drugs for rheumatologic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.), or drugs to prevent rejection of transplanted organs should consult a healthcare provider and pharmacist before using cat's claw. Examples of such drugs are azathioprine, cyclosporine, and prednisone.
Cat's claw may interact with hormonal agents, cholesterol- lowering agents, diuretics, and agents that affect the kidneys.
Although not well studied in humans, cat's claw may interact with drugs that increase sensitivity to light, analgesics, anesthetics, antibiotics, antihistamines, anti inflammatory agents, and antiviral agents. Cat's claw may also interact with drugs used to treat cancer.
Interactions with Herbs and Supplements
Very few interactions between cat's claw and herbs or supplements have been reported. In theory, cat's claw may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system.
It is possible that cat's claw may lower blood pressure. Additive effects may be seen with black cohosh, curcumin, or ginger for example.
Cat's claw may alter the rhythm of heartbeats. As a result, cat's claw should be used carefully if also taken with other herbs that affect the heart, such as foxglove/ digitalis.
In theory cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.
Cat's claw may decrease estrogen levels and therefore, the effects of other agents believed to have estrogen- like properties may be altered.
Cat's claw may decrease the effectiveness of iron supplements and interact with cholesterol- lowering herbs and supplements, diuretics, mushrooms, or herbs that affect the kidneys.
Although not well studied in humans, cat's claw may interact with herbs or supplements that increase sensitivity to light. Other potential interactions are with pain- relievers, anesthetics, antibiotics, antihistamines, anti- inflammatory agents, antioxidant, and antiviral agents. Cat's claw may also interact with herbs used to treat cancer.