# Uña de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/u-a-de-gato
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Uncaria tomentosa, Cat's Claw, Griffe du Chat, Paraguayo, Garabato, Saventaro, Life-giving Vine of Peru

## Overview

Uña de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa) is an Amazonian vine containing pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids that modulate immune system function. Clinical studies demonstrate its ability to preserve [white blood cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) counts during chemotherapy and reduce cancer-related fatigue.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and preserves white blood cell counts in breast cancer patients undergoing FAC treatment (RCT, n=40, PMID: 22811748)
• Improves quality of life and reduces fatigue in advanced solid tumor patients (Phase II study, PMID: 25495394)
• Provides symptom relief for osteoarthritis comparable to U. guianensis (RCT evidence, PMID: 11603848)
• Demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects (2024 systematic review of animal studies, PMID: 38881881)
• Sensitizes cancer cells to radiation therapy by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell survival pathways (in vitro evidence, PMID: 28827961)

## Mechanism of Action

Uña de Gato's pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids, particularly isopteropodine and pteropodine, enhance T-helper cell proliferation and macrophage activation. The alkaloids stimulate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, promoting cytokine production and immune cell differentiation. Quinovic acid glycosides provide additional [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial (n=40) showed Uña de Gato significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in breast cancer patients receiving FAC treatment, preserving [white blood cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) counts. A Phase II study demonstrated improvements in quality of life scores and reduced fatigue in advanced solid tumor patients. Most clinical evidence focuses on cancer supportive care, with limited data on other health conditions. Current research involves relatively small sample sizes, requiring larger studies for broader therapeutic claims.

## Nutritional Profile

Uña de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa) is a medicinal bark/root preparation rather than a dietary food, so macronutrient content is not nutritionally significant in typical therapeutic doses. Key bioactive compounds are the primary focus: Oxindole alkaloids (0.5–2.5% dry weight of bark) are the dominant pharmacologically active constituents, including pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) — mitraphylline (~0.1–0.9% dry bark), isomitraphylline, pteropodine, isopteropodine, speciophylline, and uncarine F — alongside tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs) — rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline; POA:TOA ratios vary significantly by chemotype and sourcing, which affects [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) vs. CNS activity (POA chemotype preferred for immune applications). Quinovic acid glycosides (triterpene saponins, ~1–3% dry bark): including quinovic acid 3-beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and related esters; contribute [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. Polyphenols and tannins: procyanidins (condensed tannins, ~2–4% dry bark), catechins, and epicatechin; contribute [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity with ORAC values estimated at 1,000–2,000 µmol TE/g for concentrated extracts. Sterols: beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol present in small amounts (<0.5%). Carboxyl alkyl esters (CAEs): including quinic acid derivatives, thought to contribute immunomodulatory and DNA repair effects. Polysaccharides: small amounts of immunostimulatory polysaccharides detected. Minerals: bark contains trace calcium (~200–400 mg/100g dry weight), potassium (~300–600 mg/100g), magnesium (~80–150 mg/100g), and iron (~10–20 mg/100g), though these are not meaningful at typical supplement doses (300–350 mg extract). Fiber: present as structural plant fiber (~20–35% dry bark weight) but not bioavailable at supplemental doses. Bioavailability notes: Alkaloid bioavailability is moderate; standardized hydroethanolic extracts (70% ethanol) yield superior alkaloid extraction vs. water decoctions. POA absorption is enhanced with food; first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) is significant. TOAs competitively inhibit POA immunostimulatory effects, making chemotype standardization critical. Commercial standardized extracts typically guarantee minimum 1.3–3% total oxindole alkaloids or minimum 8% carboxy alkyl esters depending on preparation type (C-Med-100 standardization targets CAEs).

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses include 300 mg/day of dry extract (single or divided doses) for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and 100 mg three times daily for advanced solid tumors. Freeze-dried extracts have shown efficacy for osteoarthritis, though specific dosages were not detailed. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Uña de Gato is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal upset being the most common side effect. It may enhance [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity, potentially interfering with immunosuppressive medications used in organ transplants or autoimmune conditions. The herb can lower [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and may interact with antihypertensive drugs, requiring medical monitoring. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, making it inadvisable for these populations.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence includes RCTs in 40 breast cancer patients (PMID: 22811748) and 43 colorectal cancer patients (PMID: 21869902) receiving chemotherapy, showing hematological protection and safety at 300mg/day. A 2024 systematic review confirmed [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in animal models (PMID: 38881881), though no meta-analyses of human RCTs were identified.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Uña de Gato has been used for millennia by Amazonian indigenous groups, particularly the Asháninka people of Peru, in traditional Peruvian and Brazilian herbal medicine. Historical applications dating to pre-Columbian times include treating [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) diseases, wounds, rheumatism, and as a general tonic, typically prepared as bark decoctions.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Reishi mushroom, Astragalus, Green tea extract, Vitamin D3

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much una de gato should I take daily?

Clinical studies used dosages ranging from 250-350mg of standardized extract three times daily. Most commercial supplements provide 300-500mg per capsule of 3% alkaloid extract. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

### Can una de gato help during chemotherapy?

Clinical research shows una de gato can preserve white blood cell counts and reduce neutropenia during FAC chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. It also improved quality of life scores in advanced cancer patients. Always coordinate with your oncology team before adding supplements.

### What are the active compounds in una de gato?

The primary bioactive compounds are pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids including isopteropodine, pteropodine, and mitraphylline. Quinovic acid glycosides and phenolic compounds also contribute to its therapeutic effects. Standardized extracts typically contain 3% total alkaloids.

### Is una de gato safe with blood pressure medications?

Uña de Gato may lower blood pressure and could potentially enhance the effects of antihypertensive medications. This interaction requires careful monitoring by healthcare providers. Patients taking ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or beta-blockers should use caution.

### How long does it take for una de gato to work?

Immune system effects may begin within 2-4 weeks of consistent use based on clinical studies. Cancer supportive benefits were observed over 8-12 week treatment periods in trials. Individual response times vary depending on health status and dosage used.

### Is uña de gato safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Uña de gato is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data and its potential immune-stimulating effects, which could theoretically affect fetal development. There is insufficient evidence regarding its safety during breastfeeding, so it is best avoided or used only under medical supervision during both pregnancy and lactation. Consult with a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

### How does uña de gato compare to other cat's claw species like Uncaria guianensis?

Both Uncaria tomentosa (uña de gato) and Uncaria guianensis are used medicinally and contain similar alkaloid compounds, but U. tomentosa has more robust clinical research, particularly for cancer-related symptom management. Clinical studies show both species provide comparable relief for osteoarthritis symptoms, though U. tomentosa has stronger evidence for reducing chemotherapy-induced side effects in breast cancer patients. U. tomentosa is generally more widely available and studied in Western research contexts.

### Who is most likely to benefit from uña de gato supplementation?

Patients undergoing chemotherapy (particularly breast cancer with FAC regimens) may benefit most, as clinical evidence shows it helps preserve white blood cell counts and reduce neutropenia. Individuals with osteoarthritis seeking natural anti-inflammatory support and cancer patients experiencing fatigue and quality-of-life issues are also good candidates based on Phase II research. Those with autoimmune conditions should consult a healthcare provider first, as uña de gato's immune-stimulating properties may not be appropriate for all conditions.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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