Cat’s Claw is an herb native to the Amazon rainforest known for its action as a restorative herb for convalescence or debility and use in degenerative processes, inflammation, and other conditions. Two species of Cat’s Claw include Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis.

There are three chemotypes of U. tomentosa, which can be differentiated by their oxindole alkaloid content. Two chemotypes largely contain pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs), and one chemotype contains largely tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs).

This herb grows as a woody vine in the Amazon rainforest as well as other tropical areas of South and Central America, where use of the stem bark – as opposed to the root – is preferred to support the plant’s sustainability.

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