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Cat’s Claw Plus Review – Is it Effective?

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Summary | What's Inside? | Claims | Precautions | Cost | Suggested Use | Conclusion

Cat’s Claw Plus dietary supplement is formulated to provide proper herbal support for the health of the immune, digestive and reproductive systems. The formula was developed by a reputable American company with 30 years of experience in the industry of nutritional solutions called Lifeplus. The manufacturer offers a wide range of supplements divided in several categories, defined by the purpose for which they were created. A distinctive feature of this company is the business strategy they adopt which encourages people to start a partnership beneficial for both parties (additional facilities).

Cat’s Claw Plus is marketed as an effective solution for the protection of the three systems listed above known to be severely affected by the stressful situations we have to face increasingly often. The active compounds are mostly herbal extracts, such as Cat’s Claw (Una de Gato), Maca Root, Pau D’Arco bark, Chuchuhuasi, Muira Puama root, Phyllanthus whole herb, and Mate leaf.

Cat’s Claw Plus also features the PhytoZyme base of plant enzymes, fruit and vegetables extracts included to increase bioavailability of the active substances and provide additional benefits for the users. This product is addressed to healthy adults (the minimum age is not specified) who desire to improve their overall health by diminishing the negative consequences of stress.

Summary

1) What is Cat’s Claw Plus?

Cat’s Claw Plus is an herbal remedy.
The key ingredient is Cat’s Claw, found here in a quantity of 500 mg per serving. The raw material comes from South America and is believed to exist since the Inca civilization. The substance is used in the treatment of different health conditions, including viral infections, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, osteoarthritis and as an immune system stimulator. However, existing evidence is not conclusive for any of the health claims and further research is necessary to prove most of the benefits. Side effects include dizziness, headaches and vomiting. The use of this plant is very dangerous for women who are trying to get or are already pregnant. Cat’s Claw has been used for a long time to prevent pregnancy and induce miscarriage.

Maca is a root originated in Peru and is known for its ability to increase energy through a non-caffeinated combination of active compounds. The root was scientifically researched and it was discovered that it includes large amounts of B vitamins, Calcium and Magnesium. The plant features large concentrations of vitamin B-12, shown to assist in energy production (by promoting conversion of carbohydrates into glucose), promote healthy nervous system (by reducing stress symptoms and associated conditions), and healthy digestive function, heart and skin. Scientists have also identified several alkaloids that influence the activity of the endocrine glands and reproductive system. Special benefits like increased sexual function, stamina and fertility in women have also been attributed to the Maca root. Side effects for the use of this extract (in quantities that do not exceed 3 grams daily) for short periods (up to 3 months) have not been reported. However, as research is still limited, inconclusive or contradictory, it is best to ask a specialized opinion prior using it.

What’s Inside?

2) What’s Inside Cat’s Claw Plus?

Cat’s Claw Plus contains the following ingredients: Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC) Inner bark extract, Dicalcium Phosphate, Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) root, Pau D’Arco (Tabebuia Impetiginosa (Mart. ex DC.) Standl.) bark extract, Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus krukovit A.C. Smith) bark, Muira Puama (Potency Wood) root, Phyllanthus (Chanca Piedra, Phyllanthus niruri L.) whole herb, Mat© (Yerba Mat©; Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) leaf, Croscarmellose Sodium, Micro crystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, PhytoZymeŸ proprietary blend (contains concentrated powders of Bromelain, Papain, Alfalfa, parsley, and vegetable and fruit concentrates from blueberry, carrots, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, kale, asparagus, beet, chili pepper, green bean, pea, sweet potato, cucumber, pumpkin, snow pea, tomato, watercress, zucchini, lima beans, Maitake mushroom, banana, cantaloupe, cranberry, guava, lemon, mango, orange, papaya, peach, pineapple and grapefruit), Magnesium Stearate, and Silica.

Cat’s Claw is also used in stress-support formulas like Solaray Sharp Mind.

3) Is Cat’s Claw Plus Right for You?

Cat’s Claw is a blend of various herbal extracts aimed to improve overall health maintaining a strong immune system while aiding the digestive and reproductive systems.

Uncaria tomentose (Cat’s Claw) is used in nootropic drugs and against HIV infection. One chemotype (distinct entry in a plant or microorganism) has roots which produce mostly the pentacyclic alkaloids that are responsible for the immune-strengthening effects desired by most consumers.

However, this plant comes with at least two chemotypes, so without chemical testing, it is impossible to know which chemical compounds will predominate in a plant collected randomly from a natural setting. In other words, some herbal extracts may be useful in aiding the immune system. Others may not. Some ingredients appear to act as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and anticancer agents. As an herbal treatment, Cat’s Claw is used to treat intestinal ailments such as Crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome.

Further information about the herbal extracts included in this formula can be found on LifePlus’s website. The recommended dosage is one tablet once or twice a day. You may take two to three tablets two or three times per day if desired.

Claims

4) Cat’s Claw Plus Claims

  • The price for a month’s supply is affordable
  • A 30-day money back guarantee is offered for all the manufacturer’s products
  • The manufacturer is experienced and has a good reputation
Precautions

5) Precautions of Cat’s Claw Plus Use

  • The active ingredients are mostly herbal extracts not scientifically proven as beneficial
  • There are no testimonials from consumers regarding the supplement
  • The formula is not a researched product
  • The formula may include allergenic substances like fish, shellfish, soy and dairy
  • The active compounds have not been standardized in terms of safe dosage.
Cost

6) Cat’s Claw Plus Cost

One bottle of Cat’s Claw Plus contains 90 tablets which should be enough for 30 to 90 days, depending on the daily dosage. Considering the average price per capsule, this supplement is reasonably priced and has good value.

Please note that this product can only be bought from the manufacturer by contacting them directly or one of their business associates. Shipping and processing charges are not listed. They offer substantial discounts for company partners.

Suggested Use

7) Suggested Use

The suggested dose for Cat’s Claw Plus is 3 tablets per day. If necessary, the dose may be increased up to a maximum of nine tablets per day.

Conclusion

8) Conclusion

Cat’s Claw Plus promises to assist with several health concerns. It includes a relatively high number of active substances, most of them used for centuries in traditional medicine as remedies for conditions affecting the reproductive, digestive, or the immune function. There is a lot of information available for consulting about each of the ingredients, although the manufacturer does not include any in the presentation of the product.

Cat’s Claw Plus is not safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, people under medication or under the doctor’s supervision without the consent of a healthcare specialist. Our advice is that everyone who wants to use such a product (un-evaluated by the FDA, and not clinically researched), should first ask their physician to make sure that the product suits their specific needs.

4/5 - (1 vote)
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Vernell W. Fairley

This is a very powerful supplement that gets the job done, I feel totally cleansed.