NOW: CAT'S CLAW 500mg 100 CAPS

CAT'S CLAW 500mg - 100 CAPS



by   NOW FOODS
*MSRP:
$11.99
Our Price:
$6.96
Buy: at $6.96
(3 for $ 6.95ea. = $ 20.85 ) 42% OFF MSRP
UPC: 733739046185
# N4618

NOW Foods Cat's Claw 500 mg: Authentic Amazonian Immune & Joint Defense

Cat's Claw 500mg (known traditionally as Uña de Gato) delivers a time-tested botanical solution for everyday immune health and flexible joint function. Sourced from the thick woody vine native to the Peruvian Amazon rainforest (Uncaria tomentosa), this herbal remedy has supported traditional wellness practices for centuries among indigenous Asháninka healers. Today, modern clinical evaluations validate what native herbalists observed: the inner bark of this extraordinary plant provides robust support for cellular defense, joint comfort, and natural immune balance.

NOW Foods encapsulates pure, unadulterated Peruvian inner bark in a convenient 500 mg vegetarian capsule. By utilizing the inner bark rather than the outer woody vine or root, this formula delivers the plant's active constituents in their natural whole-herb synergy. Each two-capsule serving provides 1,000 mg of pure Uncaria tomentosa bark, giving you flexible control over your daily wellness routine without artificial binders or unnecessary fillers.

Key Nutritional Highlights:

  • ✓ 500 mg of pure Uncaria tomentosa inner bark per vegetarian capsule (1,000 mg per 2-capsule serving).
  • ✓ Natural source of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) and quinovic acid glycosides.
  • ✓ Supports natural joint mobility, flexibility, and post-exercise physical recovery.
  • ✓ Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan/vegetarian, and produced in an NPA-certified GMP facility.

How Cat's Claw Works: Biological Mechanisms in Plain English

While Cat's Claw has a rich folklore history, its clinical effectiveness comes down to distinct biochemical compounds concentrated in its inner bark: oxindole alkaloids, quinovic acid glycosides, and proanthocyanidins (plant polyphenols). Here is how these compounds function inside your body:

1. Modulating the Immune "Volume Dial"

Unlike substances that artificially stimulate your immune system into overdrive, Cat's Claw acts as an immunomodulator. Its primary active compounds—pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs)—support the normal activity of white blood cells (macrophages and T-lymphocytes). Research indicates that POAs help optimize how immune cells communicate, keeping defenses alert during seasonal challenges while preventing runaway biological overactivation (Akesson et al., 2003; Sheng et al., 2000).

2. Easing Joint Discomfort by Calming NF-κB

When joints feel stiff, swollen, or tender after daily activity, an internal genetic signaling pathway called Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is often running on high. NF-κB acts like a biological master switch that triggers the release of inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Laboratory and clinical studies demonstrate that Uncaria tomentosa helps turn down the volume on NF-κB activation, protecting cartilage integrity and promoting smooth knee and joint mobility (Sandoval et al., 2000; Piscoya et al., 2001).

3. Cellular Antioxidant Defense & DNA Integrity

Every day, metabolic processes and environmental toxins produce unstable free radicals that stress cellular structures. The quinovic acid glycosides and polyphenols in Cat's Claw act as direct scavengers of peroxyl and superoxide radicals. Furthermore, clinical trials led by Sheng et al. (2001) found that water-soluble fractions of Cat's Claw enhance the body's natural cellular repair mechanisms, supporting DNA integrity following oxidative challenges.

Scientific References:
• Piscoya, J., et al. (2001). Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat's claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Inflammation Research, 50(9), 442–448. doi:10.1007/s000110100084.
• Sandoval, M., et al. (2000). Cat's claw inhibits TNFalpha production and scavenges free radicals: role in cellular protection. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 38(1), 1–8. doi:10.1016/S0278-6915(99)00119-4.
• Sheng, Y., et al. (2000). Enhanced DNA repair, immune function and modulation of NF-kappa B by a water-soluble extract of Uncaria tomentosa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 69(2), 115–126. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(99)00155-7.
• Akesson, C., Pero, R. W., & Ivars, F. (2003). C-Med 100, a hot water extract of Uncaria tomentosa, prolongs lymphocyte survival in vivo. Phytomedicine, 10(1), 23–29. doi:10.1078/094471103321648638.
• World Health Organization. (2007). Cortex Uncariae tomentosae. WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol. 3, 358–372.

Supplement Facts & Complete Ingredient Verification

VitaNet verifies all supplement facts directly against manufacturer batch documentation. Below is the full label breakdown for NOW Foods Cat's Claw 500 mg (Item # 4618 / N4618, UPC: 733739046185):

Supplement Facts Serving Size: 2 Veg Capsules
Servings Per Container: 50 Amount Per Serving
Total Carbohydrate < 1 g (< 1% DV*)
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) (Bark) 1 g (1,000 mg)†

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.

Non-Medicinal Ingredients & Formulation Cleanliness:

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule) and Stearic Acid (vegetable source).

Allergen Free From: Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Dietary Suitability: Vegan, Vegetarian, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher (Triangle K), Halal, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free.

NOW Foods Quality Standards & In-House Lab Testing Protocols

Herbal vine supplements face serious industry challenges: incorrect plant species identification, environmental heavy metal uptake from rainforest soil, and microbiological contamination during harvesting. NOW Foods operates one of the most advanced private analytical testing programs in the nutritional supplement industry, conducting over 31,000 comprehensive quality tests each month across their ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories.

✓ High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) Botanical Identification

A common problem with commercial Cat's Claw is adulteration or cross-harvesting with Uncaria guianensis, a related species with significantly lower POA alkaloid concentrations. NOW chemists verify every raw batch via HPTLC fingerprinting against authenticated botanical reference standards to confirm that only pure, therapeutic Uncaria tomentosa inner bark enters the encapsulation line.

✓ ICP-MS Heavy Metal Testing (Parts-Per-Billion Precision)

Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), NOW analyzes raw botanical materials down to parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity. Every batch is screened for heavy metals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. NOW enforces raw material tolerance levels that meet or exceed United States Pharmacopeia (USP) thresholds and California Proposition 65 consumer safety benchmarks.

✓ Pesticide & Contaminant Screen via LC-MS/MS & IC-MS/MS

To protect against agricultural chemical drift, NOW employs Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Ion Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (IC-MS/MS) to test for hundreds of common pesticide residues, chemical insecticides, and glyphosate at trace levels.

✓ Strict Exclusion of Artificial Excipients & Irradiation

NOW Foods enforces strict clean-label standards. They never irradiate botanicals to mask microbiological contamination. You will never find magnesium silicate (talc), artificial colors, titanium dioxide, hydrogenated fats, or synthetic preservatives in this product.

Suggested Use, Optimal Timing & Clinical Safety Precautions

Getting the best results from botanical supplementation requires proper dosing cadence, smart nutrient timing, and clear awareness of contraindications.

How to Take NOW Cat's Claw 500 mg:

Important Safety Warnings & Drug Interactions:

Contraindications: For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Indigenous historical records document Cat's Claw use as an antifertility agent, and experimental models suggest potential uterine stimulant properties.

Medical Conditions & Medications:
• Autoimmune Conditions: Because Uncaria tomentosa stimulates immune cell proliferation, individuals diagnosed with conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, or those taking immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus) should consult their physician before use.
• Blood Pressure & Anticoagulants: Cat's Claw contains rhynchophylline, an alkaloid with mild hypotensive and platelet-aggregation inhibiting qualities. Consult your physician if taking blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban), aspirin regimens, or antihypertensive medications.
• Elective Surgery: Discontinue use at least 2 weeks prior to any scheduled surgical or dental procedure to minimize bleeding risks.

Why Order NOW Cat's Claw from VitaNet?

When shopping for dietary supplements online, where you purchase matters just as much as what brand you select[cite: 1]. Large open marketplaces frequently suffer from unverified third-party resellers, heat-damaged inventory stored in non-air-conditioned warehouses, and expired lot numbers.

VitaNet®, LLC is an independent, family-owned discount vitamin and herb retailer founded in 1995 in Hartville, Ohio[cite: 1]. For over three decades, we have provided health-conscious families with authentic, brand-name nutritional supplements backed by direct industry relationships[cite: 1].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is NOW Cat's Claw 500 mg primarily used for?

NOW Cat's Claw 500 mg is taken primarily to support healthy immune system defenses, maintain flexible joint mobility, and provide cellular antioxidant protection. Its active botanical compounds help modulate inflammatory pathways (such as NF-κB) and promote seasonal resilience.

How long does it take to experience the benefits of Cat's Claw?

In clinical trials evaluating joint comfort and mobility (such as the study published by Piscoya et al. in Inflammation Research), participants experienced measurable improvements in knee comfort and daily physical function within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily supplementation. Immune support mechanisms begin working at a cellular level within days.

What is the difference between Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis?

Both are South American woody vines, but Uncaria tomentosa is the premier medicinal species documented in scientific literature. It contains significantly higher concentrations of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs), which are responsible for immune modulation and cellular repair. Uncaria guianensis contains primarily tetracyclic alkaloids and is considered inferior for targeted joint and immune therapy. NOW uses authenticated Uncaria tomentosa verified by HPTLC fingerprinting.

Can I take Cat's Claw with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, or Turmeric Curcumin?

Yes, Cat's Claw is often paired with structural joint nutrients like Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin, MSM, and Turmeric Curcumin. While Glucosamine and Chondroitin provide building blocks for cartilage tissue, Cat's Claw and Turmeric help calm inflammatory signals, offering a comprehensive two-pronged approach to joint comfort. Always review supplement regimens with your healthcare provider.

Why does NOW Foods use the inner bark of Cat's Claw instead of the root or leaves?

Harvesting the root destroys the entire vine, leading to deforestation and environmental depletion of Amazonian rainforest ecosystems. Harvesting the inner bark allows the vine to regenerate naturally, providing an ecologically sustainable harvest while concentrating the active alkaloids and quinovic acid glycosides responsible for the herb's therapeutic benefits.

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