What is Cat's Claw Bark?

Cat's Claw Bark is the cut inner bark of Uncaria tomentosa, a large climbing rainforest vine known in Spanish as Una de Gato. It takes its name from the small claw-shaped thorns along its stems that let it climb through the forest canopy.

About the plant

The vine is native to the Peruvian Amazon and surrounding regions and can grow well over a hundred feet long. It has a long documented history of traditional use among Amazonian Indigenous peoples, particularly the Ashaninka. Its studied compounds include oxindole alkaloids, glycosides, and tannins. It is distinct from the closely related species Uncaria guianensis, sometimes called Mexican Cat's Claw.

Cat's Claw Bark: form & sizes

We carry Cat's Claw Bark as cut dried inner bark, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Cat's Claw Bark in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Cat's Claw Bark at a glance

Botanical name

Uncaria tomentosa

Family

Rubiaceae

Native region

the Peruvian Amazon and surrounding rainforest

Plant part

inner bark

Also known as

Una de Gato

Studied compounds

Oxindole alkaloids, glycosides, tannins

Form

cut dried inner bark

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb