Best Cat’s Claw Supplements (2026)

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest that has been used by indigenous Peruvian communities for over 2,000 years. Named for its hook-shaped thorns, this powerful herb contains alkaloids and other compounds that support immune function, joint health, and digestive wellness. Whether you’re looking for daily immune defense or joint comfort, here are the best cat’s claw supplements on the market.

Quick Comparison

Product	Dosage	Form	Best For	Rating
NOW Foods Cat’s Claw 500mg	500mg	Veg Capsules	Best Overall	9.5/10
NOW Cat’s Claw Extract 10:1	10:1 Extract	Veg Capsules	Most Potent	9.3/10
Pure Encapsulations Cat’s Claw	450mg Extract	Capsules	Best Premium	9.2/10
Carlyle Cat’s Claw 1000mg	1,000mg	Capsules	Best Value	9.1/10
Pure Mountain Botanicals Cat’s Claw	1,000mg	Vegan Capsules	Best Clean Formula	9.0/10
Best Naturals Cat’s Claw 500mg	500mg	Capsules	Best Bulk Supply	8.9/10
Amazon Andes Cat’s Claw	1,000mg	Capsules	Best Peruvian Sourced	8.8/10

1. NOW Foods Cat’s Claw 500mg – Best Overall

NOW Foods delivers a pure, well-dosed cat’s claw supplement from authentic Uncaria tomentosa bark with GMP-certified quality.

Each serving of 2 veg capsules provides 1,000mg of cat’s claw bark. NOW Foods sources the highest quality authentic Uncaria tomentosa and manufactures under NPA A-rated GMP certification, which means every aspect of production is examined and verified. The formula is Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, and soy-free. For those looking to support their immune system through multiple pathways, consider pairing with a quality echinacea supplement.

• Pros:
• NPA A-rated GMP certification for manufacturing quality
• Non-GMO Project Verified and vegan
• Family-owned company with over 50 years of experience

• Cons:
• Requires 2 capsules for the full 1,000mg serving
• Contains stearic acid as an excipient

Best for: A reliable, everyday cat’s claw supplement from one of the most trusted names in natural supplements

2. NOW Cat’s Claw Extract 10:1 Concentrate – Most Potent

This standardized 10:1 extract delivers concentrated cat’s claw potency with 1.5% alkaloids per capsule.

NOW’s extract version concentrates Uncaria tomentosa bark at a 10:1 ratio and standardizes it to 1.5% alkaloids — the key bioactive compounds responsible for cat’s claw’s immune-supporting properties. Each bottle contains 120 veg capsules at just 1-2 capsules per day. Like all NOW products, it carries NPA A-rated GMP certification and is non-GMO, vegan, and soy-free.

• Pros:
• 10:1 concentrated extract for maximum potency
• Standardized to 1.5% alkaloids for consistent dosing
• 120 capsules provides a 2-4 month supply

• Cons:
• Contains maltodextrin as a processing aid
• Higher price point than whole herb versions

Best for: Those who want the most concentrated, standardized cat’s claw extract available

3. Pure Encapsulations Cat’s Claw – Best Premium

Pure Encapsulations offers a hypoallergenic, practitioner-trusted cat’s claw extract with a clean-label formula.

Each vegetarian capsule delivers 450mg of cat’s claw inner vine bark extract. Pure Encapsulations is known for their commitment to purity — free from wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, coatings, GMOs, and unnecessary binders or fillers. Their cat’s claw supports joints, immune function, cardiovascular health, and gastrointestinal wellness. Take 1 capsule up to 3 times daily with meals.

• Pros:
• Hypoallergenic formula free from all major allergens
• Practitioner-grade quality trusted by healthcare professionals
• Inner vine bark extract for targeted potency

• Cons:
• Premium pricing compared to standard brands
• 90 capsules at 3/day is only a 30-day supply

Best for: Those with sensitivities who need a hypoallergenic, practitioner-recommended formula

4. Carlyle Cat’s Claw 1000mg – Best Value

Carlyle packs 180 capsules of high-dose cat’s claw at an exceptional price point for long-term use.

Each 2-capsule serving provides 1,000mg of Uncaria tomentosa bark. The 180-count bottle delivers a 90-day supply, making it one of the best values in the category. Carlyle’s formula is lab-tested for purity and potency, non-GMO, and gluten-free. The company has over 40 years of experience in the supplement industry, which shows in their commitment to quality sourcing and testing.

• Pros:
• 180 capsules for a full 90-day supply
• Lab-tested for purity and potency
• Excellent cost per serving

• Cons:
• Uses gelatin capsules (not vegan)
• Contains rice powder and vegetable magnesium stearate

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, high-count cat’s claw supply

5. Pure Mountain Botanicals Cat’s Claw – Best Clean Formula

This small-batch, family-owned brand delivers Peruvian cat’s claw with zero fillers, binders, or additives.

Each kosher, vegan capsule contains 500mg of full-spectrum raw cat’s claw bark sourced from remote regions of the Amazon. The only other ingredient is omega-3 from flaxseed — no magnesium stearate, no sodium benzoate, no GMOs. Pure Mountain Botanicals is a family-owned operation founded by a former teacher with a passion for clean supplementation. At 1,000mg per 2-capsule serving, it provides a solid therapeutic dose. If joint health is your primary concern, see our roundup of the best supplements for joint pain.

• Pros:
• Zero fillers, binders, or artificial additives
• Kosher, vegan, and gluten-free certified
• Sourced from Peruvian Amazon regions

• Cons:
• Only 90 capsules per bottle (45-day supply at 2/day)
• Smaller brand with less widespread availability

Best for: Clean-supplement enthusiasts who want absolutely nothing extra in their capsules

6. Best Naturals Cat’s Claw 500mg – Best Bulk Supply

Best Naturals offers a massive 240-count bottle that provides one of the longest-lasting supplies in the category.

At 500mg per capsule with 240 capsules per bottle, this is an outstanding option for those who want to stock up without reordering frequently. Best Naturals recommends 3 capsules three times daily (1,500mg total), though many users take lower doses for maintenance. The formula is straightforward and affordable, making it ideal for long-term supplementation.

• Pros:
• 240 capsules per bottle for extended supply
• Flexible dosing at 500mg per capsule
• Very affordable cost per capsule

• Cons:
• High recommended daily dose (9 capsules)
• Less detailed quality certifications than premium brands

Best for: Those who want the most capsules per bottle for long-term, consistent supplementation

7. Amazon Andes Cat’s Claw 1000mg – Best Peruvian Sourced

Sourced directly from Peru and made by a Fairtrade USA certified company, this is as authentic as cat’s claw gets.

Amazon Andes produces their cat’s claw capsules in Peru using 100% pure bark powder from Uncaria tomentosa. The company holds organic, Halal, and Fairtrade certifications, and uses biodegradable, BPA-free packaging. Each capsule contains 500mg of raw cat’s claw powder (1,000mg per 2-capsule serving). Their forestry management plans ensure the long-term sustainability of the vine they harvest. For those exploring autoimmune support supplements, cat’s claw is a commonly recommended herb.

• Pros:
• Fairtrade certified with sustainable harvesting practices
• Made in Peru from locally sourced Uncaria tomentosa
• Organic and Halal certified

• Cons:
• Imported product may have longer shipping times
• Less standardization than concentrated extract formulas

Best for: Those who prioritize ethical sourcing, sustainability, and authentic Peruvian origin

How to Choose the Best Cat’s Claw Supplement

When selecting a cat’s claw supplement, start with the source material. Look for products that use Uncaria tomentosa (not Uncaria guianensis), as this is the species with the most research backing its immune and joint benefits. Inner bark extracts tend to be more potent than whole herb powders.

Dosage varies widely by product. Whole herb capsules typically range from 500mg to 1,500mg daily, while standardized extracts concentrated at 10:1 or higher require lower doses. If you want consistent potency, choose a product standardized to a specific alkaloid percentage.

Form is largely a matter of preference. Capsules are the most common and convenient. For those with digestive sensitivities, hypoallergenic formulas like Pure Encapsulations are worth the premium. Quality certifications to look for include GMP manufacturing, Non-GMO Project Verification, and third-party lab testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cat’s claw and what does it do?

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a tropical vine native to the Amazon rainforest. It contains alkaloids that support immune function by enhancing white blood cell activity, and it has been traditionally used for joint comfort, digestive support, and overall wellness. The name comes from its hook-shaped thorns that resemble cat claws.

How much cat’s claw should I take daily?

Typical dosages range from 500mg to 1,500mg daily for whole bark supplements, taken in divided doses with meals. For standardized extracts (like 10:1 concentrates), lower doses of 100-350mg per day are sufficient. Follow the specific product label and consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

When is the best time to take cat’s claw?

Cat’s claw is generally best taken with food to minimize the chance of stomach upset. Dividing the daily dose across 2-3 servings throughout the day may improve absorption and maintain more consistent levels in the body.

Are there any side effects of cat’s claw?

Cat’s claw is well-tolerated by most people. Possible side effects include mild nausea, diarrhea, or dizziness. Those who are pregnant, nursing, or have autoimmune conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use, as cat’s claw may stimulate immune activity.

Can I take cat’s claw with other supplements?

Cat’s claw pairs well with other immune-supporting herbs like echinacea, astragalus, and elderberry. For joint support, it combines well with turmeric, boswellia, and MSM. However, because cat’s claw may have blood-thinning properties, use caution when combining with anticoagulant medications or supplements.

How long does it take for cat’s claw to work?

Most users report noticing immune-supporting effects within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Joint comfort benefits may take 4-8 weeks to become noticeable. For best results, take cat’s claw consistently over several weeks rather than sporadically.

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