Positives

• Intuitively, for the past month I felt somewhat like the virus hijacked my gut. A week ago, I started taking Cat´s Claw ( Uncaria tomentosa ) and I´ve experienced a rapid improvement, with most if not all symptoms gone. Reddit.

Negatives

• One patient reported taking cat’s claw for four months without improvement, stating they just kept getting sicker, contradicting the “worse-before-better” framing often used to justify continuing it Health Rising.
• Patients commonly describe diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, exacerbation of existing acne, and lab changes including lymphocytosis and erythrocytosis Herbal Reality.
• One patient reported worsened viral-feeling symptoms — sore throat and swollen, tender lymph nodes — shortly after starting cat’s claw, leading their clinician to switch them off it Health Rising.

Hurdles & Side Effects

• Patients with autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or psoriasis are commonly told to avoid cat’s claw because of immune activation Drugs.com.
• Brand quality matters significantly — TOA-free vs TOA-containing extracts (Samento, Saventaro) are biologically different products, and standardized bottles run $30-60 per month RTHM.
• Theoretical interactions with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and blood pressure medications complicate use in Long COVID patients on antiplatelet or microclot protocols WebMD.