Cat's claw
Biancaea decapetala
Biancaea decapetala is a plant traditionally unrecorded for medicinal use. Scientific evidence suggests that its extracts may have anti-inflammatory effects, as they inhibit inflammatory responses by regulating the TNF/Akt/NF-κB pathway in both animal and cell models. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings comprehensively. The pharmacokinetics of certain compounds from this plant are altered under disease conditions compared to normal states. Phylogenetic studies indicate that functional traits related to Biancaea decapetala follow a unimodal pattern as Anacardiaceae-dominated communities transition toward Lauraceae-dominated stands, but these findings do not pertain directly to its medicinal use. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Biancaea decapetala extract inhibited inflammatory responses by regulating the TNF/Akt/NF-κB pathway in vitro and in vivo.
- The study found that the pharmacokinetics of protosappanin B, protosappanin B-3-O-β-D-glucoside, and 3-deoxysappanchalcone in rat plasma and RAW264.7 cells differed between normal and adjuvant-induced arthritis rats.
- BDE and PTD from Biancaea decapetala showed anti-inflammatory effects by reducing cytokine secretion in both animal and cell models.
- Phylogenetic signals for most functional traits followed a unimodal pattern, peaking in Stage III as Anacardiaceae-dominated communities transitioned toward Lauraceae-dominated stands.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cat's claw?
Cat's claw (Biancaea decapetala) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Cat's claw?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Cat's claw; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Biancaea decapetala extract inhibited inflammatory responses by regulating the TNF/Akt/NF-κB pathway in vitro and in vivo.
How strong is the evidence for Cat's claw?
The strongest finding for Cat's claw carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Cat's claw safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Cat's claw in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Cat's claw interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Cat's claw in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Cat's claw?
Cat's claw is also known as: Sappan.
Is Cat's claw a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Biancaea decapetala (Roth) O.Deg. extract exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the TNF/Akt/NF-κB pathway. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Quantitative analysis of three bioactive components of Biancaea decapetala extracts in rat plasma and RAW264.7 cells using UPLC-MS/MS and its application to comparative pharmacokinetics in normal and diseased states. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Study of Protosappanoside D, a Component Derived from Biancaea decapetala Extracts, for Its Anti-Inflammatory Effects. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Community Assembly Mechanism of Woody Plants at Different Successional Stages in Karst Areas Based on Functional Traits and Phylogeny. literature abstract metadata