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Does cat’s claw have any health benefits and is it safe?

Cats claw extract capsules in a bowl on a table

Cat's claw is promoted for numerous conditions, including arthritis (including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), Alzheimer's disease, viral infections, boosting immune response to vaccination, and reducing side effects of chemotherapy. Find out if it works and if it's safe.

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Product Review

Joint Health Supplements for Pets Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM & Boswellia)

See Which Pet Supplements for Joint Health Passed Our Tests and Which Didn't!

Joint Health Supplements for Pets

Product Review

Taurine Supplements Review for People, Dogs, and Cats

Find the Best Taurine Supplements. Learn When to Use Taurine and Which Supplement is Best.

Taurine Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

L-Lysine Supplements Review

Read L-Lysine Labels Carefully. Some Can Fool You.

CL Answer

What are the best bug sprays to prevent tick and mosquito bites? Is the insecticide permethrin safe to use?

Find out how permethrin sprays differ and which can be used on sheets and sleeping bags versus clothing

Variety of insect repellents on store shelf

Product Review

Probiotic Supplements Review (Including Pet Probiotics)

Probiotics: See What They Really Contain and Our Top Picks

Product Review

CBD Oils, Softgels, Gummies, Creams & Salves Review

See How Much CBD and THC We Found in Products.

Product Review

Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) Supplements Review

See Our Omega-3 Top Picks and Avoid Rancid Fish Oils.

Fish Oil and Other Marine Oil Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Clinical Update

9/19/2023

Cat's Claw

Does cat's claw reduce symptoms of arthritis, help with Alzheimer's disease, boost the immune system, or have other benefits? Find out in our new article about the health benefits and safety of cat's claw.

Product Review

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review

See Our Top Picks Among Turmeric Products

Product Review

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review

Best Multivitamins In 2023 -- Caution with Gummies

Clinical Update

9/22/2023

Cat’s Claw for Cancer Symptoms?

Does cat’s claw supplementation reduce cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, or gastrointestinal side effects? Find out in our article about the potential benefits and side effects of cat’s claw.

CL Answer

Does Alpha Brain really improve memory, focus and cognition?

Find out if Alpha Brain really improves memory, focus and cognition. See the clinical evidence and get details about Alpha Brain ingredients, as well as potential side effects and drug interactions. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Bottle of Alpha Brain capsules

CL Answer

Which supplements help for osteoarthritis of the hip?

Supplements for hip pain and osteoarthritis, such as SAMe, ginger and collagen, may help or reduce pain.

Woman Holding Hip from Pain

News Release

October 24, 2023

Best Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements? ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Some Are Rancid

White Plains, New York, October 24, 2023 —  Recent ConsumerLab tests of popular fish, krill, and algal oil supplements revealed several products to be rancid. Fish and marine oils that are rancid, or “oxidized,” can have an extremely unpleasant odor and taste, and may be less safe and effective.

CL Answer

My dog is getting older and his veterinarian recently recommended giving him a glucosamine supplement for his joints. Has ConsumerLab.com tested these, or other supplements for pets?

Find out our test results on glucosamine for dogs and cats as well as other supplements for pets.

Joint Health Supplements for Pets

Clinical Update

10/26/2019

CBD Safe for Pets?

A recent study evaluated the safety of giving CBD to dogs and cats. See the results in the Pets section of our CBD and Hemp Extracts Review. Also see our Top Picks among products for pets as well as for people.

News Release

August 31, 2023

Some L-Lysine Supplement Labels May Be Misleading, According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, New York, August 31, 2023 —  Lysine (L-lysine) supplements may help prevent cold sores, genital herpes lesions, and canker sores, and are also promoted to slow hair loss, and treat herpes infections in cats.

Product Review

Prostate Supplements Review (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)

Find the Best Prostate Supplement for Symptoms of BPH. See Which Prostate Supplement Passed or Failed CL's Tests of Quality.

News Release

May 25, 2023

Best and Worst Multivitamins According to ConsumerLab – Nearly 30% Fail Testing

White Plains, New York, May 25, 2023 — Recent ConsumerLab tests revealed problems with nearly 30% of the popular multivitamin and multimineral supplements selected for testing. Gummy vitamins were particularly likely to have issues.

News Release

November 10, 2022

Best Probiotic Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab Tests

  White Plains, New York, November 10, 2022 — Probiotic supplements can be helpful in preventing or treating constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, vaginal infections, and other conditions, but with so many different products on the market, choosing the best one is no easy task.

News Release

September 11, 2021

Best CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Identified in Testing by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, September 11, 2021 — CoQ10 and ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, are often taken to offset a decline in natural levels that occurs with the use of statin (cholesterol-lowering) medication, and are also promoted for increasing energy and anti-aging effects.

CL Answer

How concerned should I be about glyphosate in foods and supplements?

Find out if you should be concerned about glyphosate in foods and supplements. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Glyphosate in Food -- bowl of oat o's cereal

Product Review

Maca Supplements Review

Choose the Best Maca Supplement. Make Sure Your Maca Supplement Isn't Contaminated With Lead.

Maca Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

News Release

August 27, 2021

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best Joint Health Supplements for People and Pets

White Plains, New York, August 27, 2021 — Joint health supplements with ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, boswellia, collagen and turmeric are often promoted to relieve joint pain or slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

News Release

April 28, 2020

Best and Worst Multivitamins Revealed by ConsumerLab -- Problems Found With 44% of Multis Tested

White Plains, New York, April 28, 2020 — Multivitamin/multimineral supplements are among the top five most popular supplements, but with so many different formulas on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one.

CL Answer

I read that turmeric may be a GI irritant. I have GI problems and wonder if I should avoid turmeric and curcumin?

Find out if turmeric/curcumin supplements can cause gastrointestinal irritability.

Is turmeric a stomach irritant? -- Turmeric Supplement

News Release

December 12, 2018

Best Taurine Supplements for People and Pets Identified by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, December 12, 2018 — Supplementing with taurine can treat taurine deficiencies in people and pets which, although uncommon, can occur with unconventional diets, such as grain-free diets for dogs.

Recalls & Warnings

March 16, 2023

Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs and Cats Recalled Due to Potential for Vitamin A Toxicity

On March 9, 2023, Stratford Care USA issued a recall of 62 brands of omega-3 supplements for dogs and cats due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin A.

News Release

October 02, 2018

Best Joint Health Supplements Identified -- ConsumerLab Tests Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia Supplements for People and Pets

White Plains, New York, October 2, 2018 — Do joint health supplements with ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM really relieve joint pain or slow the progression of osteoarthritis? If so, which products are best? To find out, ConsumerLab recently tested popular ...

Product Review

Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements Review: Sources of ALA and GLA (Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids)

Choose the Best Seed Oil Supplements. Find Out Which Flaxseed and Other Seed Oil Supplements Passed Our Tests.

Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, Hemp Oil and Black Currant Oil Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

News Release

May 02, 2018

Best Probiotic Supplements and Kombuchas? -- ConsumerLab Tests 41 Popular Products, Reveals Problems and Top Picks

White Plains, New York, May 2, 2018 — With so many different probiotic supplements on the market, each providing different amounts and strains of beneficial bacteria or yeast, choosing the right one can be an overwhelming task.

Recalls & Warnings

February 22, 2024

Pacific BioLogic Co. Warned by FDA for Manufacturing Violations

On December 21, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Curtis Jacquot, dba Pacific BioLogic Co.

CL Answer

Do arnica pills really work to prevent bruising?

Find out if arnica tablets really work to prevent bruising, information about homeopathic products and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Arnica Tablets for Bruises -- container of Arnica tablets

Recalls & Warnings

August 03, 2023

Ozona Organics Liquid Probiotics Recalled Due to Risk of Microbial Contamination

On August 1, 2023, Ozona Organics, LLC recalled certain lots of its probiotic supplement, Ozona Probiotics for Digestive Health, also labeled as GoHealthy Probiotics for Infants, Toddlers, and Kids and GoHealthy Probiotics for Infants, Kids, Men, and Women, due to the ...

Product Review

Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Boswellia, Collagen and Turmeric)

One-Third of Joint Health Supplements Failed to Pass Our Tests. See Which Passed or Failed, and our Top Picks.

Review of Supplements for Joint Pain

News Release

November 01, 2017

Gummies Are Most Likely to Fail Testing in Review of Multivitamins -- Best and Worst Multivitamins Identified by ConsumerLab Testing

White Plains, New York, November 1, 2017 — Multivitamin/multimineral supplements are among the most popular supplements, with many consumers relying on them to provide nutrients they may not get from their diets. However, ConsumerLab.

CL Answer

What is UC-II and does it help joints?

What is UC-II (undenatured type 2 collagen - InterHealth Nutraceuticals) and do clinical studies show that it works for joint health?

UC-II Collagen for Joint Pain? -- man with knee pain

CL Answer

Do reishi mushroom supplements boost the immune system, or have other health benefits?

Learn more about the health benefits of reishi mushroom extract supplements, including evidence from clinical studies on cancer and diabetes, plus information about safety and price.

Reishi Mushroom Supplements for the Immune System -- reishi mushroom, mushroom powder and pills in spoons on a table

News Release

September 13, 2016

Best Fish Oil? ConsumerLab.com Tests 44 Popular Omega-3 Supplements and Identifies Its Top Picks

White Plains, New York, September 13, 2016 — Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing EPA and DHA are among the most popular supplements, and clinical studies suggest a wide range of potential benefits, from improving mental health to treating inflammatory disease.

News Release

July 29, 2016

ConsumerLab.com Discovers Problems with Most Multivitamins for Dogs and Cats

White Plains, New York, August 2, 2016 — After discovering in January that none of the three pet multivitamins it had purchased and tested contained all of what was listed on the labels, ConsumerLab.

CL Answer

How are you staying healthy during the coronavirus pandemic?

Tips for staying healthy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Tips from ConsumerLab members for maintaining physical health, mental health and social well-being during COVID-19.

Staying Healthy During the Coronavirus Pandemic -- Couple at Home, Looking Out the Window

Recalls & Warnings

December 01, 2021

Probiotics Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination, May Be Life-Threatening to Some

On December 1, 2021, Livia Global, Inc issued a voluntary recall of two lots of probiotics due to potential contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium, if ingested, can cause life-threatening infection in immunocompromised individuals.

CL Answer

Which supplements help with arthritis?

Learn more about supplements for joint health, including products such as Wobenzym and Zyflamend and ingredients such as collagen, curcumin, glucosamine and chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), SAMe, and others.

Supplements for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis -- Women With Arthritic Hands

Recalls & Warnings

July 26, 2023

Five Leaf Pet Botanicals Warned by FDA for Drug Claims

On June 22, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Five Leaf Pet Botanicals, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

September 25, 2023

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Tapee Tea

On August 31, 2023, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or use Tapee Tea products after FDA laboratory analysis found them to contain dexamethasone and piroxicam, drugs that are not listed on the product's label.

Recalls & Warnings

July 21, 2020

51 CBD Products Recalled Due to Lead Contamination

On June 23, 2020, InHe Manufacturing, LLC and MHR Brands issued a recall of fifty-one CBD products due to contamination and/or potential with lead. Thirty-six of the products are marketed for people and fifteen of the products are marketed for pets.

News Release

June 03, 2016

What Works for Joint Health? ConsumerLab.com Reviews Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia Supplements for People and Pets

White Plains, New York, June 3, 2016 — Do popular joint health supplements with ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM really work to relieve pain or slow the progression of osteoarthritis? And, with so many to choose from, which supplements are best? To find out, ...

News Release

February 09, 2016

Lysine: Does It Work for Cold Sores and Which Brands Are Best? -- ConsumerLab.com Reviews the Evidence and Tests Supplements Often Used to Prevent Herpes Eruptions

White Plains, New York, February 9, 2016 — Lysine is an essential amino acid often taken as a supplement to prevent cold sores, genital herpes lesions, and canker sores. It's also given to cats with feline herpesvirus 1.

News Release

January 12, 2016

Problems Found with 32% of Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplements -- ConsumerLab.com Identifies Good Choices for Men, Women, and Children

White Plains, New York, January 12, 2016 — You can't always judge a supplement by its label -- or by its price, according to a new report from ConsumerLab.com, which recently tested dozens of multivitamin/multimineral supplements.

News Release

April 09, 2014

Best Fish Oil? ConsumerLab.com Testing Finds Many High Quality Supplements, But Pitfalls Exist

White Plains, New York, August 10, 2014 — Recent laboratory tests of fish oil, krill oil, algal oil, calamari oil, and green-lipped mussel oil supplements by ConsumerLab.com revealed quality problems with four out of 30 supplements selected for review.

Recalls & Warnings

August 15, 2020

FTC Warns 20 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

On August 14, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 20 companies for selling products such as vitamin C, hydrochloroquine, omega 3, and melatonin with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

CL Answer

Which vitamins and supplements should be stopped before getting blood work, laboratory tests, or medical imaging?

Find out which vitamins and supplements can interfere with blood, urine or stool tests, and imaginging tests, like bone scans and MRIs. Learn how B vitamins such as biotin, niacin and riboflavin, as well as calcium supplements, St. John’s wort, vitamin C, and others supplements can affect test results, as well as common foods that may interfere with tests.

Vitamin & Supplements to Stop Before Blood Tests

News Release

February 26, 2014

Mislabeling of Some Joint Health Supplements with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM According to ConsumerLab.com -- 38 Supplements Tested, Including Products for Dogs and Cats --

White Plains, New York, February 26, 2014 — Glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM are popular dietary supplement ingredients for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis — worn joint cartilage.

CL Answer

Do any supplements help with COVID-19? Do supplements like vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?

Find out if natural remedies & supplements for coronavirus such as zinc, vitamin C, garlic, or elderberry help to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Supplements for Coronavirus (COVID-19)? -- mask and pills

Recalls & Warnings

April 28, 2020

Natures CBD Oil Distribution Warned for Joint Pain Claims

On April 20, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Homero Corp DBA Natures CBD Oil Distribution, following an inspection of the company's website which found the company's products, including Natures Pure CBD Oil, CBD Froggies 25mg, CBD Froggies 50mg, CBD Edibles 200mg Frogs, CBD ...

Recalls & Warnings

February 05, 2019

Hill's Science Diet, Prescription Diet Dog Food Recalled Due to Risk of Vitamin D Toxicity

Recall Expanded (3/20/19): This recall was expanded to include additional products.

Recalls & Warnings

May 03, 2013

Maker of Omega-3, Saw Palmetto, St. John’s Wort Supplements And More Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On March 19, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Sunset Natural Products Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

August 30, 2012

Supplement Company Warned For Medical Claims and Misbranding Of Omega-3, CoQ10, Noni Juice And More

On July 12, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Alfa Vitamins Laboratories, Inc.

News Release

November 25, 2013

Many Probiotic Supplements Fall Short on Listed Amounts of Helpful Organisms

White Plains, New York, November 25, 2013 — Probiotic supplements and foods containing "friendly" bacteria or yeast have become popular among people hoping to improve bowel function, immunity, and even mood.

News Release

August 22, 2012

Contamination and Other Problems Found in Fish Oil Supplements -- Large Review by ConsumerLab.com Reveals Excessive PCBs or Mislabeling in Over 30% of Omega-3 Supplements

August 22, 2012 — The quality of fish oil / omega-3 supplements varies across brands, according to recent tests by ConsumerLab.com, which independently reports on the quality of health products. Analyses of 35 products selected and purchased by ConsumerLab.

News Release

May 08, 2012

Lead Contamination and Mislabeling in Joint Health Supplements with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM According to ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York, May 8, 2012 — Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are popular dietary supplements for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis — worn joint cartilage.

News Release

February 09, 2012

Probiotics grow in popularity but don't always deliver on promises says ConsumerLab.com -- New report provides guidance to consumers

White Plains, New York, February 9, 2012 — Probiotic supplements and foods containing "friendly" bacteria or yeast have become popular options for people hoping to improve bowel function or boost immunity. But many customers are confused by the vast array of choices.

Recalls & Warnings

June 19, 2008

FDA Warns Groups to Stop Selling Fake Cancer 'Cures'

On June 17, 2008, the FDA reported that it had sent Warning Letters to 23 U.S. companies and two foreign individuals marketing a wide range of products fraudulently claiming to prevent and cure cancer.

Recalls & Warnings

January 30, 2013

Seller of Omega-3 and Emu Oil Supplements Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding

On November 19, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Emu Products & Management, Inc. after a review of the company's website found statements that promoted the dietary supplements Multi-Omega Gel Caps, Recovery Gel Caps, ARP Gel Caps and the topical skin products Extreme Cryo Gel, F.A.C.E.

Recalls & Warnings

September 18, 2012

Maker of Noni, Nopal, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding, and Manufacturing Violations

On August 27, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Naturavit, Inc. for making statements about dietary supplements Noni Imperial Hawaiian, Garlic and Parsley, Cholestol, Nopal and Diatrin that constitute drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

January 21, 2017

Seller of "Cancer Kits," Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims

On December 22, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Northern Health Products, Inc. following a review of the company's websites, www.northernhealthproducts.com and www.petdca.

Recalls & Warnings

August 27, 2013

Immune Supplement Recalled Due To Undeclared Milk

On August 23, 2013, Reaction Nutrition, LLC issued a voluntary recall of immune support supplement LIVE CLINICAL 90 CAPS because it contains undeclared milk.

News Release

October 13, 2011

30% of SAM-e supplements selected for review fail to pass ConsumerLab.com testing -- Cost of SAM-e found to vary 5-fold

White Plains, New York, October 13, 2011 — Dietary supplements with SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) are used to treat osteoarthritis as well as depression, but only 7 out of ten SAM-e supplements recently selected for testing by ConsumerLab.com met all quality criteria.

News Release

July 10, 2009

Nine joint health supplements fail ConsumerLab.com quality review -- Lead contamination, missing ingredients and other problems found in supplements for people as well as for dogs, cats and horses; Many others approved

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JULY 10, 2009 — Nine supplements for osteoarthritis that ConsumerLab.com recently selected for testing were found to be contaminated with lead, lack all or some of a key ingredient or have other quality problems.

Recalls & Warnings

July 18, 2010

Expansion of Pet Supplement Recall for Salmonella Risk; Many Brands Affected

On July 2, 2010, the U.S.