A combination of cat’s claw (Uncaria guianensis) and maca (Lepidium meyenii) is comparable to glucosamine sulfate in relieving osteroarthritis pain, according to a recent study. In an eight-week trial involving 95 subjects, both treatments showed significant (45-62%) reductions in two clinical pain measurement scales (WOMAC and VAS) within only one week. Both treatments were well tolerated and no serious adverse events were noted. However, the use of other pain medication was significantly lower in the herbal combination group than in the glucosamine group.
Source: Complement Altern Med. 2007 Oct 31;7(1):34