Cat’s foot flower consists of the fresh or dried flowers of Antennariae dioica. It contains anthracene derivatives, flavonoids, saponins, mucilages, and tannins. Cat’s foot stimulates the flow of gastric and pancreatic secretions. It may raise blood pressure, and it may have spasmolytic, choleric, discutient, and astringent effects. Cat’s foot is available as bulk dried herb.

Benefits And Uses of Cat’s Foot

Cat’s foot is used to stimulate the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the duodenum, and to treat dysentery. It has also been used as a diuretic. In Europe, cat’s foot is used to cure quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) and mumps and to treat bites of poisonous reptiles.

Administration

Infusion: 1/2 to 1 cup by mouth every day; prepared by steeping 1 teaspoon fresh or dried flowering herb in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of boiling water for 10 minutes.

Side Effects of Cat’s Foot

There are no known adverse effects with the use of cat’s foot; however, the tannin component of the plant may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, or abdominal pain if ingested in large quantities. Hepatic damage may also occur with the use of large amounts.

Cat’s foot may interfere with the intended therapeutic effect of antihypertensives. Tannins may also interfere with digoxin, iron-containing compounds, and alkaloids.

Pregnant and breast-feeding patients and patients with preexisting liver damage should not use cat’s foot.

Clinical considerations

• Therapeutic use of cat’s foot isn’t recommended.
• If patient is using cat’s foot, monitor his blood pressure at outset and regularly thereafter.
• Instruct patient to promptly report adverse reactions and new signs or symptoms.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of cat’s foot and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.

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