Areas where they are Different.

  • Cat’s claw B322™ is a botanical extract, derived from a vine that grows in the Amazon Rainforest. As such it represents a complex array of phytochemicals, but one that is rich in polyphenols (catechins, procyanins, and proanthocyanidins). By contrast, astaxanthin is a singular chemical. As a xanophyll, astaxanthin is broadly in the carotenoid family known for their color and antioxidant characteristics (lycopene from tomatoes, lutein from marigolds, beta-carotene in carrots). 
  • Astaxanthin is soluble is lipids, whereas cat’s claw components are water soluble. In the Rainforest it is taken as a traditional medicine as a tea.
  • In skin, astaxanthin is well suited to stopping UV radiation damage in the outer layers of the epidermis which are lipidic, whereas cat’s claw works from the deeper layers and vasculature.
  • Astaxanthin has been clinically shown to alleviate age spots and irregular pigmentation produced by melanocytes.
  • Astaxanthin is more effective in controlling mitochondrial health, by limiting the damage from leaking free radicals and by stimulating the production of new mitochondria and taking damaged dysfunctional ones out of commission (autophagy). 
  • There is better evidence, by way of clinical trials, to support a role of cat’s claw in the management of arthritis and cartilage health.
  • Astaxanthin is unique in that it can form bridges across cellular membranes, protecting the integrity and function of the membrane.


Areas where they Work Similarly.

  • Both are inhibitors of the master gene switch for inflammation, called NF-kB. 
  • Based on this action both suppress the production of mediators of inflammation.
  • Both activate the gene switch for longevity and tissue repair, Nrf2
  • Both suppress the production/activity of enzymes, Matrix Metalloproteases, that degrade proteins in the matrix, especially collagen.
  • Both are antioxidants and free radical scavengers.
  • Both suppress oxidative stress.
  • Both are hard to get adequate amounts in your diet.
  • Both astaxanthin and cat’s claw are plant-based, derived from a microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) and a tropical vine (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis) respectively.


Grey Areas where they Differ.

  • As a free radical scavenger (measured as singlet oxygen) astaxanthin is the most potent free radical scavenger known. Cat’s claw is an effective free radical scavenger but not as potent as astaxanthin.
  • Cat’s claw is most likely more effective in limiting the ability of hydrogen peroxide (oxidative stress) to activate inflammation via NF-kB, but most likely Astaxanthin is more effective in activating Nrf2.