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 Devil’s
claw is a plant native to southern Africa found growing naturally in
the Kalahari desert, Namibia, the island of Madagascar and few other
locations. The name devil’s claw comes from the herb’s unusual
fruits, which are covered with numerous small claw-like appendages.
The roots, or tubers, of the plant are used in herbal
supplements.
Devil's claw has been used as a tonic to relieve
arthritis, rheumatism, reduce fever, ease sore muscles, and to
reduce cholesterol. Externally, devil’s claw has been used as an
ointment in connection with sores, boils, and ulcers. It is also
used to cleanse the lymph system and to remove toxins from the
blood.
Traditionally, devil's claw has been used in Africa in
connection with a wide range of conditions. In the western world, it
is used mainly for arthritis and related conditions such as
tendonitis. In laboratory and human studies, a chemical called
harpagoside, one of the active ingredients in devil's claw, has been
shown to reduce inflammation which is responsible for irritation,
injury, or infection. Inflammation generally results in pain,
redness, and swelling in the area of the damage. It can occur within
body tissues as well as on the surface of the
skin.
Reportedly, devil's claw also has some effectiveness
for increasing appetite and for improving digestion. Extracts of
devil's claw are thought to reduce blood sugar levels somewhat, and
several of the chemicals in devil's claw appear to affect blood
pressure, heart rate, rhythm, and contraction of the heart. However,
no reliable scientific evidence supports the use of devil's claw for
diabetes or heart conditions.
Dosage and
Administration
Usually 200 mg of devils claw
standardized to 5% harpogoside is taken daily. If supplementing with
this herb always follow manufacturers
instructions.
Side Effects
Side
effects are rare with the recommended intake of devils claw. Devil's
claw is a nontoxic and relatively safe herb, with almost no side
effects if taken at the recommended dose for short periods of time.
However, it has been reported that high doses may cause mild
gastrointestinal problems in some individuals and.
Warning:
Not to be taken during pregnancy, as devils claw may act as a
uterine stimulant.
Supporting
Literature
Baghdikian B, Lanhers M,
Fleurentin J, et al. An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and
analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum
zeyheri. Planta Med. 1997;63:171–176.
Grahame R, Robinson BV.
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): pharmacological and
clinical studies. Ann Rheum Dis 1981;40:632.
Weiss RF. Herbal
Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 238–239.
Chantre
P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, Guedon D, Vandermander J, Fournie B.
Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein
in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine.
2000;7(3):177-183.
Whitehouse LW, Znamirouska M, Paul CJ. Devil’s
claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): no evidence for anti-inflammatory
activity in the treatment of arthritic disease. Can Med Assoc J
1983;129:249–251.
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