Devil’s Claw
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), also known as Grapple plant and Wood spider, is native to South Africa. Its name comes from the characteristic large, hooked and claw-like fruit. In Africa, the root of Devil’s Claw has been used for thousands of years for rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, stomach and kidney diseases, fever, as well as to stimulate digestion. In the early 1900’s, European colonists brought Devil’s Claw to Europe where it was mainly used to treat arthritis.
Devil’s Claw Medicinal Uses
Devil’s Claw two main active ingredients are harpagoside and beta sitosterol which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Internally, Devil’s Claw is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, and conditions involving the liver, kidney, gall bladder, and pancreas, as well as lower back pain and labor pain. It is further effective in treating digestive problems and loss of appetite. Devil’s Claw is recommended for treating diabetes, lumbago, menstrual difficulties, neuralgia, hardening of the arteries, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, heartburn and gout. Externally, Devil’s claw is applied to treat swollen, arthritic joints and skin conditions such as boils, sores, or skin ulcers.
Devil’s Claw Scientific Studies
A series of studies conducted in Germany found that Devil’s Claw was not only indistinguishable from Vioxx in the treatment of arthritis, but was also well-tolerated after more than four years of treatment. (Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that was developed to treat osteoarthritis and acute pain, but is now taken off the market). Devil’s Claw further showed to be effective for slight to moderate back, neck, and shoulder pain. A study published in the journal Rheumatology confirmed the German findings. A daily dose of Devil’s Claw extract with 60 mg harpagosides had been compared to 12.5 mg of Vioxx, in 79 patients suffering from acute low back pain. Devil’s claw was found to be as effective as Vioxx in reducing the pain. In a further study which was published in the journal Joint Bone Spine, 60 mg per day of harpagosides were compared with 100 mg of Diacerhein, a European osteoarthritis drug, in 122 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee and/or hip. Devil’s Claw showed to be as effective as Diacerhein at pain relief and mobility improvement, and it also reduced the need for back up medication, such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. A 2006 study of herbal medications for low back pain concluded that a standardized daily dose between 50 and 100 mg of harpagoside proved to be as effective as 12.5 mg of Vioxx.
Devil’s Claw Dosage and Risks
Devil’s Claw can be purchased in capsule, tablet, softgel, drop, tincture, and tea form. A daily dose of at least 50 mg of harpagosides is recommened. For inflammation and pain, Devil’s Claw is best taken in capsule form, for indigestion and appetite loss, a tea can be made by steeping 1 teaspoon of powdered or chopped dry root in 2 cups of boiling water for about 20 minutes. Patients suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcers should not use Devil’s Claw. Patients suffering from gallstones or diabetes, and patients who take anticoagulant drugs should only use Devil’s Claw under a doctor’s supervision. Side effects may include stomach upset, tinnitus, and headaches. There is also a risk of changes in heart rhythm, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Finally, Devil’s Claw has also been known to trigger allergic reactions.
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