Devil's Claw

Harpagophytum procumbens

Devil's Claw is native to the savannah of the Kalahari of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana and has been wildcrafted and imported into the Europe since 1953. Historically the herb has been used for its purgative action, as a bitter tonic for digestive disturbances and for febrile illnesses, allergic reactions and migraine. Devil's claw has been widely used in Europe as a treatment for arthritis.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Harpagoside and other iridoid glycosides found in the plant may be responsible for the herb's anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of devil's claw in the relief of rheumatic and arthritic conditions. Studies have revealed that devil's claw will not have the same irritant effects on the stomach as NSAIDs.
ANALGESIC - In one trial devil's claw was found to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis as effectively as the slow-acting analgesic/cartilage-protective drug diacerhein. In a study using 335mg of devil's claw three times daily for two months, for rheumatic pain, the results indicated a significant drop in the intensity of pain and increase in spinal mobility in the treated group.
DIGESTIVE TONIC - Devil's claw is also considered by herbalists to be a potent bitter, thus stimulating gastric acid secretion. Bitter principles, like the iridoid glycosides found in devil's claw, can be used in combination with carminative (gas-relieving) herbs by people with indigestion.

Dosage

400mg one to three times daily. No restriction on long term use. Best taken between meals when stomach acid is at the lowest point, as interaction with HCL may reduce anti-inflammatory effects of the herb.

Potential applications

Inflammation, digestive disturbances, loss of appetite, febrile illness, allergic reactions, and to relieve pain. Cardiac arrhythmias.

Known contraindications

Since devil's claw promotes the secretion of stomach acid, anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers, heartburn, gastritis, or excessive stomach acid should not use the herb. Additionally, people with gallstones should consult a physician before taking devil's claw.

Interactions

None known. Mild intestinal disturbances may occur in sensitive individuals, especially at higher dosage levels.

Use in conjunction with

Arthritis - glucosamine, flax seed oil, grape seed/pycnogenol, antioxidant complex

Note

In folk medicine, Devil's Claw is used as an ointment for skin injuries and disorders.

REFERENCES

Simon Mills & Kerry Bone. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Modern Herbal Medicine. 2000.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. Second Edition. 2000
Melvyn R. Werbach & Michael T. Murray. Botanical Influences on Illness. A source book of clinical research. 1994

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