
- Relieves pain. Great news for pain sufferers who have grown dependent on pain killers for relief: recently published double blind studies have shown that devil's claw can relieve pain from ...
- Anti-inflammatory. ...
- Medicinal uses. ...
- Research. ...
Is Devil’s claw good for pain relief?
A comparative study found that devil’s claw had similar pain benefits as phenylbutazone (known as “bute”), a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat short-term pain. Another comparative study found that devil’s claw had similar benefits as diacerein (a slow-acting analgesic/cartilage protective drug).
What is Devil's claw plant used for?
The roots and tubers of the plant are used to make medicine. Devil's claw is used for "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis), arthritis, gout, muscle pain (myalgia), back pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, chest pain, gastrointestinal (GI) upset or heart burn, fever, and migraine headache.
Is Devil’s claw good for gout?
Though test-tube and animal research indicates that devil’s claw can suppress inflammation, clinical studies to support its use for gout specifically are unavailable. Based on limited research, devil’s claw has been proposed to ease gout symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory effects and potential to reduce uric acid levels.
What does Devil’s claw do to blood thinners?
Blood thinners: Devil’s claw may enhance the effects of Coumadin (also known as warfarin), which may lead to increased bleeding and bruising. Stomach acid reducers: Devil’s claw may decrease the effects of stomach acid reducers, such as Pepcid, Prilosec and Prevacid.
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What is the side effect of devil's claw?
There are possible side effects of devil's claw. These include diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and stomach pain. People may be at higher risk for an adverse reaction if they take devil's claw and are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, gout, peptic ulcers, or heart or blood pressure conditions.
Does devil's claw affect blood pressure?
Heart problems, high blood pressure, low blood pressure: Since devil's claw can affect heart rate, heartbeat, and blood pressure, it might harm people with disorders of the heart and circulatory system. If you have one of these conditions, talk with your healthcare provider before starting devil's claw.
Is Devil's Claw good for inflammation?
Devil's claw contains plant compounds called iridoid glycosides, which have been shown to suppress inflammation in test-tube and animal studies.
Who should not take devils claw?
Devil's claw has been reported to interact with anticoagulants, painkillers, heart drugs (for example digoxin) and stomach acid drugs (for example famotidine). You should use a dose of 500–1,500 mg of dried root or capsules three times daily.
How long does it take for Devils claw to work?
How long does devil's claw take to work? For study participants of the research projects involving devil's claw, it took around four weeks for benefits to be felt.
Does devil's claw affect kidneys?
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC. Ex Meisn.) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) may inhibit major renal transport processes needed for filtration, secretion, and absorption.
Is Devil's Claw good for joint pain?
Osteoarthritis. Several studies show that taking devil's claw for 8 to 12 weeks can reduce pain and improve physical functioning in people with osteoarthritis. One 4-month study of 122 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis compared devil's claw and a leading European medication for pain relief.
Is Devils Claw good for nerve pain?
The plant is commonly used to treat rheumatic conditions affecting the joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles. These include back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendinitis. Others believe that it can treat fibromyalgia, sciatica, nerve pain, gout, and symptoms of Lyme disease.
Can devil's claw make you drowsy?
Devil's Claw may make you feel dizzy and drowsy. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.
How long can you take devils claw?
When taken by mouth: Devil's claw is possibly safe for most adults when taken for up 12 weeks.
Is Cat's claw and devil's claw the same thing?
There is also no good evidence to support using cat's claw for COVID-19. Don't confuse cat's claw with cat's foot or devil's claw. These are different plants.
Can I take devils claw with blood thinners?
Warfarin -- Devil's claw may interact with a blood-thinning medicine called warfarin (Coumadin) and cause bruising or bleeding disorders. For this reason, individuals taking warfarin or other blood thinners should not use devil's claw without first talking to a health care provider.
Why is Devil's claw considered a remedy?
Devil’s claw has been proposed as a potential remedy for inflammatory conditions because it contains plant compounds called iridoid glycosides, particularly harpagoside. In test-tube and animal studies, harpagoside has curbed inflammatory responses ( 13 ).
How much Devil's Claw is good for osteoarthritis?
For example, one clinical study involving 122 people with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip suggested that 2,610 mg of devil’s claw daily may be as effective at reducing osteoarthritis pain as diacerein, a medication commonly used to treat this condition ( 17 ).
How much Devil's claw is safe for back pain?
Doses of 600–2,610 mg of devil’s claw daily have been used in studies for osteoarthritis and back pain. Depending on the extract concentration, this typically corresponds to 50–100 mg of harpagoside per day ( 17, 24, 25, 26 ).
How long is Devil's Claw safe?
However, devil’s claw appears to be safe for most people in doses up to 2,610 mg per day ( 29 ).
What is Devil's Claw?
It’s also used as an ingredient in various herbal teas. Devil’s claw is an herbal supplement primarily used as an alternative treatment for arthritis and pain. It comes in many forms, including concentrated extracts, capsules, powders and herbal teas.
What is the function of ghrelin?
Ghrelin is secreted by your stomach. One of its primary functions is to signal your brain that it’s time to eat by increasing appetite ( 28 ).
Does Devil's Claw lower uric acid?
Also, some researchers suggest it may reduce uric acid, though the scientific evidence is limited. In one study, high doses of devil’s claw decreased uric acid levels in mice ( 21, 22 ).
What is Devil's claw rich in?
Devil’s Claw is rich in a variety of different chemical constituents, including iridoid glycosides, which are thought to be the main active anti-inflammatory compound. We’ll dig into these later on.
How much Devil's claw is safe?
It should be noted that the dosage of Devils Claw was quite large, with a dose of 4500 mg/day (standardized to contain 50 mg harpagosides). The Devil’s Claw was well tolerated by the trial participants from a safety standpoint.
What is the best herb for pain?
Devils Claw is one of the best herbs for pain management and reducing inflammation. With thousands of years of historical usage and 70 years of clinical research, Devils Claw is a noteworthy botanical.
Is Devil's Claw a slow acting analgesic?
Another comparative study ( 8) found that Devil’s Claw had similar benefits as diacerein (a slow-acting analgesic/cartilage protective drug). It was noted that the Devils Claw recipients used significantly less rescue medication, in the form of NSAIDs and analgesic drugs than their diacerein counterparts. In terms of safety, a significantly greater number of adverse events were reported in the diacerein group than the Devils Claw group.
Where is Devil's Claw from?
Devil’s Claw is native to South Africa. It’s been used for thousands of years by the Khoisan people of the Kalahari Desert as a remedy for various ailments, including as an analgesic, for pregnancy complications, and also as an ointment for skin disorders ( 1 ).
Is Devil's claw good for diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by insulin deficiency and resultant hyperglycemia ( 20 ). Devil’s claw has been traditionally known to be effective in managing diabetes ( 21 ). The exact mechanism of action isn’t understood yet, but it’s thought that harpagoside might control inflammatory signs related to diabetes ( 22 ). Additional research needs to be conducted to verify this action.
Does Devil's claw extract work?
Another study ( 6) showed that Devil’s Claw extract was able to help individuals suffering from arthritis to reduce their dependence on ibuprofen. This is due to the fact that Devils Claw has pain-dampening benefits that are similar to ibuprofen.
What is Devil’s Claw?
A native of South Africa, devil’s claw derives its spooky sounding name from the little hooks covering its fruit. Known botanically as Harpagophytum procumbens, the plant has historically been used in the treatment of pain, fever and malaria and for kidney and liver conditions. Devil’s claw is also used topically in ointments for various skin conditions, boils and sores.
Is Devil's Claw safe?
If you are one of the millions of people suffering from constant muscular pain then read on. Recent studies have provided us with evidence that devil’s claw may be a safe and natural alternative to modern pain killing medications.
Does Devil's Claw help with neck pain?
Research shows that devil’s claw has the potential to relieve pain in both the lower back, shoulder sand neck. 63 people with varying degrees of back, shoulder and neck pain took part in an experiment to analyze the effects of devil’s claw. S ubjects who were treated with a daily dose of standardized extract from devil’s claw for a a period of 4 weeks experienced relief from their pain. (1)
Is Devil's Claw safe for arthritis?
In fact, the German regulatory body – the Commission E has approved its use for arthritis as well as back, hip and knee pain.
Is Devil's Claw a good medicine?
Most of the research has focused on its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties with very positive results. Devil’s claw may be an excellent alternative to the powerful prescription medications that so many sufferers rely on today.
Can you take Devil's Claw without a prescription?
Although devil’s claw is a product of nature with several excellent health benefits, that does not mean you can take it without certain precautions. Always speak to your doctor before taking herbal remedies and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Does Devil's Claw work?
Early studies indicate that Devil’s claw may have a use in the battle against cancer. Researchers tested its main compound – Harpagoside against environmental carcinogens. They found that it had antimutagenic properties and protected against chromosomal damage. This is probably due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. (4)
Why do people use Devil's Claw?
Instead of drugs, they choose to relieve pain through natural methods. For people suffering from arthritis and other back pain or general pain disorders devil’s claw benefits are spectacular.
Why are Devil's claws so valuable?
One of the reasons why the devil’s claws are so valuable is the ability to reduce inflammation, which is the origin of most diseases. Current research shows that this herb can help inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine that plays a role in normal inflammation of the body because of regulates the immune system.
What is Devil's Claw used for?
The southern American devil’s claw is used to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and digestive problems.
Is Devil's Claw good for indigestion?
Inflammation has a great deal of interest in indigestion. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the devil’s claw can be useful as a complementary treatment of these diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Does Devil's claw extract help with nitrites?
In the study, the devil’s claw extract helped to suppress the formation of nitrites and suggested that it could represent potential anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of these glomerular inflammatory diseases.
Can Devil's claw be used for follicular lymphoma?
However , the doctor has recommended that more studies be done to support the potential of the devil’s claw for the treatment of patients with follicular lymphoma.
Can Devil's Claw help with sciatic nerve pain?
Some sources also suggest using devil’s claw as a treatment for sciatic nerve pain. However, no work should be done on the effectiveness of the devil’s claw on sciatica.
Why do people take Devil's Claw?
People most commonly take devil’s claw to treat inflammation or symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or go ut. Natural alternatives to devil’s claw for fighting inflammation include:
What are the side effects of Devil's Claw?
There are possible side effects of devil’s claw. These include diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and stomach pain.
What is Devil's Claw?
The plant contains several active compounds, mostly in its roots, which people use as an herbal supplement. In particular, devil’s claw contains iridoid glycosides, which is a compound that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
How did Devil's Claw get its name?
Devil’s claw is an herb that gets its name from the appearance of its hook-covered fruit. The hooks attach to animals to spread seeds. Its botanical name is Harpagophytum, which means “hook plant” in Greek.
Where does Devil's Claw grow?
Devil’s claw is a plant that belongs to the sesame family and grows in southern Africa.
Does Devil's Claw help with arthritis?
Because of this, researchers studied devil’s claw supplements as a potential remedy for conditions that lead to inflammation, such as gout and arthritis. As a result of this animal study, researchers suggested that the plant may contribute to pain reduction and have antioxidant properties.
Can Devil's claw cause heart problems?
Have heart problems or high or low blood pressure: Devil’s claw may affect heartbeat, heart rate, and blood pressure. It could be harmful to people who have heart and circulatory disorders.
What Is Devil's Claw Used For?
Many of the benefits of devil's claw are attributed to a compound known as harpagoside that is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
How much Devil's Claw is safe?
3 . Devil's claw is also available as a concentrated alcohol-based extract and may be safe at doses up to 2.5 milligrams daily mixed with a glass of water.
How much Harpagoside is in Devil's Claw?
An early study published in the journal Joint Bone Spine reported that a devil's claw extract containing 60 milligrams of harpagoside was able to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce the need for backup drugs in 61 people with knee or hip arthritis.
What is the only plant that has medicinal properties?
While other plant species are referred to a devil's claw (including Proboscidea altheaefolia and Proboscidea parviflora found in the United States), H. procumbens is the only type believed to have medicinal properties.
How is Devil's Claw metabolized?
Devil's claw is metabolized by the liver using an enzyme known as cytochrome P450 (CYP450). This is the same enzyme used to metabolize a number of other medications. In competing for the same enzyme, devil's claw can interact with these drugs, causing them to accumulate in the bloodstream (leading to toxicity) or speeding their excretion (leading to a loss of efficacy). 3
What is the name of the plant that is known as the Devil's Claw?
Devil's claw is also known by the names grapple plant and wood spider. Indigenous Africans commonly refer to the plant as kamangu, while it is known by the name teufelskralle in Afrikaans.
Where is Devil's Claw from?
Devil's claw ( Harpagophytum procumbens) is a plant native to the Kalahari desert in southern Africa.
What are the benefits of devil’s claw?
Other studies have suggested a correlation between the ingestion of devil’s claw and its antioxidant effects on the body. This potentially suggests that they can protect your cells against the damaging impacts of free radicals.
What is devil’s claw used for?
Devil’s claw is traditionally used as a treatment for muscular and rheumatic pain. It is also used to treat general muscular pain as well as backache. In France and Germany, it is a common treatment for the relief of arthritis pain, headaches, and lower lumbar pain. When devil’s claw was first grown in Europe, it was used as an appetite stimulant, heartburn relief, and a way to reduce pain and inflammation.
Are there any dangers associated with devil’s claw?
As with anything that you consume, there is always the risk of potential interactions with other substances. This is commonly not much of an issue but can have very dangerous consequences if ignored. It is strongly recommended that you consult with a doctor or herbal practitioner before taking devil’s claw to ensure your safety.
What is Devil's Claw?
Devil's claw is an herb. The botanical name, Harpagophytum, means "hook plant" in Greek. This plant gets its name from the appearance of its fruit, which is covered with hooks meant to attach onto animals in order to spread the seeds. The roots and tubers of the plant are used to make medicine.
How long is Devil's Claw safe?
When taken by mouth: Devil's claw is possibly safe for most adults when taken for up 12 weeks. The most common side effects are diarrhea and indigestion. Devil's claw may also cause allergic skin reactions. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if devil's claw is safe or what the side effects might be.
What medications can you take before Devil's Claw?
Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.
Does Devil's Claw cause gallstones?
Gallstones: Devil's claw might increase bile production. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Avoid using devil's claw.
Does Devil's Claw work?
Back pain. Taking devil's claw by mouth seems to reduce lower back pain. Devil's claw seems to work about as well as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ).
Is Devil's Claw good for RA?
It is also used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using devil's claw for COVID-19.
Does Devil's Claw affect liver?
Devil's claw might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking devil's claw along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking devil's claw, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
What is devil's claw?
Devil's claw is an herb also known as Garra del Diablo, Grapple Plant, Griffe du Diable, Harpagophyti Radix, Harpagophytum, Harpagophytum procumbens, Harpagophytum zeyheri, Racine de Griffe du Diable, Racine de Windhoek, Teufelskrallenwurzel, Uncaria procumbens, or Wood Spider.
How long does Devil's Claw last?
Although not all side effects are known, devil's claw is thought to be possibly safe when taken in recommended doses for up to 1 year. Stop using devil's claw and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; severe itching, skin rash; or.
What should I avoid while taking devil's claw?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What other drugs will affect devil's claw?
Do not take de vil's claw without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:
Can Devil's Claw harm a baby?
It is not known whether devil's claw will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product if you are pregnant. It is not known whether devil's claw passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Is Devil's Claw safe for gout?
Other uses not proven with research have included rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, gout, skin conditions, migraine headaches, high cholesterol, and stomach problems. It is not certain whether devil's claw is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA.
Can you take Devil's Claw with different forms?
Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of devil's claw at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Morphology
Uses
- These days, devils claw is a popular natural remedy in parts of Europe especially in France and Germany. In fact, the German regulatory body the Commission E has approved its use for arthritis as well as back, hip and knee pain. Because of its excellent anti-inflammatory properties, devils claw is widely used to relieve headaches, rheumatism, gout...
Significance
- Modern research is beginning to tell us why devils claw was so widely used in the past. As with many herbal remedies, we are just starting to rediscover the value of this plant.
Research
- Most of the research has focused on its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties with very positive results. Devils claw may be an excellent alternative to the powerful prescription medications that so many sufferers rely on today. Research shows that devils claw has the potential to relieve pain in both the lower back, shoulder sand neck. 63 people with varying degr…
Prevention
- If you are one of the millions of people suffering from constant muscular pain then read on. Recent studies have provided us with evidence that devils claw may be a safe and natural alternative to modern pain killing medications.
History
- Devils claw has been used by people to treat their arthritis ever since it was discovered in Africa by earl European colonists. This traditional use is gathering support thanks to preliminary modern research into its use.
Effects
- There have already been several studies showing that when devils claw is taken for a period of two or three months, it can have a wonderful impact on pain and mobility in arthritis patients. In one study published, the effects of devils claw were compared to a popular European pain relief medication. The study which used 122 participants found that those treated with the herb experi…
Adverse effects
- And that is not all; the people in the devils claw treatment group experienced far fewer negative side effects and had less need of pain relieving drugs throughout the period of the study. (4)
Benefits
- An analysis of the studies into the efficacy of devils claw for arthritis was also promising. According to the review, high quality studies demonstrate that devils claw is effective for relieving joint pain and other symptoms of arthritis.
Chemistry
- The health benefits of devils claw are likely derived from its iridoid glucosides content. These are plant-based anti-inflammatory compounds which are bounf to the glucose molecules in the body. The main active compound is an iridoid glucoside called harpagoside. According to ESCOP the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy, any devils claw supplements should contain …
Availability
- Devils claw is available these days in several delivery methods. You can find it in liquid extract and tincture form or as a tablet or capsule. A topical ointment is available to treat several skin conditions while a tea infusion is sometimes made from the dried leaves of the plant.
Treatment
- Adults should consult their doctor to establish the appropriate dose for their particular condition.
Risks
- Although devils claw is a product of nature with several excellent health benefits, that does not mean you can take it without certain precautions. Always speak to your doctor before taking herbal remedies and do not exceed the recommended dose.