Devil's Claw

by MedlinePlus

Devil's claw ( Harpagophytum procumbens ) originates from the Kalahari and Savannah desert regions of South and Southeast Africa. In these parts of the world, Devil's claw has historically been used to treat a wide range of conditions including fever, malaria and indigestion. The medicinal ingredient of the Devil's claw plant is extracted from the dried out roots.

Currently, the major uses of Devil's claw are as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever for joint diseases, back pain and headache. There is currently widespread use of standardized Devil's claw for mild joint pain in Europe.

Potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset, low blood pressure, or abnormal heart rhythms (increased heart rate or increased heart squeezing effects).

Traditionally, it has been recommended to avoid using devil's claw in patients with stomach ulcers, or in people using blood thinners (anticoagulants such as warfarin/Coumadin®).

Selected multi-Ingredient preparations containing Devil's claw root: Arktophytum, Arthritic Pain Herbal Formula, Devil's Claw Plus, Lifesystem Herbal Formula 1 Arthritic Aid, Lifesystem Herbal Formula 12 Willowbark, Prost-1, Green Lipped Mussel (FM), Harpagophytum

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis

There is increasing scientific evidence suggesting that devil's claw is safe and beneficial for the short-term treatment of pain related to degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis (8-12 weeks), and may be equally effective as drug therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), or may allow for dose reductions or stopping of these drugs in some patients. However, most studies have been small with flaws in their designs. Additional well-designed trials are necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached.

Low back pain

There are several human studies which support the use of devil's claw for the treatment of low back pain. However, most studies have been small with flaws in their designs, and many have been done by the same authors. Therefore, although these results can be considered promising early evidence, additional well-designed trials are necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached. It is not clear how devil's claw compares to other therapies for back pain.

Appetite stimulant

Traditionally, devil's claw was commonly used as an appetite stimulant, and this remains a popular use. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence in this area, and it remains unclear if devil's claw is beneficial as an appetite stimulant.

Digestive tonic

Devil's claw is popular as a digestive tonic for the relief of constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence in this area, and it remains unclear if devil's claw is beneficial for these uses.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Allergies, analgesic, anorexia, antiarrhythmic, antiphlogistic, atherosclerosis, bitter tonic, blood diseases, boils (topical), child-birth difficulties, choleretic, climacteric problems, diabetes, diuretic, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, edema, fever, fibromyalgia, fibrositis, gall bladder tonic, gastrointestinal disorders, gout, headache, heartburn, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, indigestion, liver tonic, malaria, migraine, myalgia, neuralgia, nicotine poisoning, sedative, skin cancer (topical), skin ulcers (topical), sores (topical), tendonitis, urinary tract infection, vulnerary for skin injuries (topical).

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization:

Devil's claw products may be standardized to contain a specific amount of harpagoside, and often contain greater than 1-2% harpagoside. Some studies have used a preparation called WS 1531, which contains 8.5% harpagoside.

Adult Dosing (18 years and older):

Oral:

Appetite loss: 1.5 grams daily in decoction or preparations with adequate bitterness. Tincture (1:10, 25% ethanol) 3mL daily.

Stomach discomfort: 1.5 grams daily in decoction or preparations with adequate bitterness. Tincture (1:10, 25% ethanol) 3mL daily.

Low back pain: 2-9 grams daily of crude extract or equivalent amounts of extract. As tablets, 600 to 1,200 milligrams (standardized to contain 50 to 100 milligrams of harpagoside) by mouth three times per day has been used.

Osteoarthritis: 2-9 grams daily of crude extract or equivalent amounts of extract. As tablets, 600 to 1,200 milligrams (standardized to contain 50 to 100 milligrams of harpagoside) by mouth three times per day has been used. For treatment of painful osteoarthritis, treatment for 2-3 months is often recommended. A doctor should be consulted if symptoms continue for longer.

General use: Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol) 0.10-0.25 mL three times daily has been used.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Not recommended in children. The dosing and safety of devil's claw have not been studied thoroughly in children, and safety is not established.

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