What is it
Devil’s claw is the vulgar name of a perennial climbing plant of the Pedialiaceae family, Harpagophytum procumbens, widespread in South-West Africa, in the steppes of Namibia and in Madagascar, where it is used to treat fever.
The name of the plant is due to the particular shape of its fruit, which has characteristic hooked growths.
Activity
The value of devil’s claw is linked to its many active ingredients, including:
| Iridoid glucosides | Harpagoside, harpagide, procumbid |
| Triterpenes | Oleanolic acid, ursolic acid |
| Flavonoids | Quineol, luteolin, fisetin |
| Phytosterols | Beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol |
The most represented component is that of iridoid glucosides.
Experts believe that it is the combination of these active ingredients, rather than the individual substance, that determines the overall effect.
The activities are essentially anti-inflammatory and analgesic and are of particular interest in a wide variety of rheumatological diseases, from osteoarthritis to back pain, from tendinitis to periarthritis.
Why is it used
For centuries the devil’s claw has been used to soothe pain and inflammation. Back pain, neck pain, rheumatoid arthritis, bruises and fever are examples of practical use, aimed not only at alleviating the symptoms but also at enhancing the action of any anti-inflammatory drugs, possibly reducing the dosage.
How to use it
The dry extract obtained from the root of the plant is normally taken orally, with a harpagoside content ranging from 1 to 8% (usually 2%).
The average dosage used in the studies is between 600 to 1,200 mg of titrated dry extract per day.
The effect manifests itself over 7-8 days, and reaches its maximum after about 30 days, then remaining stable over time. Devil’s claw is also available as an aqueous extract and mother tincture.
Effects
The bitter taste makes it difficult to take syrup. Nausea and stomach pain are the most common side effects, particularly in individuals suffering from gastritis or ulcers.
More rare is the appearance of abdominal pain and diarrhea. For the rest, toxicity is irrelevant.
Precautions
The intake is recommended on a full stomach while it is not recommended under 2 years, during pregnancy and lactation.
Interactions
Possible interactions include anticoagulants (risk of increased bleeding time), antiarrhythmics (beta-blockers, digoxin), hypotensives and oral hypoglycemic agents. The combination with common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may potentiate the gastrolesivity of the latter, following an increase in gastric acid secretion.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.