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Devil's Claw
Description: Devil’s claw is a native of South Africa, where used the herb to reduce pain and fever and stimulate digestion. Because it is a bitter herb, devil's claw is said to improve appetite and relieve mild indigestion symptoms. It’s effect on the joints is unclear. It may not function in a similar fashion to other typical arthritis medications.

Useful in the treatment of:

Arthritis: Studies in patients with rheumatioid1 and other types2 of arthritis have shown that devil’s claw produces significant pain relief. There was also an increase in mobility. A recent French study showed that when compared to a commonly prescribes arthritis drug, Devil’s claw decreased pain comparably and had fewer side effects.3

Chronic back Pain: Devil’s claw has been shown to be minimally effective for this condition in two studies.4,5

Dosage: 750 mg 3 times daily of a preparation standardized to contain 3% iridoid glycosides.

Contraindications/Precautions:

One large, 6 month study of Devil’s Claw showed that the only significant side effect was mild gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea.6

There may be some interaction with coumadin (warfarin)7, so it is recommended that people taking this medication avoid taking Devil’s claw.

References:

1. Lecomte A, et al. Harpagophytum dans l’arthrose: Etude en double insu contre placebo. Le Magazine. 1992;15:27–30.
2. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Harpagophyti radix (devil’s claw). Exeter, UK: ESCOP; 1996-1997. Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. Fascicule 2.
3. Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, Guedon D, Vandermander J, Fournie B. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomed. 2000;7(3):177-183.
4. Chrubasik S, Junck H, Breitschwerdt H, et al. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extract WS 1531 in the treatment of exacerbation of low back pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 1999;16:118–129.
5. Chrubasik S, Zimpfer CH, Schutt U, et al. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum procumbens in treatment of acute low back pain. Phytomedicine. 1996;3:1–10.
6. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Harpagophyti radix (devil’s claw). Exeter, UK: ESCOP; 1996-1997. Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. Fascicule 2.
7. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, et al. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991–1995). Drug Safety. 1997;17:342–356.
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