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Devil's Claw

© Martin Wall

Botanical names: Harpagophytum procumbens

Uses

Osteoarthritis
2,610 mg daily (containing 57 mg harpagoside, 87 mg total iridoid glycosides daily)
Devil’s claw extract was found in one trial to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis as effectively as the slow-acting analgesic/cartilage-protective drug diacerhein.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
4.5 to 10 grams daily of powdered herb or 800 mg of a standardized extract three times daily
Devil’s claw has anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions and is a traditional herbal remedy for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

How It Works
The devil’s claw tuber contains three important constituents belonging to the iridoid glycoside family: harpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide. The secondary tubers of the herb contain twice as much harpagoside as the primary tubers and are the chief source of devil’s claw used medicinally. Harpagoside and other iridoid glycosides found in the plant may be responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. However, research has not entirely supported the use of devil’s claw in alleviating arthritic pain symptoms. In one trial it was found to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis as effectively as the slow-acting analgesic/cartilage-protective drug diacerhein. One double-blind study reported that devil’s claw (600 or 1,200 mg per day) was helpful in reducing low back pain.

Devil’s claw is also considered by herbalists to be a potent bitter. 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, but not heartburn.

How to Use It
As a digestive stimulant, 1.5 to 2 grams per day of the powdered secondary tuber are used. For tincture, the recommended amount is 1 to 2 ml three times daily. For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, 4.5 to 10 grams of powder are used per day. Alternatively, standardized extracts, 1,200 to 2,500 mg per day, may be taken.

Side Effects
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 with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
At the time of writing, there were no well-known interactions with this supplement.