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Devil's Claw
(Harpagophytum procumbens)
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| Introduction |
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| Devil's claw has a number of traditional uses, including the support of a healthy liver and kidneys. Most recent research has focused on its anti-inflammatory properties, which may have applications for arthritis sufferers. A standardized extract of devil's claw is derived from the tubers of the plant. |
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| Reported Uses |
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Researchers have suggested that the key components of devil's claw may have a significant anti-inflammatory function.(1, 2, 3) One study even suggested that devil's claw has effects similar to a type of conventional anti-inflammatory medication.(4) Because of these benefits, devil's claw has been used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.(5) However, research indicates that the remedy is better suited to the treatment of chronic, rather than acute, symptoms.(6)
A trial involving 122 patients with arthritis of the hip and/or the knee were given either devil's claw or diacerhein. Diacerhein is a member of a drug class used for osteoarthritis in Europe and is not available in the United States. Pain levels, joint function, and mobility as well as the use of additional medications for pain and inflammation were evaluated. At the end of the 4 month trial, the authors concluded that devil's claw and diacerhein were equally effective in treating osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.(7)
Additional research on devil's claw suggests that it may also support healthy digestion and increased gallbladder function.(8, 9)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 100-200mg (standardized extract) daily.
Infusion: 3 times a day using 4.5 grams of herb to 300 ml water steeped 8 hours.(10) |
100mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day.
Infusion: 3 times a day using 4.5 grams of herb to 300 ml water steeped 8 hours. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
Toxicity is extremely low and is not seen in recommended doses of this dietary supplement.(11)
If you are planning to have any type of surgery or dental work, stop using this dietary supplement for at least 14 days prior to the procedure.
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Health Conditions
If you have gastric, peptic or duodenal ulcers, do not use this dietary supplement. If you have a bleeding disorder other than those mentioned talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement. |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
This dietary supplement should not be used in pregnant women.(12)
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are breast-feeding an infant without first consulting a physician.(12)
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Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Erdos A, et al. Contribution to the Pharmacology and Toxicology of Different Extracts as Well as the Harpagosid from Harpagophytum procumbens DC. Planta Medica. 1978;34:97.
2 Chrubasik S, 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. Feb1999; 16(2):118-29.
View Abstract
3 Lanhers MC, et al. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Harpagophytum procumbens. Planta Medica. 1992;58(2):117-23.
View Abstract
4 Eichler O, et al. Antiphlogistic, Analgesic and Spasmolytic Effect of Harpagoside, a Glycoside from the Root of Harpagophytum procumbens DC. Arzneim-Forsch/Drug Res. Jan1970;20(1):107-09.
5 Wegener T, Lupke NP. Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract of devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC.). Phytother Res. Dec2003;17(10):1165-72.
View Abstract
6 Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:98-100.
7 Leblan D, Chantre P, Fournie B. Harpagophytum procumbens in the Teatment of Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis. Four-month Results of a Prospective, Multicenter, Double-blind Trial Versus Diacerhein. Joint Bone Spine. 2000;67(5):462-7.
View Abstract
8 Bradley P, ed. British Herbal Compendium. Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association; 1992:78-80.
9 Occhiuto F, et al. A Drug Used in Traditional Medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. IV. Effects on Some Isolated Muscle Preparations. J Ethnopharmacology. 1985;13:201-08.
View Abstract
10 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:248.
11 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:248.
12 Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:98-100.
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Copyright © 2000-2009 NHIOnDemand All rights reserved.
www.nhiondemand.com
This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
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