Devil’s Claw

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a native plant of Southern Africa. Devil’s Claw attaches its “hooks” onto animals in order to spread its seeds.1

Health Benefits

Traditionally, Devil’s Claw has been used to treat arthritis, gout, muscle pain, back pain and migraines.1 Devil’s Claw may contain anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain, stiffness, and symptoms in individuals with arthritis in the hip or knee.2-5

Cautions

Individuals that are pregnant, nursing, or taking warfarin should consult with a physician before taking Devil’s Claw.1

References

  1. Devil’s Claw. Medline Plus. Accessed July 22, 2015. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/984.html
  2. Wegener T, Lüpke NP. Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract of devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC.). Phytother Res. 2003 Dec;17(10):1165-72. PubMed PMID: 14669250.
  3. Leblan D, Chantre P, Fournié B. Harpagophytum procumbens in the treatment 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. PubMed PMID: 11143915.
  4. Fiebich BL, Muñoz E, Rose T, Weiss G, McGregor GP. Molecular targets of the antiinflammatory Harpagophytum procumbens (devil’s claw): inhibition of TNFα and COX-2 gene expression by preventing activation of AP-1. Phytother Res. 2012 Jun;26(6):806-11. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3636. Epub 2011 Nov 10. PubMed PMID: 22072539.
  5. Warnock M, McBean D, Suter A, Tan J, Whittaker P. Effectiveness and safety of Devil’s Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders. Phytother Res. 2007 Dec;21(12):1228-33. PubMed PMID: 17886223.