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Quality Assurance: This product is manufactured in the United States by one of America's leading laboratories in business since 1955. It is produced from natural sources and contains no yeast, sugar, starch, artificial flavor, dyes, coloring agent or preservatives.

Devil’s claw has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis, fever, skin conditions, and some symptoms of the gallbladder, stomach, kidneys, and pancreas. 

The National Institutes of Health cite that devil’s claw is at least as effective as common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. (See below.)

Patients suffering from joint problems, osteoarthritis or lower back pain are likely to benefit from treatment with devil’s claw.

(See list of ingredients.)

The San Bushmen of South Africa have used devil’s claw for years as a digestive tonic, cure for headaches, fevers, allergies, and pain during childbirth (World Wildlife Fund).  After its discovery there by German scientist G.H. Mehnert, devil’s claw was tested and approved for relief of joint pain. 

 

FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

DEVIL'S CLAW (HARPAGOPHYTUM PROCUMBENS DC)

Uses Based On Scientific Evidence:  
     

        
Appetite stimulant
Traditionally, devil's claw was commonly used as an appetite stimulant, and this remains a popular use. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence in this area, and it remains unclear if devil's claw is beneficial as an appetite stimulant.  
      
Digestive tonic
Devil's claw is popular as a digestive tonic for the relief of constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence in this area, and it remains unclear if devil's claw is beneficial for these uses.
 
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

 

Side Effects and Warnings from the National Institutes of Health:
At recommended doses, devil's claw is traditionally believed to be well tolerated. Whether use of devil's claw for longer than 3-4 months is safe or effective is unknown.

There are reports of headache, ringing in the ears, loss of taste and appetite, and diarrhea in those taking this herb. Devil's claw may affect levels of acid in the gastrointestinal tract and should be avoided by people with gastric (stomach) or duodenal (intestinal) ulcers. Devil's claw should be used cautiously in patients with gallstones.

Devil's claw may change the rate and force of heartbeats (chronotropic and inotropic effects). Individuals with heart disease or arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) should consult their cardiologist or primary care physician before taking devil's claw.

In theory, devil's claw may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

In theory, devil's claw may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Patients may need to stop taking devil's claw before some surgeries, and should discuss this with their primary healthcare provider.

 

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Selected references
1.         Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine 2000;7(3):177-183.
2.         Chrubasik S, Model A, Black A, et al. A randomized double-blind pilot study comparing Doloteffin® and Vioxx® in the treatment of low back pain. Rheumatology 2003;42:141-148.
3.         Chrubasik S, Sporer F, Wink M. [Harpagoside content of different powdered dry extracts from Harpagophytum procumbens]. Forsch Komplmentarmed 1996;3:6-11.
4.         Chrubasik S, Sporer F, Wink M, et al. Zum wirkstoffgehalt in arzneimitteln aus harpagophytum procumbens. Forsch Komplementärmed 1996;3:57-63.
5.         Chrubasik S, Conradt C, Black A. The quality of clinical trials with Harpagophytum procumbens. Phytomedicine 2003;10(6-7):613-623.
6.         Chrubasik S, Conradt C, Roufogalis BD. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extracts and clinical efficacy. Phytother Res 2004;18(2):187-189.
7.         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(2):118-129.
8.         Circosta C, Occhiuto F, Ragusa S, et al. A drug used in traditional medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. II. Cardiovascular activity. J Ethnopharmacol 1984;11(3):259-274.
9.         Ernst E, Chrubasik S. Phyto-anti-inflammatories. A systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2000;26(1):13-27.
10.       Gobel H, Heinze A, Ingwersen M, et al. [Effects of Harpagophytum procumbens LI 174 (devil's claw) on sensory, motor und vascular muscle reagibility in the treatment of unspecific back pain]. Schmerz 2001;15(1):10-18.
11.       Gagnier JJ, Chrubasik S, Manheimer E. Harpgophytum procumbens for osteoarthritis and low back pain: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2004 Sep 15;4:13.
12.       Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57(13):1221-1227.
13.       Lanhers MC, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, et al. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum procumbens. Planta Med 1992;58(2):117-123.
14.       Laudahn D, Walper A. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum extract LI 174 in patients with chronic non-radicular back pain. Phytother Res 2001;15(7):621-624.
15.       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 2003;17(10):1165-1172.

 

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Nutrition specialist Cathy Wong cites four major studies
on devil’s claw in her article on the plant:

“A German study examined the use of devil's claw for slight to moderate back, neck, and shoulder muscle tension and pain. In the 4-week study, 31 people took 480 mg twice a day and 32 people took a placebo. The results showed there was a significant reduction in pain in the people taking devil's claw compared to the placebo group.

“A study published in the journal Rheumatology compared a devil's claw extract providing 60 mg harpagosides a day and and 12.5 mg a day of the anti-inflammatory Vioxx (now off the market) for 6 weeks in 79 patients with an acute exacerbation of low back pain. Devil's claw was as effective as Vioxx in reducing pain.

“A study published in the journal Joint Bone Spine compared six 435 mg capsules of powdered devil's claw extract a day (which provides about 60 mg per day of harpagosides) with 100 mg a day of a European osteoarthritis drug called diacerhein in 122 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. After four months, devil's claw was as effective as the diacerhein at relieving pain, improving mobility, and reducing the need for back-up medication (such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs). Although this sounds great, the results aren't as impressive in light of a 3-year placebo-controlled study found diacerhein was ineffective at reducing osteoarthritis symptoms.

“In a European Journal of Anaesthesiology 4-week study, 197 people with back pain rated at 5/10 or higher on a pain scale received a standardized daily dose of 50 mg or 100 mg harpagosides or placebo. Devil's claw seemed to reduce pain more than placebo.”

The active ingredients in devil’s claw are harpagosides and beta sitosterol.  These chemicals give the herb its anti-inflammatory properties.  Beta-sitosterol is used in Europe to lower blood cholesterol because the chemical structure of beta-sitosterol is similar to cholesterol. 

Numerous studies have shown devil’s claw to be more effective at reducing pain than the prescription anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx, now off the market.

Devil’s claw produces an effect on stomach acid. For this reason it is used as a digestive aid, relieving constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence.

Other traditional uses cited by the national Institutes of Health include allergies, analgesic, anorexia, antiarrhythmic, antiphlogistic, atherosclerosis, bitter tonic, blood diseases, boils (topical), child-birth difficulties, choleretic, climacteric problems, diabetes, diuretic, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, edema, fever, fibromyalgia, fibrositis, gall bladder tonic, gastrointestinal disorders, gout, headache, heartburn, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, indigestion, liver tonic, malaria, migraine, myalgia, neuralgia, nicotine poisoning, sedative, skin cancer (topical), skin ulcers (topical), sores (topical), tendonitis, urinary tract infection, vulnerary for skin injuries (topical).

RESEARCH:


Devil's claw extract as an example of the effectiveness of herbal analgesics
Author:           Chrubasik,-S 
Citation:         Orthopade. 2004 Jul; 33(7): 804-8
Abstract:        Preparations from devil's claw differ in their content of active ingredients as assessed by the quantity of harpagoside present. The harpagoside content in the daily dose of Doloteffin (extraction solvent water) is double that of preparations extracted with 60% ethanol. Only preparations with proven effectiveness for painful lower back or arthrotic pain are an attractive alternative to synthetic analgesics, and are of substantial benefit in the treatment of chronic pain. From an evidence based view, extract with at least 50 mg harpagoside in the daily dose should be recommended for the treatment of pain. Treatment with devil's claw extract is associated with a lower risk of adverse events than treatment with synthetic analgesics, and may contribute in the majority of patients to the relief of pain. 

WHAT IS DEVIL'S CLAW?
From Cathy Wong, Your Guide to Alternative Medicine.

Devil's claw is a plant native to southern Africa. Its name comes from the small hooks on the plant's fruit. The active ingredients in devil's claw are believed to be iridoid glycosides called harpagosides, which are found in the secondary root.

Most of the world's supply of devil's claw comes from Namibia, with lesser amounts coming from South Africa and Botswana.

Why do people use devil's claw?
Devil's claw has been used for thousands of years in Africa for fever, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, and conditions involving the gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.
In the early 1900's, devil's claw was brought to Europe. It is used to improve digestion, as the bitter taste of devil's claw tea is thought to stimulate digestive juices.

However, the primary use of devil's claw today is for conditions that cause inflammation and pain: back pain, neck pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and tendinitis.

According to a study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, sales of devil's claw in Germany were estimated to be €30 million in 2001, accounting for 74% of the prescriptions for rheumatism.

What research has been done on devil's claw?
There is some evidence for the use of devil's claw, however one larger, randomized controlled trial found only a modest benefit.

            A German study examined the use of devil's claw for slight to moderate back, neck, and shoulder muscle tension and pain. In the 4-week study, 31 people took 480 mg twice a day and 32 people took a placebo. The results showed there was a significant reduction in pain in the people taking devil's claw compared to the placebo group.

            A study published in the journal Rheumatology compared a devil's claw extract providing 60 mg harpagosides a day and and 12.5 mg a day of the anti-inflammatory Vioxx (now off the market) for 6 weeks in 79 patients with an acute exacerbation of low back pain. Devil's claw was as effective as Vioxx in reducing pain.

            A study published in the journal Joint Bone Spine compared six 435 mg capsules of powdered devil's claw extract a day (which provides about 60 mg per day of harpagosides) with 100 mg a day of a European osteoarthritis drug called diacerhein in 122 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. After four months, devil's claw was as effective as the diacerhein at relieving pain, improving mobility, and reducing the need for back-up medication (such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs). Although this sounds great, the results aren't as impressive in light of a 3-year placebo-controlled study found diacerhein was ineffective at reducing osteoarthritis symptoms.

            In a European Journal of Anaesthesiology 4-week study, 197 people with back pain rated at 5/10 or higher on a pain scale received a standardized daily dose of 50 mg or 100 mg harpagosides or placebo. Devil's claw seemed to reduce pain more than placebo.
Devil's claw appears to work in the same way as Cox-2 anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex and also produce changes in leukotrienes, another group of molecules involved in inflammation.

Safety
Devil's claw should not be used by people with gastric or duodenal ulcers.  People with gallstones should consult a doctor before using devil's claw.

People with diabetes or who are taking medication that affects their blood sugar should only use devil's claw under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. In one study, devil's claw extract resulted in reductions in blood glucose in fasted normal and diabetic animals.
Devil's claw should not be used by people who are or may be pregnant, as it is believed to cause uterine contractions.

Side effects
Devil's claw has been known to trigger an allergic reaction.  Some studies have reported stomach upset, a sensation of fullness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and headache.  In animal studies, there is a small risk of changes in blood pressure, heart rhythm, and blood glucose. One study found that it enhanced the action of GABA in the brain and depressed the central nervous system. It is not known whether these effects may also occur in humans.

Sources
Chrubasik S et al. "A randomized double-blind pilot study comparing Doloteffin and Vioxx in the treatment of low back pain." Rheumatology (Oxford). 42.1 (2003):141-8.

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." European Journal of Anaesthesiology. 16.2 (1999):118-29.

Dougados M et al. "Evaluation of the structure-modifying effects of diacerein in hip osteoarthritis: ECHODIAH, a three-year, placebo-controlled trial. Evaluation of the Chondromodulating Effect of Diacerein in OA of the Hip." Arthritis and Rheumatism. 44.11 (2001):2539-47.

Gagnier JJ et al. "Herbal medicine for low back pain." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 19.2 (2006):CD004504.

Gobel H et al. "Effects of Harpagophytum procumbens LI 174 (devil's claw) on sensory, motor und vascular muscle reagibility in the treatment of unspecific back pain." Schmerz. 15.1 (2001):10-8.

Huang TH et al. "Harpagoside suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression through inhibition of NF-kappaB activation." Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 104.1-2 (2006):149-55.

Leblan D et al. "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. 67.5 (2000):462-7.

Mahomed IM and Ojewole JA. "Anticonvulsant activity of Harpagophytum procumbens DC [Pedaliaceae] secondary root aqueous extract in mice." Brain Research Bulletin. 69.1 (2006):57-62.

Mahomed IM and Ojewole JA. "Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous extract." Phytotherapy Research. 18.12 (2004):982-9.

Stewart KM and Cole D. "The commercial harvest of devil's claw (Harpagophytum spp.) in southern Africa: the devil's in the details Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 100.3 (2005):225-36.

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