Devil's Claw Side Effects and Benefits
INTRODUCTION TO DEVIL'S CLAW
Devil's Claw, Harpagophylum Procumbens, is a South African plant. Devil's claw
thrives in clay or sandy soils. Its root is collected when the rainy season ends.
Devil's Claw fruits seem to be covered with miniature grappling hooks.
Synonyms include wood spider and grapple plant. German called it
Teufelskralle.
TRADITIONAL USES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
In addition to those mentioned in the abstract, it is also thought that Devil's
Claw combined with gas-relieving herbs may help indigestion.
Devil's Claw ointments were also been formulated for sores, ulcers and boils.
The dose of Devil's Claw Tuber is from 1.5 to 10 grams per day, dependent on
the indications and extraction of Devil's Claw Again, more studies are needed
to support Devil's Claw benefit claims.
MAJOR ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OF DEVIL'S CLAW
Active ingredients of Devil's Claw re harpagoside, harpagide, procumbine [3].
These active ingredients may be responsible for Devil's Claw anti-inflammatory
and analgesic activities. Limited studies have shown that Devil's Claw s able
to alleviate arthritic and low back pain [4-7].
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS FOR DEVIL'S CLAW BENEFITS
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
According to a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay, Devil's Claw
extract was particularly rich in water-soluble antioxidants. Harpagoside, a
major compound in devil's claw, did not contribute significantly to its
antioxidant activity. [12]
Devil's Claw was found to scavenge super-oxide dose-dependently. [13]
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
In 1983, Whitehouse LW et al concluded that Devil's Claw was completely
ineffective in reducing edema of the rat hind foot induced by either lambda-
carrageenan or Mycobacterium butyricum from his study. [14]
In 1997, an experiment demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of Devil's
Claw [15]
In 2001, Devil's Claw extract was shown to prevent the LPS-induced synthesis
of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) in stimulated primary human
monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Primary human monocyte has been
used as a model for peripheral inflammation. Thus, this model suggested that
Devil's Claw extract might have anti-inflammatory properties on skeletal
system. [16]
Rats were injected with Freund's adjuvant in sub-plantar tissue of the right
posterior paw and randomly assigned in acute (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg) or
chronic (100 mg/kg) treatments with Devil's Claw solution test or vehicle. The
results show that Devil's Claw extract increased the animals 'latency of paws'
withdrawal, indicating a protective effect against the pain induced by the
thermal stimulus, both in acute and chronic treatments. The data showed anti-
inflammatory and peripheral analgesic properties of Devil's Claw .[17]
Nowadays, it is almost a general acceptance that Devil's Claw Extract (with a
proper method) could alleviate inflammatory diseases including arthritis,
rheumatism, acne skin allergy and ulcers. [18]
The mechanism for Devil's Claw to suppress inflammation becomes clear in
early 2000s.
Devil's Claw extract was shown to suppress PGE(2) synthesis and nitric oxide
production by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide-stimulated enhancement of the
cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNAs
expressions in L929 cells. These results suggest that Devil's Claw extract
exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects probably by suppressing
cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS expressions.[19]
Devil's Claw xtracts were found to interfere with the transcriptional activation
of iNOS. [20]
ANALGESIC ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
A few studies also demonstrated the analgesic effects of Devil's Claw . [21]
In study of mice and rats, Devil's Claw extract exerted anti-inflammatory and
analgesic effects in a dose-dependent fashion. The main irridoid glycoside of
DevilÂ’s Claw appeared to play an important role in the peripheral analgesic
properties. [22]
Devil's Claw extract with at least 50 mg harpagoside in the daily dose may
help pain management. The author believes that treatment with Devil's Claw
extract may have a lower risk of adverse events than treatment with synthetic
analgesics. [23]
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
Numerous anti-inflammatory agents have been shown to exert
chemopreventive activity by targeting cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, a rate-limiting
enzyme involved in the inflammatory process. Devil's Claw has long been used
in South Africa for the management of pain and inflammation. Researchers
prepared methanolic extracts of Devil's Claw. Topical application of Devil's
Claw xtracts inhibited TPA-induced COX-2 expression in mouse skin. Devil's
Claw extracts diminished TPA-stimulated catalytic activity of extracellular
signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), which is known to regulate the
activation of eukaryotic transcription factors mediating COX-2 induction. [24]
EFFECT OF DEVIL'S CLAW ON OSTEOARTHRITIS
It has been shown that Devil's Claw has anti-inflammatory and analgesic
properties. Its benefits on osteoarthritis are almost expected.
In a 4 month-double-blind, randomized, multicentre clinical study of 122
patients suffered from osteoarthritis showed that 435 mg of Devil's Claw
powder was as effective as 100 mg of diacerhein in the treatment of
osteoarthritis. While, the frequency of side events (e.g. diarrhea) was
significantly lower in the Devil's Claw group. The global tolerance assessment
by patients at the end of treatment favoured the Devil's Claw powder. [25]
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study of 122 patients
with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis demonstrated that high dose of Devil's
Claw was as effective as diacerhein in the treatment of knee or hip
osteoarthritis. [26]
Devil's Claw preparations were found to be useful for 75 patients suffered
from arthritis and low back pain. Improvement included 45.5% for pain on
palpation, 35% for limitation of mobility and 25.4% for joint crepitus. Only two
cases of side effects were reported-dyspeptic complaints and a sensation of
fullness.
In a 4 week-double-blinded study of 63 patients suffered from muscular
tension or slight muscular pain of the back, shoulder and neck, Devil's Claw
extract improved the patientsÂ’ score or performance on visual analogue
scale, the pressure algometer test, the muscle stiffness test and the muscular
ischaemia test. Tolerability for Devil's Claw extract was good; no serious
adverse effects occurred. [27]
Devil's Claw can modulate the production of matrix-degrading enzymes!!
Arthritis and osteoarthritis are characterized by a loss of articular cartilage
due to an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of the extracellular
cartilage matrix. These diseases are accompanied by an increased induction of
cytokines such as interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha
(TNF-alpha). The increased release of cytokines leads to an enhanced
production of matrix-degrading enzymes e.g. the matrix metalloproteinases
(MMPs). Western blot analysis showed that the devil's claw extracts
decreased significantly the production of MMPs in chondrocytes. [28]
EFFECT OF DEVIL'S CLAW ON SMOOTH MUSCLE AND DEGENERATIVE DISEASES
OF MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Harpagoside of Devil's Claw is able to interfere with the mechanisms that
regulate the influx of calcium in the smooth muscle cells. [29]
Wegener T., Dienstleistung Phytopharmaka Rheda-Wiedenbruck, Deutschland,
recommended Devil's Claw or the supportive treatment of degenerative
painful rheumatism. He stated that experiments had shown analgesic,
antiphlogistic and antiinflammatory actions of Devil's Claw [30]
A 4 week-randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of patients with
slight to moderate muscular tension at back, shoulder and neck showed the
beneficial effects of Devil's Claw extract (2X480 mg/day) on sensory, motor
and vascular mechanisms of muscle pain. [31]
BACKPAIN
130 patients suffered from back pain were supplemented with Devil's Claw
extract for eight weeks. 117 patients showed improvement of pain symptoms
and mobility of the affected sections of their spine. No serious Devil's Claw
side effects were observed.
[32]
Strong evidence exists for the use of an aqueous Devil's Claw extract at a
daily dose equivalent of 50 mg harpagoside in the treatment of acute
exacerbations of chronic non-specific low-back pain. [33]
ANTI-PLASMODIAL ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
Devil's Claw is a source of antiplasmodial hit compounds. [34]
DIABETE
Devil's Claw root (50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant
reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted
normal and fasted diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study
indicate that Devil's Claw root aqueous extract possesses hypoglycaemic
properties, leading to the consideration of developing a therapeutics using
purified Devil's Claw extracts to manage type-2 diabetes mellitus. [35]
ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR DEVIL'S CLAW
HPLC equipped with monolithic C18-bonded silica column can be used to
assay Devil's Claw harpagoside. [36]
DEVIL'S CLAW Side Effects and Benefits
Devil's Claw side effects are mainly headache, ringing in the ears, loss of
appetite, or loss of taste. Allergic reactions to Devil's Claw may also occur and
they are difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives. However, there may be some other side effects
other than those listed here.
Devil's claw promotes stomach acid, anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers
should not use the herb.
Devil's Claw was found to interact with warfarin. [10]
Devil's Claw should not be taken together with anticoagulant or anti-platelet
agents. [11]
HOME
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2008 zhion.
References
1. Tyler VE. The Honest Herbal, 3d ed. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press,
1993, 111–2. 2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988,
238–9. 3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in
Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 208–10. 4.
Whitehouse LW, Znamirouska M, Paul CJ. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens):
no evidence for anti-inflammatory activity in the treatment of arthritic disease. Can Med
Assoc J 1983;129:249–51. 5. Grahame R, Robinson BV. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum
procumbens): pharmacological and clinical studies. Ann Rheum Dis 1981;40:632. 6.
Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum
procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomed 2000;7:177–
83.7. Chrubasik S, Zimpfer C, Schutt U, Ziegler R. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum
procumbens in treatment of acute low back pain. Phytomed 1996;3:1–10. 8.
Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E
Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine
Communications, 1998, 120–1. 9. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds).
The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.
Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 120–1. 10. Izzo AA, Di Carlo
G, Borrelli F, Ernst E Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and herbal medicines: the risk of
drug interaction. Int J Cardiol. 2005 Jan;98(1):1-14. 11. Argento A. et al, Oral
anticoagulants and medicinal plants. An emerging interaction Ann Ital Med Int 2000 Apr-
Jun;15(2):139-43. 12. Betancor-Fernandez A et al, Screening pharmaceutical
preparations containing extracts of turmeric rhizome, artichoke leaf, devil's claw root and
garlic or salmon oil for antioxidant capacity. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2003 Jul;55(7):981-6.
13. Langmead L et al, Antioxidant effects of herbal therapies used by patients with
inflammatory bowel disease: an in vitro study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2002 Feb;16(2):
197-205.14. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): no evidence for anti-
inflammatory activity in the treatment of arthritic disease. Can Med Assoc J. 1983 Aug 1;
129(3):249-51.15. An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of
Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri. Planta Med. 1997 Apr;63(2):
171-6.16. Fiebich BL et al, Inhibition of TNF-alpha synthesis in LPS-stimulated primary
human monocytes by Harpagophytum (Devil's Claw) extract SteiHap 69. Phytomedicine.
2001 Jan;8(1):28-30. 17. Andersen ML, Evaluation of acute and chronic treatments with
Harpagophytum procumbens on Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. J
Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Apr;91(2-3):325-30. 18 Darshan S, Doreswamy R. Patented
antiinflammatory plant drug development from traditional medicine. Phytother Res.
2004 May;18(5):343-57. 19. Jang MH et al, Harpagophytum procumbens suppresses
lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric
oxide synthase in fibroblast cell line L929. J Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Nov;93(3):367-71.20.
Kaszkin M et al, Downregulation of iNOS expression in rat mesangial cells by special
extracts of Harpagophytum procumbens derives from harpagoside-dependent and
independent effects. Phytomedicine. 2004 Nov;11(7-8):585-95.21. An analytical study,
anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens and
Harpagophytum zeyheri. Planta Med. 1997 Apr;63(2):171-6. 22. Lanhers MC Anti-
inflammatory and analgesic effects of an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum
procumbens. Planta Med. 1992 Apr;58(2):117-23. [23] Chrubasik S.Devil's claw extract
as an example of the effectiveness of herbal analgesics Orthopade. 2004 Jul;33(7):804-
8. 24. Kundu JK et al, Inhibitory effects of the extracts of Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R.
Br. and Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw). on phorbol ester-induced COX-2
expression in mouse skin: AP-1 and CREB as potential upstream targets. Cancer Lett.
2005 Jan 31;218(1):21-31.25. Chantre P, Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum
procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine. 2000 Jun;7
(3):177-83 26. Leblan D et al, Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) 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.
27. [27] Wegener T 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. 27. 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. 2001 Feb;15(1):10-8. 28. Schulze-Tanzil G et al, Effect of a
Harpagophytum procumbens (DevilÂ’s Claw) extract on matrix metalloproteinases in
human chondrocytes in vitro. Arzneimittelforschung. 2004;54(4):213-20. 29. Occhiuto F
et al, A drug used in traditional medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. IV. Effects
on some isolated muscle preparations. J Ethnopharmacol. 1985 May;13(2):201-8. 30.
Therapy of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system with South African
devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC) Wien Med Wochenschr. 1999;149(8-10):
254-7. 31. 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. 2001 Feb;15(1):10-8. 32. Laudahn D et al, Efficacy and tolerance of
Harpagophytum extract LI 174 in patients with chronic non-radicular back pain.
Phytother Res. 2001 Nov;15(7):621-4. 33. Gagnier JJ Harpgophytum procumbens for
osteoarthritis and low back pain: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med.
2004 Sep 15;4(1):13. 34. Clarkson C et al, In vitro antiplasmodial activity of abietane
and totarane diterpenes isolated from Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw). Planta
Med. 2003 Aug;69(8):720-4.Mahomed IM, Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic
properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous
extract. Phytother Res. 2004 Dec;18(12):982-9. [36] Schmidt AH Fast HPLC for quality
control of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw ) by using a monolithic silica
column: method transfer from conventional particle-based silica column. J Chromatogr
A. 2005 May 6;1073(1-2):377-81.
Devil's Claw, Harpagophylum Procumbens, is a South African plant. Devil's claw
thrives in clay or sandy soils. Its root is collected when the rainy season ends.
Devil's Claw fruits seem to be covered with miniature grappling hooks.
Synonyms include wood spider and grapple plant. German called it
Teufelskralle.
TRADITIONAL USES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
In addition to those mentioned in the abstract, it is also thought that Devil's
Claw combined with gas-relieving herbs may help indigestion.
Devil's Claw ointments were also been formulated for sores, ulcers and boils.
The dose of Devil's Claw Tuber is from 1.5 to 10 grams per day, dependent on
the indications and extraction of Devil's Claw Again, more studies are needed
to support Devil's Claw benefit claims.
MAJOR ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OF DEVIL'S CLAW
Active ingredients of Devil's Claw re harpagoside, harpagide, procumbine [3].
These active ingredients may be responsible for Devil's Claw anti-inflammatory
and analgesic activities. Limited studies have shown that Devil's Claw s able
to alleviate arthritic and low back pain [4-7].
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS FOR DEVIL'S CLAW BENEFITS
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
According to a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay, Devil's Claw
extract was particularly rich in water-soluble antioxidants. Harpagoside, a
major compound in devil's claw, did not contribute significantly to its
antioxidant activity. [12]
Devil's Claw was found to scavenge super-oxide dose-dependently. [13]
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
In 1983, Whitehouse LW et al concluded that Devil's Claw was completely
ineffective in reducing edema of the rat hind foot induced by either lambda-
carrageenan or Mycobacterium butyricum from his study. [14]
In 1997, an experiment demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of Devil's
Claw [15]
In 2001, Devil's Claw extract was shown to prevent the LPS-induced synthesis
of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) in stimulated primary human
monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Primary human monocyte has been
used as a model for peripheral inflammation. Thus, this model suggested that
Devil's Claw extract might have anti-inflammatory properties on skeletal
system. [16]
Rats were injected with Freund's adjuvant in sub-plantar tissue of the right
posterior paw and randomly assigned in acute (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg) or
chronic (100 mg/kg) treatments with Devil's Claw solution test or vehicle. The
results show that Devil's Claw extract increased the animals 'latency of paws'
withdrawal, indicating a protective effect against the pain induced by the
thermal stimulus, both in acute and chronic treatments. The data showed anti-
inflammatory and peripheral analgesic properties of Devil's Claw .[17]
Nowadays, it is almost a general acceptance that Devil's Claw Extract (with a
proper method) could alleviate inflammatory diseases including arthritis,
rheumatism, acne skin allergy and ulcers. [18]
The mechanism for Devil's Claw to suppress inflammation becomes clear in
early 2000s.
Devil's Claw extract was shown to suppress PGE(2) synthesis and nitric oxide
production by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide-stimulated enhancement of the
cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNAs
expressions in L929 cells. These results suggest that Devil's Claw extract
exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects probably by suppressing
cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS expressions.[19]
Devil's Claw xtracts were found to interfere with the transcriptional activation
of iNOS. [20]
ANALGESIC ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
A few studies also demonstrated the analgesic effects of Devil's Claw . [21]
In study of mice and rats, Devil's Claw extract exerted anti-inflammatory and
analgesic effects in a dose-dependent fashion. The main irridoid glycoside of
DevilÂ’s Claw appeared to play an important role in the peripheral analgesic
properties. [22]
Devil's Claw extract with at least 50 mg harpagoside in the daily dose may
help pain management. The author believes that treatment with Devil's Claw
extract may have a lower risk of adverse events than treatment with synthetic
analgesics. [23]
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
Numerous anti-inflammatory agents have been shown to exert
chemopreventive activity by targeting cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, a rate-limiting
enzyme involved in the inflammatory process. Devil's Claw has long been used
in South Africa for the management of pain and inflammation. Researchers
prepared methanolic extracts of Devil's Claw. Topical application of Devil's
Claw xtracts inhibited TPA-induced COX-2 expression in mouse skin. Devil's
Claw extracts diminished TPA-stimulated catalytic activity of extracellular
signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), which is known to regulate the
activation of eukaryotic transcription factors mediating COX-2 induction. [24]
EFFECT OF DEVIL'S CLAW ON OSTEOARTHRITIS
It has been shown that Devil's Claw has anti-inflammatory and analgesic
properties. Its benefits on osteoarthritis are almost expected.
In a 4 month-double-blind, randomized, multicentre clinical study of 122
patients suffered from osteoarthritis showed that 435 mg of Devil's Claw
powder was as effective as 100 mg of diacerhein in the treatment of
osteoarthritis. While, the frequency of side events (e.g. diarrhea) was
significantly lower in the Devil's Claw group. The global tolerance assessment
by patients at the end of treatment favoured the Devil's Claw powder. [25]
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study of 122 patients
with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis demonstrated that high dose of Devil's
Claw was as effective as diacerhein in the treatment of knee or hip
osteoarthritis. [26]
Devil's Claw preparations were found to be useful for 75 patients suffered
from arthritis and low back pain. Improvement included 45.5% for pain on
palpation, 35% for limitation of mobility and 25.4% for joint crepitus. Only two
cases of side effects were reported-dyspeptic complaints and a sensation of
fullness.
In a 4 week-double-blinded study of 63 patients suffered from muscular
tension or slight muscular pain of the back, shoulder and neck, Devil's Claw
extract improved the patientsÂ’ score or performance on visual analogue
scale, the pressure algometer test, the muscle stiffness test and the muscular
ischaemia test. Tolerability for Devil's Claw extract was good; no serious
adverse effects occurred. [27]
Devil's Claw can modulate the production of matrix-degrading enzymes!!
Arthritis and osteoarthritis are characterized by a loss of articular cartilage
due to an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of the extracellular
cartilage matrix. These diseases are accompanied by an increased induction of
cytokines such as interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha
(TNF-alpha). The increased release of cytokines leads to an enhanced
production of matrix-degrading enzymes e.g. the matrix metalloproteinases
(MMPs). Western blot analysis showed that the devil's claw extracts
decreased significantly the production of MMPs in chondrocytes. [28]
EFFECT OF DEVIL'S CLAW ON SMOOTH MUSCLE AND DEGENERATIVE DISEASES
OF MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Harpagoside of Devil's Claw is able to interfere with the mechanisms that
regulate the influx of calcium in the smooth muscle cells. [29]
Wegener T., Dienstleistung Phytopharmaka Rheda-Wiedenbruck, Deutschland,
recommended Devil's Claw or the supportive treatment of degenerative
painful rheumatism. He stated that experiments had shown analgesic,
antiphlogistic and antiinflammatory actions of Devil's Claw [30]
A 4 week-randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of patients with
slight to moderate muscular tension at back, shoulder and neck showed the
beneficial effects of Devil's Claw extract (2X480 mg/day) on sensory, motor
and vascular mechanisms of muscle pain. [31]
BACKPAIN
130 patients suffered from back pain were supplemented with Devil's Claw
extract for eight weeks. 117 patients showed improvement of pain symptoms
and mobility of the affected sections of their spine. No serious Devil's Claw
side effects were observed.
[32]
Strong evidence exists for the use of an aqueous Devil's Claw extract at a
daily dose equivalent of 50 mg harpagoside in the treatment of acute
exacerbations of chronic non-specific low-back pain. [33]
ANTI-PLASMODIAL ACTIVITIES OF DEVIL'S CLAW
Devil's Claw is a source of antiplasmodial hit compounds. [34]
DIABETE
Devil's Claw root (50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant
reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted
normal and fasted diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study
indicate that Devil's Claw root aqueous extract possesses hypoglycaemic
properties, leading to the consideration of developing a therapeutics using
purified Devil's Claw extracts to manage type-2 diabetes mellitus. [35]
ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR DEVIL'S CLAW
HPLC equipped with monolithic C18-bonded silica column can be used to
assay Devil's Claw harpagoside. [36]
DEVIL'S CLAW Side Effects and Benefits
Devil's Claw side effects are mainly headache, ringing in the ears, loss of
appetite, or loss of taste. Allergic reactions to Devil's Claw may also occur and
they are difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives. However, there may be some other side effects
other than those listed here.
Devil's claw promotes stomach acid, anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers
should not use the herb.
Devil's Claw was found to interact with warfarin. [10]
Devil's Claw should not be taken together with anticoagulant or anti-platelet
agents. [11]
HOME
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2008 zhion.
References
1. Tyler VE. The Honest Herbal, 3d ed. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press,
1993, 111–2. 2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988,
238–9. 3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in
Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 208–10. 4.
Whitehouse LW, Znamirouska M, Paul CJ. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens):
no evidence for anti-inflammatory activity in the treatment of arthritic disease. Can Med
Assoc J 1983;129:249–51. 5. Grahame R, Robinson BV. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum
procumbens): pharmacological and clinical studies. Ann Rheum Dis 1981;40:632. 6.
Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum
procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomed 2000;7:177–
83.7. Chrubasik S, Zimpfer C, Schutt U, Ziegler R. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum
procumbens in treatment of acute low back pain. Phytomed 1996;3:1–10. 8.
Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E
Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine
Communications, 1998, 120–1. 9. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds).
The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.
Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 120–1. 10. Izzo AA, Di Carlo
G, Borrelli F, Ernst E Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and herbal medicines: the risk of
drug interaction. Int J Cardiol. 2005 Jan;98(1):1-14. 11. Argento A. et al, Oral
anticoagulants and medicinal plants. An emerging interaction Ann Ital Med Int 2000 Apr-
Jun;15(2):139-43. 12. Betancor-Fernandez A et al, Screening pharmaceutical
preparations containing extracts of turmeric rhizome, artichoke leaf, devil's claw root and
garlic or salmon oil for antioxidant capacity. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2003 Jul;55(7):981-6.
13. Langmead L et al, Antioxidant effects of herbal therapies used by patients with
inflammatory bowel disease: an in vitro study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2002 Feb;16(2):
197-205.14. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): no evidence for anti-
inflammatory activity in the treatment of arthritic disease. Can Med Assoc J. 1983 Aug 1;
129(3):249-51.15. An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of
Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri. Planta Med. 1997 Apr;63(2):
171-6.16. Fiebich BL et al, Inhibition of TNF-alpha synthesis in LPS-stimulated primary
human monocytes by Harpagophytum (Devil's Claw) extract SteiHap 69. Phytomedicine.
2001 Jan;8(1):28-30. 17. Andersen ML, Evaluation of acute and chronic treatments with
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Kaszkin M et al, Downregulation of iNOS expression in rat mesangial cells by special
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procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine. 2000 Jun;7
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multicenter, double-blind trial versus diacerhein. Joint Bone Spine. 2000;67(5):462-7.
27. [27] Wegener T Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous
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(10):1165-72. 27. 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
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254-7. 31. 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
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Harpagophytum extract LI 174 in patients with chronic non-radicular back pain.
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and totarane diterpenes isolated from Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw). Planta
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A. 2005 May 6;1073(1-2):377-81.
| The tuberous roots of Devil's Clawwere was traditionally used for various conditions: liver disease, kidney disease, bladder disease, allergies, arteriosclerosis, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual difficulties, neuralgia, headache, fevers, indigestion, nicotine poisoning, rheumatism and arthritis [1-2]. |
 |  |  |  |
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