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 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
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| 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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COPY NOR TRANSFER THE CONTENT TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER TYPES OF
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