Devil's Claw
herbal extract for inflammation and osteoarthritis
Devil's claw studies and the use of supplement extract capsule for the
treatment of arthritis
Extracts of
Devils claw roots are widely used in Europe for rheumatic pain. Two of the active
principles of Devils claw are harpagoside and harpagide. The mechanism of action of
Devils claw is still unclear and disputed, however one study has found a correlation
between serum harpagoside levels and the inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis. The
plants common name is attributed to its peculiar clawlike seedpods which are covered
with small hooklike protuberances.
Devil's claw is a plant drug widely used in
South African traditional medicine, specially by Bushmen, Hottentots and Bantu.
Nature's Way Devil's Claw capsule
Nature's Way Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum
procumbens) has a large claw-like fruit and is also called Grapple Plant.
The root or "tuber" is considered medicinal and is preferred by herbalists
because of its high concentration of the beneficial component harpagoside.
Recommendation: Take two devils claw capsules twice daily with water at
mealtimes.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 2 Capsules
Servings Per Container 45
Amount
Per Serving
Devil's claw,
700 mg dried extract (root)
Devil's claw (root) 260 mg
Standardized to: 1.5% Harpagoside
Other herbs helpful for joint aches
Glucosamine sulfate (from shellfish) -
Glucosamine Sulfate is a popular
ingredient in many joint health products
Chondroitin sulfate
- the nutrient
Chondroitin-Sulfate is a popular ingredient in many joint health products
MSM nutrient
CMO complex also known as
cetyl myristoleate.
Boswellia is used in Ayurvedic medicine
Curcumin is an
extract from the plant turmeric
Cat's claw extract
comes from the Amazon jungle
Grape seed extract
supplement
Devil's Claw benefits
Devils claw may be helpful for those who have chronic low back pain.
Devils claw may reduce the need for analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
therapy in those with knee or hip
osteoarthritis.
In rats, the dried crude methanolic extract of Harpagophytum procumbens secondary roots
caused a significant dose-dependent reduction of arterial blood pressure, and had
anti-arrhythmic effect.
Devil's Claw
Dosage
The usual dosahe is 400 to 500 mg of the dried extract three times a day.
Another option is the use of 20-50 mg harpagoside.
Devil's Claw
side effects
Mild and infrequent gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported, but more side
effects may be discovered with time.
Devil's Claw Research Update
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.
Wegener T, Lupke NP.
Consulting Herbal Medicinal Products, Braunholzstrasse 17, 33378
Rheda-Wiedenbrueck, Germany.
Preparations made from the secondary tubers of Devil's claw (Harpagophytum
procumbens) are successfully used in patients with rheumatic diseases (arthrosis
and low back pain). In order to add data on the efficacy and long-term safety of
an aqueous extract (Doloteffin; 2400 mg extract daily, corresponding to 50 mg
harpagoside), which has been tested successfully in patients with low back pain,
an uncontrolled multicentre drug surveillance study for about 12 weeks was
conducted in 75 patients with arthrosis of the hip or knee. To standardize the
assessment of treatment effects, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC)
osteoarthritis index (10 point scale) as well as the 10 cm VAS pain scale were
used. The results of the study revealed a strong reduction of pain and the
symptoms of osteoarthritis. There was a relevant improvement of each WOMAC
subscale as well as of the total WOMAC index: 23.8% for the pain subscale, 22%
for the stiffness subscale and 23% for the physical function subscale. The WOMAC total score was reduced by 22%. VAS pain scores were decreased by 25%
for actual pain, 25% for average pain, 22% for worst pain and 24% for the
total pain score. The physicians reported a continuous improvement in typical
clinical findings such as 45% for pain on palpation, 35% for limitation of
mobility and 25% for joint crepitus. Only two cases of possible adverse drug
reactions were reported (dyspeptic complaints and a sensation of fullness).
Although this was an open clinical study, the results suggest that this Devil's
claw extract has a clinically beneficial effect in the treatment of arthrosis of
the hip or knee.
Devil's claw extract supplement
questions
Q. I am searching for a good source of devils claw extract. So far, sites that
sell products that contain devil's claw have anywhere near the amount of the
active ingredient found in European preparations. According to the University of
Maryland Medical Center, studies have been done with standardized devil's
extract dose: 600 - 1,200 mg, standardized to contain 50 - 100 mg of harpagoside,
3 times daily.
A. When studies are done researchers normally use a high dosage of
a supplement since they only plan to provide the supplement or medication for a
short period of time. This does not mean that the long term use of this
supplement should go on at this high dosage. We are not sure what the long term
benefits and side effects of devil's claw extract supplement would be when given
for months or years.
Q. Do herbal sexual enhancing supplements such as yohimbe bark
interfere with the actions and benefits of
devil's claw? Has there been research on this topic?
A. We are not aware of research with devil's claw and how it would
interact with aphrodisiac herbs and whether there would be side effects.
Q. I understand
hyaluronic acid is being promoted for joint health along with devil's claw
herb. Which is the better supplement?
A. See the link provided. We have not seen head to head
comparisons.
Can you tell me of any contra-indications for
patients with heart disease in using Devils Claw pills in conjunction with
Gloucosamine / Controdin and Cod Liver Oil?
I understand you can not give medical advice. I am only interested in seeing if
you are aware of any material available.
We are not aware of such contraindications, but then again we
are not aware of such studies so we don't have any data to base a reliable
statement.