Devil's Claw
herbal extract for inflammation and osteoarthritis
Studies and the use of supplement extract capsule for the
treatment of arthritis
Extracts of
Devil’s claw roots are widely used in Europe for rheumatic pain. Two of the active
principles are harpagoside and harpagide. The mechanism of action is still unclear and disputed, however one study has found a correlation
between serum harpagoside levels and the inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis. The
plant’s common name is attributed to its peculiar clawlike seedpods which are covered
with small hooklike protuberances.
It 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
Devil's claw,
700 mg dried extract (root)
Devil's claw (root) 260 mg
Standardized to: 1.5% Harpagoside
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.
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.
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
Benefits
Devil’s claw may be helpful for those who have chronic low back pain.
Arthritis research
Devil’s claw may reduce the need for analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
therapy in those with knee or hip
osteoarthritis.
Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract of
devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC.).
Phytother Res. 2003.
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.
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.
Evaluation of acute and chronic treatments with Harpagophytum procumbens on
Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2004.
The extract of Harpagophytum procumbens, widely utilized in Europe
and, more recently, in other countries, is traditionally indicated to treat
inflammatory processes. Devils claw acts by way of interleukins and leukocyte
migration to the painful and inflamed joint area. Chemically, its secondary
tuberous roots contains iridoid glycosides, harpagogide, procumbide, and
harpagoside, as the active principle. The purpose of the present study was
evaluate the therapeutic potential as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent in
rat model of Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis both in the acute and chronic
phases. The animals 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 Devils claw solution test or vehicle.
Then, submitted to behavioral test and assessment of body weight and right paw's
measurements. The results show that Devils 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. In
addition to reduction in the right paw edema in the experimental groups when
compared to control group. Thus, the data showed anti-inflammatory and
peripheral analgesic properties of Devils claw extract with all doses tested,
thus confirming its indication for inflammatory processes.
I understand hyaluronic acid is being promoted for joint health along with devil's claw
herb. Which is the better supplement?
We have not seen head to head
comparisons.
Heart disease
Can you tell me of any contra-indications for
patients with heart disease in using devils claw pills in conjunction with
Glucosamine / Condrotin 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.
Devil's Claw Dosage
The usual dosage 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.
Interactions with dietary supplements