Devil's claw

Harpagophytum procumbens

Devil's claw consists of the secondary storage roots of Harpagophylum procumbens DC., a South African plant belonging to the family Pedaliaceae. The common name is derived from the plant's peculiar fruits, which seem to be covered with miniature grappling hooks. Devil's claw, the name commonly used in the United States, is actually a translation of the German Teufelskralle; English synonyms include wood spider and grapple plant.

Devil's claw has been recommended for treating a wide variety of conditions, including diseases of the liver, kidneys, and bladder, as well as allergies, arteriosclerosis, lumbago, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual difficulties, neuralgia, headache, climacteric (change of life) problems, heartburn, nicotine poisoning, and above all, rheumatism and arthritis. The allegation that devil's claw induces abortion remains unverified. It may be based on a misinterpretation of a statement by Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk that the drug is used by African natives to alleviate pain in pregnant women and especially in those anticipating a difficult delivery. Even discounting this property, enough therapeutic activities were attributed to devil's claw to cause some to consider it a "wonder" drug.

A limited clinical study carried out in Germany reported, in 1976, that devil's claw exhibited anti-inflammatory activity comparable in many respects to the well-known antiarthritic drug, phenylbutazone.
Analgesic effects were also observed along with reductions in abnormally high cholesterol and uric-acid blood levels. However, this is apparently the only study in animals or humans to demonstrate positive anti-inflammatory activity. Several investigators have tested the efficacy of devil's claw in various standard inflammation models in animals. Little or no activity was observed by any of them. This same lack of significant anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated for harpagoside, the principal one of several iridoid glycosides occurring in devil's claw in a range of 0.1 to 3 percent.

A recent randomized, double-blind clinical trial in Germany evaluated the effects of the drug on chronic low back pain in 118 patients over four weeks. Patients in the treatment group received the equivalent of 6 g of dried tuber per day, standardized to 50 mg harpagoside. Positive, though inconclusive, results in reducing or eliminating acute attacks of low back pain were reported, prompting a call for more clinical studies.

Folkloric indications that devil's claw might prove useful as an antiarthritic and antirheumatic agent have not been verified in scientific studies. It continues to be widely utilized, particularly in Europe, as an appetite stimulant and a digestive aid. The authentic herb is, however, quite expensive, and many less costly drugs are equally effective for these purposes. Devil's claw apparently lacks any appreciable toxicity and is free from side effects. Devil's claw is by no means a wonder drug for any condition.

Parts used

Tuber.

Uses

African traditional remedy - Devil's claw is used by various peoples in southern Africa, including the Khoikhoin and the Bantu. Traditionally devil's claw has been used as a tonic, especially for digestive problems; for arthritis and rheumatism; to reduce fevers; and as an ointment for sores, ulcers, and boils.
Western uses - Current Western use of devil's claw is broadly in line with its traditional application. Devil's claw is commonly available over the counter in tablet form for arthritic and rheumatic conditions and can bring relief from pain arising from a range of joint and muscular problems, including gout, back pain, fibrositis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Devil's claw is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.

Habitat & cultivation

Devil's claw is native to southern and eastern Africa, and is found most commonly on the veldt of the Transvaal. Devil's claw thrives in clay or sandy soils, preferring roadsides and waste ground; especially places where natural vegetation has been cleared. Propagated from seed in spring, the young tubers are unearthed in autumn and cut into pieces about 3/4 in (2 cm) long. Care is taken not to mix the tubers, which contain the active constituents, with the roots, since this can render the herb ineffective.

Research

Anti-inflammatory - French research (1992) indicated that devil's claw is anti-inflammatory, but opinion is divided on its effectiveness in practice.
Pain relief - There is some evidence to confirm devil claw's use as an analgesic, since it seems to be effective in easing the symptoms of joint pain.
Bitter - The strongly bitter action of devil's claw stimulates and tones the digestive system. Many arthritic conditions are associated with poor digestion and absorption of food, and the stimulant effect of this herb on the stomach and gallbladder contributes to its overall therapeutic value as an antiarthritic remedy.

Constituents

Devils claw contains harpagoside, harpagide, procumbine.

How much to take

For use as a digestive stimulant, the dose for the powdered secondary tuber is 1,5 - 2 grams per day. For tincture, the recommended amount is 1-2 ml per day. For arthritis, many people take 4.5-10 grams per day. Again, recent studies do not support devil's claw as a treatment for arthritis.

Side effects

Because devil's claw promotes stomach acid, anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers should not use the herb.

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