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Devil's Claw
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Botanical names: Harpagophytum procumbens
Uses
Osteoarthritis
2,610 mg daily (containing 57 mg harpagoside, 87 mg total iridoid
glycosides daily)
Devil’s claw extract was found in one trial to reduce pain associated
with osteoarthritis as effectively as the slow-acting
analgesic/cartilage-protective drug diacerhein.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
4.5 to 10 grams daily of powdered herb or 800 mg of a standardized
extract three times daily
Devil’s claw has anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions and is a
traditional herbal remedy for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
How It Works
The devil’s claw tuber contains three important constituents belonging
to the iridoid glycoside family: harpagoside, harpagide, and
procumbide. The secondary tubers of the herb contain twice as much
harpagoside as the primary tubers and are the chief source of devil’s
claw used medicinally. Harpagoside and other iridoid glycosides found in
the plant may be responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory and
analgesic actions. However, research has not entirely supported the use
of devil’s claw in alleviating arthritic pain symptoms. In one trial it
was found to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis as effectively
as the slow-acting analgesic/cartilage-protective drug diacerhein. One
double-blind study reported that devil’s claw (600 or 1,200 mg per day)
was helpful in reducing low back pain.
Devil’s claw is also considered by herbalists to be a potent bitter.
Bitter principles, like the iridoid glycosides found in devil’s claw,
can be used in combination with carminative (gas-relieving) herbs by
people with indigestion, but not heartburn.
How to Use It
As a digestive stimulant, 1.5 to 2 grams per day of the powdered
secondary tuber are used. For tincture, the recommended amount is 1 to 2
ml three times daily. For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, 4.5
to 10 grams of powder are used per day. Alternatively, standardized
extracts, 1,200 to 2,500 mg per day, may be taken.
Side Effects
Since devil’s claw promotes the secretion of stomach acid, anyone with
gastric or duodenal ulcers, heartburn, gastritis, or excessive stomach
acid should not use the herb. Additionally, people with gallstones
should consult a physician before taking devil’s claw.
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, &
Other Compounds
At the time of writing, there were no well-known interactions with
this supplement.
Copyright © 2009 Aisle7. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of the Aisle7 content is expressly prohibited without the
prior written consent of Aisle7. Healthnotes Newsletter is for
educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to
diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any
concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a
healthcare professional. Aisle7 shall not be liable for any errors or
delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
AISLE7 is a registered trademark of Aisle7.
Aisle7, 215 NW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97209, Info@Aisle7.net, www.Aisle7.net
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