Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a plant that grows in southern Africa. It gets its name from the tiny hooks that cover its fruit. Devil's claw has been used in the past to treat pain, problems with the liver and kidneys, fever, and malaria. It has also been used to treat wounds, boils, and other skin problems with ointments. Devil's claw was brought to Europe in the early 1900s. The dried roots have been used to improve hunger, ease heartburn, and reduce pain and inflammation. Today, a lot of people in Germany and France use devil's claw to treat inflammation or pain from arthritis, headaches, and low back pain. Studies on animals and in test tubes show that the devil's claw might help fight inflammation.
The typical daily dose of devil's claw for adults is between 108 and 2400 mg for eight to twelve weeks. Consult a healthcare professional regarding the optimal dosage for a particular medical condition.
Researchers think that because devil's claw has iridoid glycosides, especially the compound harpagoside, it could be used to treat diseases that cause inflammation. In studies with animals and in test tubes, researchers found that harpagoside helped reduce inflammation.
◉ Osteoarthritis: Several studies show that taking devil's claw for 8 to 12 weeks can reduce pain and improve physical functioning in people with osteoarthritis. One 4-month study of 122 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis compared devil's claw and a leading European medication for pain relief. The people who took devil's claw had as much pain relief as the people who took the medication. Those who took devil's claw had fewer side effects and needed fewer pain relievers throughout the study.
An analysis of 14 studies using the devil's claw to treat arthritis found that higher quality studies showed the devil's claw may relieve joint pain. And a review of 12 studies using devil's claw for treating arthritis or low back pain found that devil's claw was at least moderately effective for arthritis of the spine, hip, and knee.
◉ Back and neck pain: Early research shows that devil's claw may help ease pain in the neck and low back. In a small study of 63 people with low to moderate back, neck, or shoulder pain, taking a prepared extract of devil's claw for 4 weeks helped ease muscle pain somewhat. In a larger study of 197 men and women with chronic low back pain, those who took the devil's claw every day for a month said they had less pain and needed fewer painkillers than those who took a fake.
In a 54-week study, 38 people who took devil's claw were compared to 35 people who took rofecoxib (Vioxx), which is a painkiller. For these people, the devil's claw helped ease pain just as well as Vioxx. The FDA took Vioxx off the market because it makes people more likely to have heart trouble.
◉ Digestive Health: Devil's Claw is known as a strong stomach medicine. The flavonoids and phytosterols in it are antioxidants, choleretic (they make the body make more bile), and antispasmodic, all of which help keep the digestive system healthy. Due to the way it reduces acid reflux-related inflammation, it can be very helpful for heartburn. Devil's Claw can also help relieve the pain and discomfort of an upset stomach by reducing stomach inflammation.
◉ Weight Loss: In a study done at the University College of Cork in Ireland, it was shown that Devil's Claw can slow down or even stop the production of the "hunger hormone" ghrelin. If you tend to eat too much, this plant may help you lose weight by making you feel less hungry. This could make it a hopeful treatment for "Binge Eating Disorder." In fact, Devil's Claw is now being looked into as a possible treatment for fat.
Buy Devil's Claw Root Powder from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.
Product Name | Devil's Claw Root Powder. |
Scientific Name | Harpagophytum procumbens. |
Country of Origin | It is native to eastern and southern Africa. |
Product Style | Whole. |
Taste and Aroma | A small amount of sweetness. The sharpness is not too strong, but it stays in your mouth for a long time. |
Shelf Life and Storage | Shelf life is about 6–12 months. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and prevent sunlight exposure. |
Precautions | We requested that, before consuming spices, herbs, teas or any kind of natural product, you consult an expertly qualified healthcare practitioner or herbalist. |
Note | This product information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For educational purposes only. |