Devil's Claw: Herbal Treatment for Arthritis and Other Ailments

Devil's Claw (elephant tusks, unicorn plant, Harpagophytum procumbens 2) plant native to southern Africa (and Madagascar 13), named for the miniature hooks cover its fruit. 1 The plant grows across the Sonoran desert, from southern California into Texas, and south into Mexico. In agricultural fields or alongside roads: Devil's claw known to grow. 2 The plant is perennial with a bitter taste but no odor. 3 During warm weather, stems emerge and produce a mat of sticky foliage. Borne on the stems are two-inch (5 cm) bright yellow flowers and deep yellow streaks. 4 The claw -- like hooks of the plant sharp enough to cut into flesh or clothing. 10 Two species of devil's Claw: Perennial P. altheaefolia, and annual P. parviflora. The perennial species pollinated by big bees, like carpenter and bumble bees. The P. altheaefolia does not flower every year. Also, perennial species is less water dependent than annual due to its fleshy taproot. 2

The Devil's Claw branching roots and shoots. Growing out of the main roots are secondary roots called tubers. 3 The Khoisan peoples of the Kalahari Desert (Africa) known for thousands of years the medicinal attributes the unicorn plant offers, from the roots (The root is chopped and dried in the sun for three days, extracting the medicinal properties 12) or tubers, including remedies to treat pain and complications of pregnancy (African women alleviated pain during pregnancy taking extract root of the Devil's claw. 5), topical ointments to heal sores, boils and other skin problems. 1 European colonists discovered the potential treatment for arthritis and brought the Devil's claw plant back to their continent. The history of devil's Claw in the United States, dates back to slavery. Slaves brought devil's claw herbs and herbal knowledge with them to the new continent. 12

Analyst of the Devil's Claw produces strong anti-inflammatory effect from the iridoid glycosides contained in the Devil's claw. Also, Harpagoside is highly concentrated in the unicorn plant, shown in the laboratory studies to produce potent relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Those who suffer from arthritis and other painful disorders evidence suggest the plant may offer a treatment option. "Several studies have found that taking devil's claw for several months substantially reduces pain and improves physical functioning in people with osteoarthritis." In 1976, limited clinical studies in Germany discovered the anti-inflammatory activity of Devil's Claw equivalent to the antiarthritic drug phenylbutazone. Devil's claw root powder reduced pain and improved functional ability, compared to standard European medication for osteoarthritis, ("For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, 4.5 - 10 grams of powder are used per day." 11) according to a study of 122 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis. A four-week study examine 63 people with mild to moderate back, neck and/or shoulder pain, achieved moderate relief from muscle pain after receiving standardized extract of devil's claw root. 1 Also, study of 73 patients of which 38 took standardized devil's claw supplement and 35 took Celebrex (COX-2 Inhibitor medicine rofecoxib), treating pain for up to 54 weeks. Investigation shown devil's claw equally effective compared to Celebrex. 3 The herb currently used for other conditions such as problems with menstruation and menopause. 12 According to many professional herbalists, Devil's claw helpful treating loss of appetite (Devil's claw improves digestion stimulating the stomach production of acid 14), upset stomach, allergies, headaches, and fever. 1 Germany's Commission E (Equivalent to the FDA 7) and ESCOP (The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy 6) approved Devil's claw to treat many ailments, including tendinitis, loss of appetite ("Use the equivalent of 1.5 grams of devil's claw root per day for loss of appetite."), and dyspepsia (indigestion). 5 People taking homeopathic herbal medication, Devil's Claw highest demand in Germany, followed by France and Great Britian. 15 Currently the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated Devil's Claw for effectiveness or purity. 9

"To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of devil's claw with a dropper or dose-measuring spoon or cup." 9

Few sides effects taking Devil's claw but no known toxic side effects taken long -- term. Sometimes additional pain reducing medications is required.1 The anti-inflammatory action of Devil's claw is equivalent to taking steroids, but does produce the harmful sides effects associated with steroids. 8 However, high doses of devil's claw attributed to mild gastrointestinal problems. Unless recommended by a physician or health care provider, Devil's claw not recommended for those who have Stomach Ulcer's (herb stimulates the production of stomach acid 12), duodenal ulcers or gallstones. People with major liver or kidney conditions, avoid taking devil's claw, unknown safety concerns. Devil's claw could cause an allergic reaction. 12 Pregnant and breast -- feeding women should avoid taking Devil's claws, unknown of any health concerns. When Devil's claw combined with blood - thinning medicine called wafarin (Coumadin) linked to cause bruising or bleeding disorders 3 Devil's Claw may cause cardioactive health concerns, combined with heart medicine. 13

No scientific pediatric studying use of devil's claws, thus not currently recommended for children. 3

Devil's Claw available over the counter in tablets, liquid extracts, capsules, and topical ointments. Also, Devils claw roots whole or grounded are available. Dried devil's claw roots can be made into tea. 1

1.) Devil's Claw - http://www.encounter.co.za/article/157.html

2.) DEVIL'S CLAW - http://www.desertusa.com/mag01/jun/papr/d_claw.html

3.) Devil's Claw - http://www.alternativemedicine.com/common/adam/DisplayMonograph.asp?DocID=33_000237&storeID=02AD61F001A74B5887D3BD11F6C28169

4.) Pedaliaceae (sesame family) - http://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_pedaliaceae.php?print=y

5.) Devil's Claw - http://www.medicinehunter.com/DevilsClaw.htm

6.) ESCOP - http://www.escop.com/

7.) Gemany's Commission E - http://www.upmc.com/HealthManagement/ManagingYourHealth/HealthReference/Diseases/InBrief/?chunkiid=21900

8.) Devil's Claw - http://www.herbsforhealthyliving.co.uk/commonly_used_herbs/devils_claw.html

9.) What is the most important Information I should know about devil's claw? - http://health.yahoo.com/other-other/devil-s-claw/healthwise--d04474a1.html

10.) DEVIL'S CLAW - http://www.ecoso.net/claw.htm

11.) Devil's Claw - http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/health/2079001/

12.) Devil's claw - http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/devils-claw

13.) Tell me about... Devil's claw - http://www.chiroweb.com/hg/tellmeabout/devils_claw.html

14.) Devil's Claw (harpagophytum procumbens) - http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/devils_claw.php

15) Saving the Devil's Claw - http://www.cas.psu.edu/docs/international/newsfouli.htm