Devil's Claw

Scientific Name(S): Harpagophytum procumbens DeCandolle. Family: Pediliaceae

Common Name(S): Devils' claw, grapple plant

Devil's claw is a plant native to Africa. The name comes from the herb's fruit, which look like they have small claws. The part of the plant used medicinally is the secondary root.

Devil's claw is commonly available over the counter in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and topical ointments form. Whole or ground devil's claw roots are available as well. Teas (infusions) can be made from dried devil's claw root.

Botany: Devil's claw grows naturally in the Kalahari desert and Namibian steppes of southwest Africa. The secondary roots are used in decoctions and teas.

History: Devil's claw has been used by native Africans as a folk remedy for diseases ranging from liver and kidney disorders to allergies, headaches and, most commonly, rheumatisms. This drug, however, is more widely used in South Africa, especially by Bushmen, Hottentots and Bantu. Devil's claw is marketed in Canada and Europe as a home remedy for the relief of arthritic disease.

Uses of Devil's Claw

Devil's claw is a folk remedy for an extensive range of diseases, including arthritis and rheumatism. Research suggests it may be useful as a hypotensive, anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.

Side Effects of Devil's Claw

Significant toxicity has not been observed in limited use.

Devil's claw should not be used by people who are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant. Devil's claw can cause uterine contractions and miscarriage.

Common Doses

Toxicology: Harpagoside has been found to be of low toxicity with an LD50 of greater than 13.5 g/kg in mice. Although no chronic toxicity studies have been reported, rats given oral doses of 7.5 g/kg/day harpagoside showed no clinical, hematologic or gross pathologic changes. Adverse effects in human trials have been rare, generally consisting of headache, tinnitus or anorexia.

Summary: Devil's claw extracts contain harpagoside and harpagide which possess anti-inflammatory activity, the ability to reduce blood pressure, decrease heart rate and slow anti-arrhythmic activities in animal studies. These extracts appear to be free of significant toxicities when given for short periods of time to animals and humans; little is known about their long-term toxicity or potential for interactions with other commonly used anti­inflammatory agents. Additional human clinical studies need to be conducted before the true efficacy of devil's claw can be stated.