Devil's Club

Scientific Name(S): Oplopanax horridus (Sm.) Miq. Also referred to as Panax horridum Sm., Echinopanax horridum (Sm.) Decne. & Planch., Fatsia horrida (Sm.) Benth. & Hook. Family: Araliaceae (the ginseng family)

Common Name(S): Devil's club, cukilanarpak (native Alaskan for "large plant with needles")

Botany: This hardy plant grows in moist ravines and well-drained soils along much of the Alaskan coast and adjacent regions of Canada and northwestern United States; it can be found up to 100 miles inland, forming nearly impenetrable thickets. The plants attain heights of 5 m, and the densely thorned stem can reach 3 cm in diameter. Greenish-white flowers appear in June, producing scarlet berries in late summer.

History: This plant has a long tradition of use, particularly among native Alaskans and other populations in the Northwestern regions of the United States and Canada.The prickly outer bark sometimes is scraped from the stem, leaving the cambium for use in the preparation of decoctions and poultices; others, however, use both the cambium and stem together. The cambium sometimes is softened by chewing prior to being placed on a cut or burn. In many cultures, the plant is believed to possess "magical" powers that impart great strength. Traditional uses of extracts of the plant have included the treatment at arthritis, as a purgative and emetic, for the treatment of body pain, to promote wound healing, to control fever, tuberculosis, stomach trouble, coughs and colds and pneumonia. The berries are not eaten and are considered useless or toxic by some.

Uses of Devil's Club

Devil's club has been traditionally made into decoctions and poultices for diabetes, arthritis, wounds, fever, pain, and as a purgative and emetic.

The leaves were are used to take away the itch or insect bites (counter-irritant).

Side Effects of Devil's Club

Traditional use as a hypoglycemic, purgative, and emetic suggests potential toxicity.

Toxicology: Although no cases of significant toxicity have been reported, several points should be kept in mind regarding devil's club. The spiny covering of the stem can cause painful irritation and scratches upon contact. The use of devil's club extract as an emetic and purgative are reflective of potential toxicity from use of the plant. Although the hypoglycemic effect has not been confirmed, the continued traditional use of this plant for the management of diabetes suggests that some persons may be sensitive to the hypoglycemic effects of devil's club and should use the plant with caution.

Summary: The use of devil's club is steeped in tradition, particularly among native Alaskans. Although the plant has been reported to have hypoglycemic activity, no strong evidence supports this effect.