Diaz-Silveira GL, Deutsch J, Little DP. DNA Barcode Authentication of Devil's Claw Herbal Dietary Supplements. Plants (Basel) 2021;10(10):2005. View abstract. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56. View abstract. Chrubasik S and Eisenberg E. Treatment of rheumatic pain with Kampo medicine in Europe. The Pain Clinic 1999;11(3):171. Another underdeveloped area of study on devil’s claw benefits is the way it might help treat a group of kidney diseases known as glomerular diseases . These illnesses are inflammation-related and refer to diseases that injure the kidney’s tiny filters that clean the blood.

Of the small-scale studies that have been undertaken it seems devil’s claw may help reduce arthritis pain, improve mobility and reduce need for other pain relief.Most commonly devil’s claw is used for pain relief relating to muscles and joints. What’s the history of devil’s claw? Interestingly, this anti-inflammatory root may also be a novel way to lose weight . A university study conducted in Ireland found devil’s claw can help to stop or slow ghrelin (known as the “hunger hormone”) production. ( 12 ) By reducing hunger pangs, those with overeating issues may find their appetites at a level closer to average, aiding their weight loss. Devil’s claw gets its name from its fruit which is covered in hooks, making it more likely to attach to passing animals and have its seeds dispersed. These hooks also give it its other name, 'grapple plant,' and its scientofic name Harpagophytum, or 'hook plant'. For medicinal purposes, however, the roots and tubers of the plants are used. What is devil’s claw used for?

Often, it is hypothesized that devil’s claw benefits originate from the valuable iridoid glucosides it contains, including harpagoside . Iridoids are anti-inflammatory compounds found mostly in plants and are bound to glucose molecules. This is why the whole compound is called an iridoid glucoside . ( 3 ) Devil’s claw root, according to the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), should contain at least one percent harpagoside.Ingredients:Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Mel, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Persea Gratissima Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Zea Mays Germ Oil, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Harpagophytum Procumbens Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Leaf Extract, Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Tocopherol, Urea, Inositol, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Benzoic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Glycine, Fructose, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, (Eugenol, Limonene, Linalool - from natural essential oils). Do not take devil's claw without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions: Diabetes: Devil’s claw may reduce blood sugar levels and intensify the effects of diabetes medications. Some less-researched possible benefits of devil’s claw include: treatment for follicular lymphoma; prevention of inflammation-induced bone loss in arthritis; and prevention or treatment of certain inflammatory kidney diseases known as glomerular diseases. Vu N, Nguyen TTT, Parmenter BH, Thouas GA. Safety, efficacy and tolerability of a combination micronutrient and polyherbal preparation (GoutFighter TM) for gout: a single-arm open-label pilot study. J Complement Integr Med 2020;18(1):113-21. View abstract.

This review reported five RCTs dating from 1980 into the use of devil’s claw for osteoarthritis of the hip or the knee. When taken by mouth: Devil's claw is possibly safe for most adults when taken for up 12 weeks. The most common side effects are diarrhea and indigestion. Devil's claw may also cause allergic skin reactions. Stomach ulcers: Production of acid in the stomach can increase with the use of devil’s claw, which may aggravate peptic ulcers. an NSAID--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Devil’s claw benefits may also include weight management, reducing chronic inflammation and preventing oxidative stress.Low levels of sodium in the body: Devil's claw might decrease levels of sodium in the body. This might worsen symptoms in people who already have low levels of sodium. Also, some researchers suggest it may reduce uric acid, though the scientific evidence is limited. In one study, high doses of devil’s claw decreased uric acid levels in mice ( 21, 22). Baghdikian B, Lanhers MC, Fleurentin J, et al. An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri. Planta Med 1997;63:171-6. View abstract. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;18:2273-81. View abstract. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.