Devil's claw is the common name for Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri, which belong to the sesame family. Originally from southern Africa and Madagascar, they are now found in the savannas and on the outskirts of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa and Namibia. Both plants are used to make the devil's claw root, or Harpagophytum radix. Medical researchers have found that devil's claw root can reduce inflammation and reduce pain.

For thousands of years the Khoisan peoples of the Kalahari Desert have used devil's claw root, in remedies for treating pain and complications of pregnancy and in topical ointments for treating skin problems. Health care providers use devil's claw root to treat loss of appetite, rheumatism, arthritis, fever, myalgia, tendonitis, gastrointestinal problems, and liver and gallbladder problems. Devil's claw is also an effective therapy for degenerative musculoskeletal conditions (disorders of locomotive system). It is also used as a pain reliever (analgesic), sedative, and diuretic.

Studies in animals have shown that devil's claw reduces the inflammation associated with arthritis. However, other studies have not demonstrated any anti-inflammatory properties. Devil's claw seems to work differently from most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Its active compound, harpagoside (or a related compound called harpagide) is changed into another substance inside the body. The new substance, harpagogenin, may be the active ingredient that actually decreases the inflammation associated with arthritis.

Devil's claw doesn't have an odor, but it contains substances that make it taste bitter. It is a leafy perennial with branching roots and shoots. It has secondary roots, or tubers, that grow out of the main and lateral roots.

Devil's claw herbal preparations are made from sliced or pulverized dried tubers. You can make teas (infusions) from commercially available dried devil's claw root. The tubers contain active compounds called monoterpenes, of which harpagoside is the most important active compound.

Devil's claw is available as whole or ground root tubers. You can make teas (infusions) from dried devil's claw root.

Pediatric

There are no reports to date about the use of devil's claw in children. Therefore, use of this herb for children is not recommended at this time.

Adult

You can take devil's claw as a dried root, a liquid extract, or a tincture (solution made from herb and alcohol, or herb, alcohol, and water). Consult your health care provider prior to use.

Recommended adult dosages for general use:

• Dried tuber: Take 0.1 to 0.25 g three times a day, encapsulated or made as decoction (liquid prepared by boiling down herb in water)
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 25 percent alcohol): Take 0.1 to 0.25 mL 3 times a day
• Tincture (1:5 in 25 percent alcohol): Take 0.5 to 1.0 mL 3 times a day

Devil's claw is nontoxic and safe, with virtually no side effects if taken in the recommended therapeutic doses. However, no one yet knows for sure whether devil's claw may be toxic if you take it long-term. And if you've been diagnosed with gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or gallstones, you shouldn't take devil's claw unless your health care provider recommends it.

Devil's claw is cardioactive, which means it can act on the heart. If you have a serious medical condition, you should not use this herb without the advice of a qualified health care provider.

Some people think that devil's claw can cause miscarriage, but there is no scientific evidence that this is true. If you are pregnant, you should check with your health care provider before taking devil's claw or any other herbal supplement.

Devil's claw may interact with warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, resulting in bruising or bleeding disorders. Therefore, devil's claw should not be taken with warfarin.

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