Devils Claw for Arthritis Pain

Devil’s claw, also called Harpagophytum procumbens, Grapple Plant, or Wood Spider, is a native plant found in southern Africa. Its name comes from the small hooks from its fruits. The active ingredients are devil's claw is believed to be harpagosides, classifies as iridoid glycosides, which are located on the second root of this plant. This plant is most commonly found in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The plant has been used for many years in Africa for fever, rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, and conditions of the gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and kidneys. In early 1900, devil's claw was introduced in Europe. It was used to help digestion problems, since the bitter taste of the tea made of devil's claw is thought to stimulate digestion. Although nowadays, the primary use of this plant is now for diseases that results to inflammation and pain.

Devil’s claw is considered one of the arthritis alternative treatments. Devil’s claw is primarily used today for the management of inflammation and pain brought about by many diseases. Such conditions include back pain, neck pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and tendinitis. Germany is one of the many countries that have utilized the therapeutic effects of Devil’s claw for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritic syndromes.

Many studies have been done for Devils’ claw to validate it as a natural arthritis remedy. It was examined to treat slight to moderate pain in the back, neck, shoulders and other muscular areas, and significant reduction of the pain and inflammation was noted after a month of Devil’s claw usage. Acute exacerbation of low back pain was also seen by the use of harpagosides contained in Devil’s claw. It also shows relief in pain, improvement in mobility, and reduction for back-up medication in the case of osteoporosis. Some studies also revealed that Devil’s claw was more effective than placebo treatments for rheumatoid conditions. Devil’s claw seems to work the same way as Cox-2 anti-inflammatory drugs like Celebrex and also results to changes in leukotrienes, another group of molecules, that is responsible for inflammation.

Devil’s claw may come in tea, tincture, and capsule forms. To treat inflammation and pain, Devils’ claw is usually taken in capsule form. Research-based studies show that a daily dose of devil's claw should provide at least 50 mg per day harpagosides. For loss of appetite and indigestion, a tea made by sheering a teaspoon of chopped or dried root Devil’s claw powder in 2 cups of boiling water for at least 20 minutes. Then, it is strained and cooled. However, Devil's claw is not advised for people with ulcer in the gastrium or duodenum. People with gallstones must also consult a physician before use of Devil's claw. People with problems in their sugar level like Diabetes must be under the supervision of a qualified health professional.  Lastly, Devil's claw should not be used by people who are or may be pregnant, because it is believed to cause uterine contractions. Devil's claw has also been recognized to activate allergic reactions. A number of studies report abdominal upset, a feeling of fullness, ringing in the ears or tinnitus, and headache as some of the common side effects caused by Devil’s claw.