Devil's Claw

Common Name(s)

devil's claw, wood spider, grapple plant

Scientific Name(s)

Harpagophytum procumbens, Harpagophytum zeyheri

General Information

Devil’s claw is derived from the dried roots of the plant originating in the deserts of Africa. Devil's claw is so named because of the claw-like hooks on the fruit of this plant which attach onto passing animals.

How is this product usually used?

Devil's claw is usually taken by mouth. Its roots and tubers (a fleshy underground stem or root) are extracted into different forms, including tablets, capsules, fluid extract, decoction (the liquid resulting from boiling the plant in water), and tincture.

The amount of dried roots and tubers to use per day depends on what devil's claw is used for:

• to relieve indigestion: 0.6 g to 4.5 g
• to relive joint pain associated with osteoarthritis: 0.6 g to 7.5 g
• to simulate appetite: 0.6 g to 1.5 g

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Devil's claw is thought to relieve joint pain due to osteoarthritis. It has also been used to stimulate appetite and/or to relieve digestive problems.

Several studies have shown that when used alone or with other medications that have anti-inflammatory actions, devil's claw reduced pain in people with osteoarthritis as well as general back pain. There is currently not enough research to confirm the effectiveness of devil's claw in stimulating appetite or aiding in digestion.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Devil's claw is thought to relieve joint pain due to osteoarthritis. It has also been used to stimulate appetite and/or to relieve digestive problems.

Several studies have shown that when used alone or with other medications that have anti-inflammatory actions, devil's claw reduced pain in people with osteoarthritis as well as general back pain. There is currently not enough research to confirm the effectiveness of devil's claw in stimulating appetite or aiding in digestion.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

Source(s)

1. Devil's claw. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
2. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products database. Devil's claw (monograph). http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=77.