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Submitted by admin on Sun, 02/27/2022 - 16:10
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Devil’s Claw, Wood Spider

  • Botanical Name

    Harpagophytum procumbens

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    20 to 40mL weekly

Devil's claw is a ‘celebrity’ among arthritis natural remedies being approved by German Commission E for the treatment of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is commonly used for general body aches, especially muscle and joint aches and pains in the elderly.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Devil’s Claw and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Devil’s claw is an important traditional medicine native to southern Africa where it is consumed as a general health tonic and for treating diverse ailments including arthritis, pain, dyspepsia, fever, blood diseases, urinary tract infections, menstrual and postpartum pain, sprains, sores, ulcers and boils. The hunter-gatherer San people of Botswana, among the oldest cultures on earth, say most aged people use it for painful muscles and joints, taking it daily on a long-term basis. It has been used in Europe for the treatment of rheumatic conditions for over 50 years and is approved by German Commission E for the treatment of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system. 

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antirheumatic, chondroprotective, antioxidant, bitter tonic, antimicrobial

  • Indications

    •    Rheumatic and arthritic conditions including muscle pain such as degenerative rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and tendonitis
    •    Mild digestive disorders such as bloating, flatulence, dyspepsia and loss of appetite 
    •    Traditionally used in small amounts to relieve menstrual and labour pain

  • Energetics

    Cold, pungent.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Use cautiously in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers, gallstones or acute diarrhoea as devil’s claw may cause gastric irritation.

  • Drug Interactions

    Combination may be beneficial with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Caution with warfarin and acid-reducing drugs (such as H₂ antagonists and proton pump inhibitors)

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Teasel, Turmeric