Devil’s Claw

Devil’s claw is a weedy, perennial tuberous plant with visually striking fruits, some say diabolical (the other common name is wood spider), found in the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. It is named after these fruits which have numerous characteristically long protrusions with sharp hooks as well as two straight thorns on the upper surface. To enable survival during long severe dry periods the plant forms potato like, water storing, secondary tubers which branch off horizontally from primary tubers. It is these secondary tubers that are harvested for their medicinal properties. Devil claw’s impressive reputation stems from its traditional uses which include treating dyspepsia, stimulating the appetite, constipation and as a bitter tonic for liver and gall bladder complaints. 

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 one of the most highly commercialised indigenous traditional medicines from Africa, with bulk exports mainly to Europe. It is commonly used for general body aches, especially muscle and joint aches and pains in the elderly. 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. 

An open study in people with rheumatic conditions assessed the safety and efficacy of 960mg (480mg twice daily) of devil’s claw in 259 patients over eight weeks. They reported significant improvements in pain, stiffness and function and 66% of patients had reduced or stopped their pain medication by week eight. Another randomised double-blind study compared the effects of treatment with devil’s claw (2610mg per day) and diacerein (100mg per day), a slow acting drug for osteoarthritis (OA). The study found that both treatment groups showed similar considerable improvements in symptoms of OA however those receiving devil’s claw required fewer rescue analgesics. 

References

Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements, 4th Ed. Sydney: Elsevier, 2015. p. 276

HEC monograph

Warnock M, McBean D, Suter A, Tan J, Whittaker P. Effectiveness and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders. Phytother Res. 2007 Dec;21(12):1228-33.

Leblan D, Chantre P, Fournié B. Harpagophytum procumbens in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Four-month results of a prospective, multicenter, double-blind trial versus diacerhein. Joint Bone Spine. 2000;67(5):462-7.