Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a South African native plant used for a sedative and an anti-inflammatory for illnesses such as osteoarthritis and rheumatism. The plant is also known as the Grapple Plant or Wood Spider plant. It goes by Devil’s claw for the claw type seed pod it has and some Africans has traditionally used it for fever, malaria, and cancer.
Herbalists have referred to this plant for years for use in the treatment of digestive problems, kidney and bladder problems, and for allergic reactions. It’s been a pain reliever for more than 50 years and has generally known to be safe for use.
A study was published from the universities of Toronto, Freiburg, Sydney, and Maryland that analyzed and reviewed 12 studies of devil’s claw that incorporated over 1100 people. Researches concluded that devils claw as a treatment of low back pain or osteoarthritis has very real capacities to help. 60 milligrams of harpagoside (the compound in devil’s claw) was shown a good daily dose, and was as effective as Vioxx without the heart problem side effects.
However, even though it has been safe for over 50 years and it’s safer than Vioxx, does not mean that it is without side effects. People have experienced the following side effects while on devil’s claw: stomach pain, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, tinnitus (ringing in ears), changes in the ability to taste, and vomiting. The effectiveness of this drug can be altered if taken with other blood thinners such as aspirin, with any antacids such as Pepcid AC, Prilosec OTC and Zantac AR, with anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), or with Histamine-2 (H-2) receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (such as Tagamet, Axid, Nexium).
Devil’s claw also has Beta sitosterol, which gives the plant its anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a good choice for joint, ligament, and tendon problems such as tendonitis. It is reported to also keep vitality in the joints.
