Erdos, A., Fontaine, R., Friehe, H., Durand, R., and Poppinghaus, T. [Contribution to the pharmacology and toxicology of different extracts as well as the harpagosid from Harpagophytum procumbens DC]. Planta Med 1978;34(1):97-108. View abstract. Devil’s claw is often available as an ingredient within a product aimed at reducing muscle pain or arthritis-related symptoms. Some brands also provide devil’s claw on its own, 600mg of devil’s claw extract. You can find it in healthfood stores or online. How long does devil’s claw take to work? Stomach ulcers: Production of acid in the stomach can increase with the use of devil’s claw, which may aggravate peptic ulcers. Gxaba N, Manganyi MC. The Fight against Infection and Pain: Devil's Claw ( Harpagophytum procumbens) a Rich Source of Anti-Inflammatory Activity: 2011-2022. Molecules. 2022 Jun 6;27(11):3637. doi:10.3390/molecules27113637.

Grahame R, Robinson BV. Devils's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): pharmacological and clinical studies. Ann Rheum Dis 1981;40:632. View abstract. Low levels of sodium in the body: Devil's claw might decrease levels of sodium in the body. This might worsen symptoms in people who already have low levels of sodium.

What is devil’s claw used for?

One of the iridoid glucosides in devil’s claw, known as harpagoside, is the focus of much of the research into devil’s claw benefits. Other compounds are also responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. One of the reasons devil’s claw is so valuable is its ability to help reduce inflammation , which is at the root of most diseases.

Pinget, M. and Lecomte, A. The effect of Harpagophytum Arkocaps in degenerative rheumatism [in German]. Naturheilpraxis 1997;50:267-269. While the research here is in its infancy, there is surprising evidence that devil’s claw may somehow help to impact follicular lymphoma . Schrüffer H. Salus Teufelskralle-Tabletten. Ein Fortschritt in der nichtsteroidalen antirheumatischen Therapie. Die Medizinische Publikation 1980;1:1-8.Do not take devil's claw without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions: Stomach acid reducers: Devil’s claw may decrease the effects of stomach acid reducers, such as Pepcid, Prilosec and Prevacid. Diabetes: Devil’s claw may reduce blood sugar levels and intensify the effects of diabetes medications. Tunmann P and Lux R. Zur Kenntnis der Inhaltsstoffe aus der Wurzel von Harpagophytum procumbens DC. DAZ 1962;102(40):1274-1275. One of this root’s most potent active ingredients is iridoid glycosides - a group of compounds thought to be responsible for its beneficial effects. What is devil’s claw used for?