Ficarra P, Ficarra R, Tommasini A, and et al. [HPLC analysis of a drug in traditional medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. I]. Boll Chim Farm 1986;125:250-253.

Romiti N, Tramonti G, Corti A, Chieli E. Effects of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) on the multidrug transporter ABCB1/P-glycoprotein. Phytomedicine 2009;16:1095-100. View abstract.

Devil's claw is an herb also known as Garra del Diablo, Grapple Plant, Griffe du Diable, Harpagophyti Radix, Harpagophytum, Harpagophytum procumbens, Harpagophytum zeyheri, Racine de Griffe du Diable, Racine de Windhoek, Teufelskrallenwurzel, Uncaria procumbens, or Wood Spider. Gallstones: Use of devil’s claw may increase the formation of bile and make problems worse for those with gallstones. The root of the Devil Claw herb tends to be dried out, powdered, and used in remedies. One of this root’s most potent active ingredients is Iridoid Glycosides - a group of compounds thought to be responsible for its beneficial effects. These capsules are aimed at general relief of aches and pains in muscles and joints based on traditional use only. They are for short-term use only. They are recommended for adults, and you will want to take one capsule, twice a day. Holland & Barrett Devils Claw Gel contains Harpagophytum Procumbens (Devil’s Claw) Root Extract. Devil’s Claw is a herb that owes its name to its hooked fruit. The roots of the plant have been used by people for centuries. Apply a thin layer of gel where required and gently rub in until absorbed. For additional benefits apply after a warm bath and store gel in the fridge.

This is not an all-inclusive list of medication interactions. To be on the safe side, always discuss your use of supplements with your doctor. Summary Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;18:2273-81. View abstract. Special precautions & warnings: Pregnancy: Devil's claw is possibly unsafe when used during pregnancy. It might harm the developing fetus. Avoid use. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if devil's claw is safe or what the side effects might be.

How is it typically used?

Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56. View abstract. Mahomed IM, Ojewole JAO. Oxytocin-like effect of Harpagophytum procumbens [Pedaliacae] secondary root aqueous extract on rat isolated uterus. Afr J Trad CAM 2006;3:82-89. Chrubasik, S., Conradt, C., and Roufogalis, B. D. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extracts and clinical efficacy. Phytother.Res. 2004;18:187-189. View abstract. Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if devil's claw is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

For example, one clinical study involving 122 people with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip suggested that 2,610 mg of devil’s claw daily may be as effective at reducing osteoarthritis pain as diacerein, a medication commonly used to treat this condition ( 17). We also have a similar product, Vitabiotics Devils Claw 30 Tablets which contains a slightly higher dose of extract per tablet.

Anon. Devil's claw root: ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Prescrire Int 2013;22:296. View abstract.

Circosta C, Occhiuto F, Ragusa S, et al. A drug used in traditional medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. II. Cardiovascular activity. J Ethnopharmacol 1984;11:259-74. View abstract. Zegota Z, Gozdzik J, Glogowska-Szelag J. Prospective, multicenter evaluation of a polyherbal supplement alongside standard-of-care treatment for mild knee osteoarthritis. Adv Orthop. 2021;2021:5589597. View abstract.

What are the side-effects of taking devil’s claw?

Fontaine, J., Elchami, A. A., Vanhaelen, M., and Vanhaelen-Fastre, R. [Biological analysis of Harpagophytum procumbens D.C. II. Pharmacological analysis of the effects of harpagoside, harpagide and harpagogenine on the isolated guinea-pig ileum (author's transl)]. J Pharm Belg. 1981;36:321-324. View abstract. Krieger D, Krieger S, Jansen O, et al. Manganese and chronic hepatic encephalopathy. Lancet 1995;346:270-4. View abstract. Of course, there are also conditions directly characterized by inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), arthritis and gout ( 10, 11, 12). Also, any dosage of devil’s claw may interfere with medications you may be taking. This includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners and stomach acid reducers. Summary