Harpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide, found in the tubers of the plant, appear to be the most therapeutically important constituents. The major chemical constituents of Devil’s claw are iridoid glycosides (primarily harpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide), sugars (mainly the tetrasaccharide, stachyose), triterpenoids (oleanolic and ursolic acid), phytosterols (primarily β-sitosterol), aromatic acids (caffeic, cinnamic, and chlorogenic acids), and flavonoids such as luteolin and kaempferol 13). The fruit grows from the flower and is woody, radiates numerous long, barbed spines, and gives the plant its commonly known names.Ĭurrently Devil’s Claw is mainly used as an anti-inflammatory agent and as an analgesic 12). Flowers are trumpet shaped and pink, red, or purple with a yellowish center. Leaves are large, have 3-5 lobes, and are covered in white mucilaginous cells, making them appear a grayish-green color. Secondary storage tubers, resembling elongated sweet potatoes, branch off horizontally. Devil’s claw is a ground trailing, weedy perennial about 18 inches long with a stout central taproot growing up to two meters deep. ĭevil’s claw belongs to the Pedaliaceae family and is also known as grapple plant, wood spider, and harpago. However, the effects of Devil’s Claw have also been associated with the presence of other compounds such as flavonoids 11). Studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties such as inhibition of COX-2, inhibition of NF-kB activation, and downregulation of iNOS 10).
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The pharmacological actions of Devil’s Claw root tubers have been attributed to the presence of iridoid glycosides and verbascoside 9). Įxtracts made from the tubers of Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) are known to relieve symptoms of inflammation and pain 7) but there has been some argument about whether medicinal properties of Harpagophytum zeyheri are sufficient for the acceptance of this species for use in anti-inflammatory preparations 8).
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approves devil’s claw for dyspepsia, appetite stimulation, and degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal system 6). Devil’s Claw is also used for difficulties in childbirth, menstrual problems, allergic reactions, kidney and bladder disease.īritish Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends devil’s claw as a diuretic and sedative 5) and the German Commission E, the German counterpart to the U.S. Devil’s Claw plant has been also used as an appetite modulator but most evidences are anecdotal 3) and no clear scientific studies relating to appetite modulation have been done to this date 4).
#Devils claw skin
Historically, Devil’s Claw has been used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-malarial, anticancer, hypotensive and cardiodepressant, anticonvulsant, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), arthritis, gout, muscle pain (myalgia), back pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, chest pain, gastrointestinal (GI) upset or heart burn (dyspepsia), fever, and migraine headache and uterotonic activities 1), as well as appetite stimulation, wounds and skin rashes, liver and kidney disorders, as diuretic and sedative, and to treat degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal system 2).
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Devil’s Claw roots and tubers are used to make medicine. Devil’s Claw plant gets its name from the appearance of its fruit, which is covered with hooks meant to attach onto animals in order to spread the seeds. The botanical name, Harpagophytum, means “hook plant” in Greek. High doses could interfere with blood pressure, heart, and diabetes medications.Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a perennial herb from the Kalahari region of Southern Africa and may be found in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Also found in encapsulated and tincture forms. Preparation Methods & Dosage :Drink a strong decoction of Devil's claw once a day for slow but steady relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries and muscle pain. Scientists don't know exactly how devil's claw works at this time, other than that it is not a COX-2 inhibitor like NSAIDs, and therefore is not potentially injurious to the heart.īecause improper digestion of protein plays a role in gout, causing the uric acid buildup, this is a remedy tailor-made for people with gout.
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This herb has an extensive history of use as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and digestive stimulant.ĭevils claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also been shown to relieve muscle pain and enhance mobility for people with either arthritis or muscle injuries. Devils claw tubers contain a group of chemicals called iridoids that have anti-inflammatory activity, the two active ingredients in devil's claw are harpagoside and beta sitosterol.