Devil’s Claw Drug Information – Uses and Benefits
11 November 2007Common Trade Names
Multi-ingredient preparations: Devil’s Claw, Devil’s Claw Capsule, Devil’s Claw Secondary Root, Devil’s Claw Vegicaps
Common Forms
Capsules: 200 mg, 420 mg, 499 mg, 510 mg, 750 mg
Also available as extracts, teas, and tinctures.
Source
The drug is extracted from the roots and secondary tubers of Harpagophytum procumbens, a member of the pedalia family.
Chemical components
The major active ingredient in devil’s claw is harpagoside. Other compounds include harpagide, procumbide, stigmasterol, beta sitosterol, fatty acids, aromatic acids, triterpenes, sugars, gum resins, and flavonoids.
Actions
Harpagoside possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike conventional NSAIDs that alter arachidonic acid metabolism, devil’s claw’s anti-inflammatory effects are not produced by this mechanism. Harpagoside was found to produce negative chronotropic and positive inotropic effects by altering the mechanisms that regulate calcium influx in smooth muscles. Reduced blood pressure and heart rate as well as antiÂarrhythmic activity have been reported in animals. In contrast, harpagide possesses negative chronotropic and inotropic properties. A study using rats evaluated the efficacy of the plant in reducing edema of the hind foot and found no effect on the edema and insignificant alteration of prostaglandin synthetase activity.
Reported Uses
Devil’s claw has been used as an antarthritic, antirheumatic, and appetite stimulant. Despite one finding of an anti-inflammatory effect, studies have failed to replicate this finding .
Other therapeutic claims, which lack scientific support, include treatment of allergies, arteriosclerosis, boils, climacteric problems, dysmenorrhea, GI disturbances, headaches, heartburn, renal and hepatic disorders, lumbago, malaria, neuralgia, nicotine poisoning, and skin cancer.
Dosage
For decreased eicosanoid production: 2,000 mg P.O. daily .
For appetite stimulation: 1.5 g (root)/day.
Adverse Reactions
CNS: headache.EENT: loss of taste, tinnitus.
Other: weight loss.
Interactions
- Antiarrhythmics: Devil’s claw has chronotropic and inotropic effects. Use cautiously in patients taking both agents.
- Antidiabetic drugs: Increased hypoglycemic effect. Monitor blood glucose level.
- Antihypertensives: Increased hypotensive effects. Monitor blood pressure.
- Warfarin: Potentiated hypoprothrombinemic effects of warfarin. Monitor patient more intensively for signs of bleeding and excessive INR elevations.
Contraindications And Precautions
Devil’s claw is contraindicated in patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers. It is also contraindicated in pregnant patients because it may stimulate uterine contractions; alleged abortive properties of devil’s claw remain controversial. Use cautiously in patients with diabetes or cardiac disorders.
Special Considerations
- Monitor heart rate and rhythm of patients taking antiarrhythmics concurrently with devil’s claw.
- Advise the patient taking the drug for anti-inflammatory effect that many OTC and prescription anti-inflammatories exist that have known risks and benefits.
- Urge the female patient taking devil’s claw to report if pregnancy is planned or suspected.
- Advise the female patient to avoid using devil’s claw during pregnancy Or when breast-feeding.
Points of Interest
The common name devil’s claw comes from the plant’s unique fruits, which are covered with hooks to facilitate their spread by animals.
Commentary
Evidence for devil’s claw’s anti-inflammatory effect is scanty. Larger and well-designed human clinical studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety for treating arthritis. No clinical data support its use for the other disorders described. Other anti- inflammatory products (such as NSAIDs) are readily available.
Tagged under:appetite stimulant, arachidonic acid metabolism, arteriosclerosis, beta sitosterol, claw devil, conventional nsaids, fatty acids Herbal Medicines
