Devil's Claw Root Herb
Devil's Claw root herb is a leafy perennial found
primarily in the sandy areas of South Africa, Botswana and Nambia.
"Harpag" in its latin name refers to the tiny hook-like
protrusions that cover the skin of the seed-filled fruit. These
hooks attach to animal's coats and have helped spread the seed
throughout the Kalahari and Savannah regions. It is sometimes
eaten as a vegetable and its foliage is often woven into baskets
and other crafts.
The secondary roots and tubers have been used for medicinal
purposes by native peoples for perhaps thousands of years. An
extract is derived from the dried tuberous roots of the plant. has
been used in the treatment such diverse complaints as fever,
malaria, difficult childbirth, blood, kidney and liver disorders,
indigestion and pain.. It has also been used topically to heal
boils, sores and other skin problems.
Devil's
Claw Root Herb Benefits
Devil's Claw for Arthritis and Lower Back Pain Relief: In the early
1900's devils claw herb was imported to Europe where the dried
devils claw root became
popular among herbalists in the treatment of rheumatic joint
disease as well as painful conditions involving muscles and
tendons.
With a significant amount of research Devil's Claw has been
established as effective in relieving joint and muscular pain with
minimal side effects. It is prescribed by doctors in Europe for
arthritis and back pain.
In a 2003 study 41.8% patients
taking devils claw extract had a 50% or greater reduction in
pain. While only 33.3% of those taking rofecoxib (Vioxx)
reported 50% or greater reduction in pain.
Devil's Claw for Digestive Tonic: Although modern research in this area is
not compelling, primarily based on anecdotal reports, Devil's Claw
continues to be recommended as a 'bitter', an herb that can
relieve heartburn and stimulate appetite. Its bitter taste
stimulates a specific grouping of tastebuds which, in turn triggers
the flow of gastric juices.
Clinical Applications of Devil's Claw Herb
The primary clinical uses of devil's claw are as an
anti-inflammatory or analgesic in osteoarthritis, arthritis,
muscle and tendon pain and headache. There is a growing body of
evidence from published studies using both animals and humans
suggesting that not only is Devil's Claw safe and beneficial for
the management of joint and muscular pain, its efficacy may allow
some patients to reduce their dependancy on nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's).
How
Devil's Claw Herb Works
There is still some controversy about the pain-relieving mechanism
of Devil's Claw however, recent literature suggests that
harpagosides inhibit the genetic expression of at least one and
perhaps a series of biochemicals that promote inflammation. The
suppression of these inflammation promoters causes a decrease in
the major attributes of inflammation: redness, heat, swelling and
pain.
Safety of
Devil's Claw Herb
Research and experience has shown
that Devil's Claw is non-toxic, generally well-tolerated and safe
with virtually no side effects if taken in appropriate,
therapeutic dosages. In most studies, isolated cases of mild gastric upset
were the only noted side effects, but because Devil's Claw can
stimulate the release of gastric juices, it is generally not
recommended for people with duodenal or other ulcerous conditions.
Devil's Claw contains some very active ingredients which, when
taken in addition to other drugs, may have an additive effect.
Precautions
for Devil's Claw Herb
Diabetics, persons using anticoagulents such as Coumadin, or heart
patients who take antiarrhythmic medications should use Devil's
Claw only under the direction of their personal physician.
Occasionally mild gastric upset has been noted a minor side
effect.
Not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women due to lack
of sufficient research. Devil's Claw may be
associated with uterine contractions.
Dosage for Devil's Claw
Because herbs also contain active
chemical substances which can and will interact with others, no
herb or drug should be taken without first consulting with one's
physician.
The regular recommended dosage of Zymosine is 2 capsules 3 times a
day. This can be increased to 3 capsules 3 times a day if needed.
Also if taken for Osteoarthritis, you may be able to reduce your
dosage after 30 to 60 days to 1 capsule 3 times a day.
Devil's
Claw Research
1) Chrubasik S, Model A, Black A, et al. A
randomized double-blind pilot study comparing Doloteffin® (Devils
Claw Extract) and Vioxx® in the treatment of low back pain.
Rheumatology 2003;42:141-148.
2) Mahomed IM, Ojewole JA.
Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties of
Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous
extract. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000,
South Africa.
3) Wegener T, Lupke NP. Treatment
of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract
of devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC.). Phytother Res.
Dec2003;17(10):1165-72.
4) Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan
D, Guedon D, Vandermander J, Fournie B. Efficacy and tolerance of
Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of
osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine. 2000 Jun;7(3):177-83.
5) Baghdikian B, Lanhers MC,
Fleurentin J, Ollivier E, Maillard C, Balansard G, Mortier F. An
analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of
Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri. Planta Med.
1997 Apr;63(2):171-6.
6) L. Long, K. Soeken1 and E.
Ernst. Herbal medicines for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a
systematic review. Department of Complementary Medicine, School of
Postgraduate Medicine and Health Studies, University of Exeter, 25
Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, UK and University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Complementary Medicine Program, Kernan
Hospital Mansion, 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207-6697, USA
7) Chrubasik S, Junck H,
Breitschwerdt H, et al. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extract WS
1531 in the treatment of exacerbation of low back pain: a
randomized, placebo-controlled, double- blind study. Eur J
Anaesthesiol 1999;16(2):118-129
8) Leblan D, Chantre P,
Fournie B. Harpagophytum procumbens in the Teatment of Knee and
Hip Osteoarthritis. Four-month Results of a Prospective,
Multicenter, Double-blind Trial Versus Diacerhein. Joint Bone
Spine. 2000;67(5):462-7.
