Devil’s claw (Cecelia Kaiser, Purdue College of Pharmacy

Devil’s Claw

How well does it work? Current research has produced limited conclusions, and a satisfactory answer to “Is it safe? Is it effective?” has yet to be found. Further research is warranted. 2 However, a small study of 122 people found that over the course of 8 to 12 weeks, Devil’s Claw was found to provide “as much relief [as a leading European medication used in relieving pain] …[with] fewer side effects and [needing] fewer pain relievers throughout the study.”1 There is some evidence of efficacy, though See Reference 4 it is limited. What should I be concerned about? Due to possible gastrointestinal side effects, those with duodenal or stomach ulcers, or gallstones, should avoid using Devil’s Claw. 1 Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid this supplement as sufficient research assuring its safety is not available. 1 Devil’s Claw may interact with blood thinning medications, diabetes medications, antacids, and possibly other medications that are broken down by the liver. 1 See Reference 6 More research will be necessary to understand how this drug affects other medications.

{Anti-Inflammatory Iridoids of Botanical Origin, Viljoen A, Mncwangi N, Vermaak I.}

Many plants contain chemical compounds originating from the iridoid family and are known for their use in herbal medicine. This chemical family is well known for its effect on the complex process of inflammation. Many subspecies and moieties exist within the plant kingdom, allowing for many mechanisms and effective routes of administration, as well as differing efficacy from one plant to the next. This article summarizes the chemical species found in the most common plants used in herbal medicine, and their mechanisms. To summarize, Devil’s Claw is a relatively uncommon supplement, and therefore limited research exists. However, some evidence of efficacy has been found, and patients with few or low-risk comorbidities may find that non-excessive maintenance doses, or as needed doses, may provide them with adequate relief of their joint-related pain. If patients are interested in trying this supplement and no immediate contraindications are present, they should do so after informing their primary care physician or pharmacist. ~C Kaiser

References:

1. Mount Sinai. Devil’s claw. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/devils-claw 2. Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Review of Efficacy and Safety. J

Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(10):981-93. 3. Ritchason J, eds. The Little Herb Encyclopedia: The Handbook od Natural Remedies for a Healthier Life. 3rd Edition. Woodland Publishing; 1995 4. Product image of Nature’s Way branded Devil’s Claw Supplement. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Devils-Claw-

Capsules/dp/B000I48PIC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3LA555UKHJ9XB&keywords=devil%27s+claw&qid=1645582730&sprefix=devil%27s+claw%2Cstripboo ks%2C84&sr=8-4. Accessed 2/22/2022 5. Product Image of Herb Pharm branded Devil’s Claw supplement. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Herb-Pharm-Extract-Musculoskeletal-

Support/dp/B0006O2KL2/ref=sxin_14_cpf_saw-CPFPecos-dsk-lmlkasin?crid=3LA555UKHJ9XB&cv_ct_cx=devil%27s+claw&keywords=devil%27s+claw&pd_rd_i=B0006O2KL2&pd_rd_r=7e42cbe3-6a03-403f87d3-ffafe303c953&pd_rd_w=qiT0i&pd_rd_wg=ICeH6&pf_rd_p=3171e255-0ecb-47e8-9210cfa1596239ed&pf_rd_r=AVGPD6NXS00GX6Y8PBTS&qid=1645582730&rdc=1&sprefix=devil%27s+claw%2Cstripbooks%2C84&sr=1-2-88bb4e7bfb79-43dc-9dec-6da196f88672. Accessed 2/22/2022 6. Product Image of Earthborn Elements branded Devil’s Claw supplement. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Extract-Capsules-Strength-Non-GMO-

Serving/dp/B08R5L7LMT/ref=sr_1_22_sspa?crid=3LA555UKHJ9XB&keywords=devil%27s+claw&qid=1645582730&sprefix=devil%27s+claw%2Cs tripbooks%2C84&sr=8-22spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRTJGUUQ2V1Q3UUFIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTE4ODc5MTZZWFIwTzZCSVRCQyZl bmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzM0MzM2MURXUUNKWDBPVFo5OCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2J0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05 vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=. Accessed on 2/22/2022 7. Viljoen A, Mncwangi N, Vermaak I. Anti-inflammatory iridoids of botanical origin. Curr Med Chem. 2012;19(14):2104-2127. doi:10.2174/092986712800229005 8. Product Image of Harpagophytum procumbens/Devil’s Claw herb. Intelezi. https://www.inteleziherbs.co.za/product/harpagophytum-procumbensdevils-claw/ 9. Product Image of Devil’s Claw Tea. Tea Life. https://www.tealife.com.au/products/devils-claw-tea