Devil's claw is a plant found in the deserts of Africa. It's roots and extracts have been used for anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. The active ingredient in Devil's Claw is Harpagoside, an iridoid glycoside.

Chondroitin Sulfate is also approved as an eye drop for cataracts surgery and for certain eye conditions.

Devil's Claw extracts have shown to inhibit TNF and thromboxane production(moderate COX 1 and 2 inhibitions), and may inhibit metalloproteinases which breakdown cartilage. More than 5 studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating back pain, joint pain, and arthritis.

Devil's Claw has also shown sugar lowering and anticonvulsant properties.

Current evidence suggests that Devil's Claw is effective in treating osteoarthritis, back and joint pain. Other uses do not have enough evidence to support their use.

There is a lack of evidence supporting long term use of Devil's Claw.


Adults Dose:

50-100 mg(of Harpagoside) by mouth daily taken in divided doses.


Side Effects:

Headache
Anorexia
Rash
Diarrhea
Allergic reactions
Ringing in ears
Blood pressure changes
Edema
Hair loss


Warnings:

Avoid using this product while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use if you have diabetes or cardiac disease.
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not take Devil's claw if you are taking Warfarin.

By Evan Redmond, Pharm.D.