The root of the Devil Claw herb tends to be dried out, powdered, and used in remedies. One of this root’s most potent active ingredients is Iridoid Glycosides - a group of compounds thought to be responsible for its beneficial effects. Grahame R, Robinson BV. Devils's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): pharmacological and clinical studies. Ann Rheum Dis 1981;40:632. View abstract. Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, et al. Efficacy and tolerance or Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine 2000;7:177-83. View abstract. This review reported five RCTs dating from 1980 into the use of devil’s claw for osteoarthritis of the hip or the knee. Similarly, a 2-month study in 42 individuals with chronic osteoarthritis found that supplementing daily with devil’s claw in combination with turmeric and bromelain, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects as well, reduced pain by an average 46% ( 18). Summary

Devil’s claw, however, has been shown to contain iridoid glycosides and these are known to provide anti-inflammatory effects. For this reason, it could be that devil’s claw could help prevent inflammation-related diseases such as heart disease, arthritis and others. Where can I get devil’s claw?The exact origin of devil’s claw is unknown, although it is native to southern Africa and found originally in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. It was first used medicinally in Europe in 1953 to treat arthritis, liver problems, kidney and bladder issues, appetite problems and seasonal allergies. Eichler, O. and Koch, C. [Antiphlogistic, analgesic and spasmolytic effect of harpagoside, a glycoside from the root of Harpagophytum procumbens DC]. Arzneimittelforschung. 1970;20(1):107-109. View abstract. Loew, D., Mollerfeld, J., Schrodter, A., Puttkammer, S., and Kaszkin, M. Investigations on the pharmacokinetic properties of Harpagophytum extracts and their effects on eicosanoid biosynthesis in vitro and ex vivo. Clin.Pharmacol.Ther. 2001;69(5):356-364. View abstract. Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Devil's claw can increase stomach acid. Taking devil's claw might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors.

Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.

Kikuchi T. New iridoid glucosides from Harpagophytum procumbens. Chem Pharm Bull 1983;31:2296-2301. The plant is named after its fruit, which is covered in spikes that resemble the talons on a claw (quite a devilish one, apparently!). Kundu, J. K., Mossanda, K. S., Na, H. K., and Surh, Y. J. Inhibitory effects of the extracts of Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R. Br. and Harpagophytum procumbens DC. on phorbol ester-induced COX-2 expression in mouse skin: AP-1 and CREB as potential upstream targets. Cancer Lett. 1-31-2005;218(1):21-31. View abstract. Holland & Barrett Devils Claw Gel contains Harpagophytum Procumbens (Devil’s Claw) Root Extract. Devil’s Claw is a herb that owes its name to its hooked fruit. The roots of the plant have been used by people for centuries. Apply a thin layer of gel where required and gently rub in until absorbed. For additional benefits apply after a warm bath and store gel in the fridge.