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Arthritis Pain Solution: Devil’s Claw Extract Reduces Osteoarthritis Pain!

What is Devil’s Claw?

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) has been used for more than half a century in Europe for musculoskeletal pain, and during that time has become an established treatment option. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) now recommends Devil’s Claw extract for painful osteoarthritis and the relief of low back pain.

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Research has shown Devil’s Claw extract to be equal to or better than ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and other NSAIDS for pain relief. Most notably, this natural plant extract is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic1 and offers a safer alternative to the now “suspect” COX-2 inhibitors—such as Celebrex® and Vioxx®*—especially since research has found it to be equivalent to them for relieving pain.

* Merck voluntary withdrew Vioxx in September 2004, after it was discovered that long-term use may cause an increased risk in heart attack and stroke.

How does it work?

The main active ingredient in Devil’s Claw is harpagoside, an iridoid glucoside, which is thought to produce anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and antioxidant effects. Recent research has focused on the possibility that its antioxidant action may explain the anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic actions, but the mechanism is unclear.2

Could you benefit from Devil’s Claw extract?

If you have osteoarthritis—especially of the knee, hip, or spine—there are a number of studies showing there’s a good chance you’ll get relief from Devil’s Claw.

And if you suffer from low back pain, you may benefit as well.

In fact, studies show that Devil’s Claw has proved to be so effective that it allows individuals to lower their dose of other drugs used to treat arthritis pain.

Interesting Facts About Devil's Claw

  1. Devil’s Claw is a shrubby vine native to south west Africa, namely the Kalahari Desert, Namibian Steppes, and the island of Madagascar.
     
  2. Its name makes reference to claw-shaped, mini grabbing hooks that wrap around the plant’s seeds. The hooks serve to disperse the seeds by sticking to a passing animal.
     
  3. The root—actually underground tubers—is highly valued by indigenous African Bushmen, Khoikhoi, and Bantu as a bitter tonic for digestion and arthritic conditions.
     
  4. Indigenous people have also used Devil’s Claw for fever, as a blood purifier, and to ease the pain of childbirth. Externally, it is used for boils and various sores.

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Editor's Note:

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This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a physician before embarking on a dietary supplement program.

References

  1. Mahomed IM, Ojewole JA. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous extract. Phytother Res. 2004 Dec;18(12):982-9.

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  2. Bhattacharya, A & S, Anti-oxidant Activity of Harpagopytum procumbens. British Journal of Phytotherapy, V. 5, No. 2, 1998.

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  3. Presser, Arthur M. Pharmacist’s Guide to Medicinal Herbs. Smart Publications, 2000, Petaluma, CA.

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  4. Gagnier JJ, van Tulder M, Berman B, Bombardier C. Herbal medicine for low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Apr 19;(2):CD004504.

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  5. Chrubasik S, Model A, Black A, Pollak S. A randomized double-blind pilot study comparing Doloteffin and Vioxx in the treatment of low back pain. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2003 Jan;42(1):141-8.

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  6. Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, et al. Efficacy and tolerance ofHarpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine 2000;7(3):177-183.

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  7. Gagnier JJ, Chrubasik S, Manheimer E. Harpgophytum procumbens for osteoarthritis and low back pain: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2004 Sep 15;4:13.

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  8. 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. 2003 Dec;17(10):1165-72.

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  9. Green GA. Understanding NSAIDs: from aspirin to COX-2. Clin Cornerstone. 2001;3(5):50-60.

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  10. Kearney PM, Baigent C, Godwin J, Halls H, et. al. Do selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors and traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of atherothrombosis? Meta-analysis of randomised trials. BMJ. 2006 Jun 3;332(7553):1302-8. PMID: 16740558.

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  11. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Harpagophyti radix (devil’s claw). Exeter, UK: ESCOP; 1996-1997. Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. Fascicule 2.

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  12. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, et al. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991–1995). Drug Safety. 1997;17:342–356.

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  13. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, et al. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991–1995). Drug Safety. 1997;17:342–356.

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