Products
Devil’s claw preparations are commercially available, among others, in the form of tablets and capsules containing either an extract or devil’s claw powder (e.g., A. Vogel Rheumatism Tablets, Harpagomed, Harpagophyt-Mepha, Sanaflex). The drugs have been approved in many countries since 2005. The medicinal drug (tea), devil’s claw gel, mother tinctures and alternative remedies are also available in pharmacies and drugstores. Devil’s claw is also used as a veterinary medicine.
Stem plant
Devil’s claw D.C. and Decne, of the sesame family, is native to southern Africa in the Kalahari savannahs. The name is derived from “harpagos,” Greek for “grappling hook,” which is a reference to the taloned shape of the woody fruit.
Medicinal drug
Devil’s claw root (Harpagophyti radix) consists of the cut, dried, tuberous, secondary roots of and/or . The European Pharmacopoeia requires a minimum content of harpagoside. The medicinal drug is grayish brown to dark brown in color and has a bitter taste. Among other things, an alcoholic dry extract (Harpagophyti radicis extractum ethanolicum siccum) and a powder (Harpagophyti radicis pulvis) are prepared from the drug.
Ingredients
The characteristic constituents of the root are the iridoids. These include the glycoside harpagoside, the aglycone harpagide, and procumbide. Other constituents such as the flavanoids, triterpenes, and phytosterols may be involved in the effects.
Effects
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, appetite stimulant, and choleretic properties, among others, are attributed to devil’s claw (ATC M09AP03). The inhibition of inflammatory pathways is stated as the mechanism of action. Whether devil’s claw is actually clinically effective in the aforementioned areas of application has not been conclusively proven scientifically.
Fields of application
For the supportive treatment of pain in wear-and-tear diseases of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., osteoarthritis), in back pain, and as a bitter remedy for dyspeptic complaints such as loss of appetite and bloating.
Dosage
According to the professional information. To prepare a tea, pour hot water over the medicinal drug and let it stand for 8 hours. The daily dose is 4.5 g of drug, which is approximately one teaspoon.
Contraindications
Devil’s claw is contraindicated in hypersensitivity and in gastric and duodenal ulcers. Consultation with a physician is required for gallstone disease. In acute conditions, which are accompanied, for example, by redness, swelling or overheating of joints, as well as persistent complaints, a doctor should be consulted. There are insufficient data on use in children and during pregnancy and lactation. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Devil’s claw extract appears to interact with P-glycoprotein and CYP450. Drug-drug interactions can therefore not be excluded.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include digestive symptoms such as heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Further, headache, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions have been reported. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, treatment should be discontinued. Very rarely, an increase in blood glucose has been observed in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
