• Traditionally used to help support pain, joint pain, indigestion, joint pain and much more.
• Fights joint pain, indigestion and much more.
• Can be used to help support pain, joint pain, indigestion, joint pain and much more.
In recent years, Devil's Claw has become very popular as a potential general tonic and stomachic, and for the potential to help support symptoms of joint pain. An ointment is made from the root material that is applied to sores, irritations and boils. It is traditionally used as a tonic and general approach for a wide range of ailments, including digestive complaints, lack of appetite and to help support pain, during and after labour.
Devil's Claw Harpagophytum procumbens DC. ex Meissn.
Family: Pedaliaceae.
Other Names: Griffe du diable (French); Afrikanische Teufelskralle (German); artiglio del diavolo, arpagofito (Italian).
Description: Devil's claw is a weedy, perennial herb with creeping stems spreading from a thick, carrot-like, primary root surrounded by several tuberous secondary roots. It bears greyish-green, irregularly lobed leaves, tubular yellow and violet flowers and characteristic thorny fruits (to which the common name refers). Two species are known. In H. procumbens, the thorny arms on the fruit are longer than the width of the fruit, while they are as long as or shorter than the width of the fruit in the other species, H. zeyheri. The latter is chemically variable and not always suitable for traditional health use.
Origin: Southern Africa (Kalahari region, from Angola to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa). Experimental cultivation has been initiated, but practically all commercial product is still wild-harvested.
Parts Used: Sliced and dried secondary roots (devil's claw root - Harpagophyti radix).
Active Ingredients: The main compounds of interest are iridoid glycosides (about 3% of dry weight) - mainly harpagoside (0.5-2%), together with harpagide, procumbide and their cinnamic or coumaric acid esters. Also present are phenolic glycosides such as acteoside and isoacteoside.
Health Effects: Clinical studies showed definite benefits in supporting rheumatic complaints and low back pain. Iridoid glycosides (or their metabolites) inhibit cyclooxygenase, which explains the slight analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The bitter taste (and possibly the value in supporting digestive disturbances) is due to the iridoid glycosides.
Preparation and Dosage: A daily dose of up to 9 g of the dried root, taken as infusion (1 - 3 g at a time), is recommended. Standardised extracts and capsules are available. The tuberous root of devil's claw, or grapple plant, is reported to be 6,000 times more bitter than gentian root. It is commonly used to help support symptoms of ailments that include joint pain complaints, sciatica, neuralgia, headaches, high cholesterol, and weight gain. Anti-inflammatory, and antiphiogistic properties are exhibited by devil's claw.
In terms of the biochemical makeup of the herb, devil's claw contains kaempferol, luteolin, chiorogenic and cinnamic acids, iridoid glycosides (including procumbide, harpagide, and harpagoside), quinone, harpogoquinone, and various other substances, including ursolic and oleanolic acid derivatives, exters, stachyose, and some sugars.
Devil's claw is specifically used to support joint pain complaints, sciatica, neuralgia, and headaches. It has been found to be effective for the elderly for rheumatic pains, hyperlipedemia, hyper-cholesterolemia, and weight gain.
A new clinical study shows that a traditional African health herb may support joint pain. In a randomized, double-blind, parallel group study conducted in France, the patients received either capsules containing the herb devil's claw or another product. Pain measurements of all patients indicated that those taking the herb and the drug experienced similar benefits. However, the study also showed that patients taking the herb experienced significantly fewer adverse side effects than those taking the drug.
The herb devil's claw and a pharmaceutical drug were tested on 122 patients from the ages of 30 to 79 who suffer from pain of the knee and hip. In order to "blind" the researchers from knowing if the patients were taking the herb or the drug, both groups of patients received either the herb or the drug, plus dummy pills that looked like the herb or the drug. In this way, neither the patients nor the researchers knew who was receiving which until the study was completed.
Researchers noted that there were significantly more adverse effects caused by the drug diacerhein over the four-month period of the study. The main side effect was digestive distress, occurring more frequently in the diacerhein group than the devil's claw group.
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), also known as "grapple plant" because of its claw-like dried seed pods, is an herb from the Kalahari desert region of southwestern Africa. The tubers from the plant have been used traditionally in Africa for a variety of disorders. Modern research in Europe has shown it reduces inflammation and pain in tired limbs and can stimulate appetite.
Devil's claw is approved as a nonsupplements by the German Commission E, an expert panel of physicians and pharmacists who advise Germany's counterpart of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Approved uses of devil's claw include loss of appetite, digestive disorders, and "degenerative disorders of the locomotor system" (i.e., to help support pain and inflammation in the joints).
A relatively new drug in France and Italy, the drug diacerhein is for the potential to help support symptoms of degenerative joint complaints. It does not produce some of the same adverse side effects like bleeding of the stomach lining like some conventional analgesic drugs of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory class. It was chosen for this study because its mechanism of action was considered similar to devil's claw.
However, the use of diacerhein may be a potential weakness of this study. According to John Hicks, M.D., a board certified rheumatologist in Minaot, ND, and co-founder of the College of Rheumatology, since devil's claw was compared to a drug that is not approved in the U.S., it may not impress physicians here as much as it might if used to suppport joint pain symptoms Regarding the potential benefits of devil's claw, he said, "It is certainly a herb I would like to see researched in a placebo- controlled study here in the U.S."
According to Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the Botanical Council, a nonprofit research and education organization, "At least two previous clinical trials on devil's claw have supported its use as an aid in supporting lower back pain and tired limbs. This study is significant in that it is the first to show the potential benefits of devil's claw for osteoarthritis." He added, "Although more research is warranted, this may be good news to people who sufferfrom joint pain, and their physicians, whose therapeutic choices have been fairly limited."
Potent anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated in the laboratory, and devil's claw may be a good product for minor aches and sprains. The problem is that its effectiveness has never really been proven in a controlled clinical trial. Worse stifi, there is good reason to suppose that the-most important components of these roots are destroyed by stomach acids. On the other hand, the potential for toxic reactions seems remote. If the product being used seems ineffective, it may just be that it is being destroyed in the stomach. Users should try taking it with an antacid, or better stifi, find a product that is enteric coated.
Devil's Claw is most often used to help support joint pain and inflammation, but it can also be tried to help stimulate the appetite and for dyspepsia. As a blood cleanser it will remove deposits from the joints. It can also be used for reducing cholesterol, helping cleanse the lymph system, regulating blood sugar, stimulating appetite and aiding digestion. This herb contains iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, harpagoquinine, oleanolic and ursolic acid derivatives, triterpenes and sugars.
Devil's claw root gets its rather unpleasant name from its fruits, which reminded people of a claw-like hand. Fortunately, the health benefit of the plant, which is native to southern and central Africa, is pleasant indeed. The dried root is the medically useful part.
Potential Health Benefits
Devil's claw root stimulates the appetite, help stimulates the production of bile for digesting fats, works to help support inflammation, and has a mild ability to help support pain.
Scientific Evidence
The herb contains bitter substances and a compound, harpagoside, which reduces inflammation and regulates pain. In a 1996 German study, 118 patients with lower back pain took 6 grams of dried devil's claw root with 50 milligrams of harpagoside. "Positive, though inconclusive, results in reducing acute attacks of lower back pain were reported, promoting a call for more clinical studies," writes herbal author Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D. In a 1976 German study, devil's claw was found to alleviate pain and to lower both high cholesterol and uric acid blood levels. However, Tyler notes, those results haven't been duplicated by subsequent studies. author Steven B. Karch, M.D., suggests that "harpagoside both stimulates the release of, and is destroyed by, stomach acid," leading to a "highly variable rate of absorption." That, Karch writes, "may explain why clinical researchers have reported conflicting results."
How to Use the Herb
The powdered root can be taken in teas or supplements. Commission E's recommended daily dose for stimulating appetite is 1.5 grams. For other uses, the daily dose is 4.5 grams. Enteric-coated tablets may help boost the rate of absorption.
Name
Harpagophytum procumbens DC. (Pedaliaceae), commonly called Devil's Claw; in German, Sudafrikanische Teufelskrallenwurzel.
Source
Devil's claw comes from a plant native to the Kalahari and Namibian deserts. Its roots are said to resemble a claw. The active ingredients are found in the roots and tubers, with nearly twice as much active ingredient, harpagoside, in the secondary tubers as in the primary. Commercial producers buy dried slices of the tubers which are then converted to powder form or extracted.
History
Traditional herbalists have used devil's claw to help support everything from upset stomach to boils. At the turn of the century, German physicians began using devil's claw to help support symptoms of joint pain.
Traditional Support Uses
Devil's claw can be used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and to help stimulate appetite and digestion.
Commission E Recommendations
Devil's claw can be used to help support dyspepsia (upset stomach), loss of appetite, and degenerative disorders of the locomotor system.
Possible Effects
Extracts injected into animals fight the swelling induced by trauma. They also appear to help support the pain induced by experimental injuries. The component thought to be responsible is called Harpagoside (members of the general class of Iridoid glycosides). The problem here is that Harpagoside both stimulates the release of, and is destroyed by, stomach acid. The highly variable rate of absorption may explain why clinical researchers have reported conflicting results. Some researchers have found that patients with joint pain find support; others have found that use of the herb produced no measurable benefits.
Dosage
Commission E recommends a dose of 1.5 grams per day to help stimulate appetite, and 4.5 grams per day for muscle sprains and upset stomach. Since it appears that most of the herb will be destroyed in the stomach, enteric coated formulations might be preferable. Barring that, taking the product with an antacid would also be a good idea.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.
Bianca Rosa is an exclusive line of premium-quality natural products sourced from only the finest and purest ingredients from around the world. Bianca Rosa is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, stability and freshness. All Bianca Rosa products are prepared with the highest level of quality control, from the raw materials used through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the finished product is sealed for freshness and shipped to you. Our highest possible standards backed by our personal guarantee.
Bianca Rosa makes all products as affordable as possible and we are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you. Bianca Rosa has been a trusted household name for many families throughout the world since the 1990s. Bianca Rosa is packed in tamper-proof, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of all Bianca Rosa products, including creams, salves and oils in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
The TerraVita Premium Collection uses only the finest, purest and most potent plant extracts from around the world.
The TerraVita Premium Collection is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
The TerraVita Premium Collection is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any condition or disease.
• Traditionally used to help support pain, joint pain, indigestion, joint pain and much more.
• Supports the fight against pain, joint pain, indigestion, joint pain and much more.
• Traditionally used against pain, joint pain, indigestion, joint pain and much more.
• Can be used to help support pain, joint pain, indigestion, joint pain and much more.
Devil's Claw is most often used to help support joint pain and inflammation, but it can also be tried to help stimulate the appetite and for dyspepsia. As a blood cleanser it will remove deposits from the joints. It can also be used for reducing cholesterol, helping cleanse the lymph system, regulating blood sugar, stimulating appetite and aiding digestion. This herb contains iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, harpagoquinine, oleanolic and ursolic acid derivatives, triterpenes and sugars.
The TerraVita Premium Collection uses only the finest, purest and most potent plant extracts from around the world.
The TerraVita Premium Collection is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
The TerraVita Premium Collection is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
Bianca Rosa is an exclusive line of premium-quality natural products sourced from only the finest and purest ingredients from around the world. Bianca Rosa is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, stability and freshness. All Bianca Rosa products are prepared with the highest level of quality control, from the raw materials used through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the finished product is sealed for freshness and shipped to you. Our highest possible standards backed by our personal guarantee.
Bianca Rosa makes all products as affordable as possible and we are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you. Bianca Rosa has been a trusted household name for many families throughout the world since the 1990s. Bianca Rosa is packed in tamper-proof, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of all Bianca Rosa products, including creams, salves and oils in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any condition or disease.
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
Bianca Rosa is an exclusive line of premium-quality natural products sourced from only the finest and purest ingredients from around the world. Bianca Rosa is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, stability and freshness. All Bianca Rosa products are prepared with the highest level of quality control, from the raw materials used through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the finished product is sealed for freshness and shipped to you. Our highest possible standards backed by our personal guarantee.
Bianca Rosa makes all products as affordable as possible and we are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you. Bianca Rosa has been a trusted household name for many families throughout the world since the 1990s. Bianca Rosa is packed in tamper-proof, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of all Bianca Rosa products, including creams, salves and oils in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any condition or disease.
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
Bianca Rosa is an exclusive line of premium-quality natural products sourced from only the finest and purest ingredients from around the world. Bianca Rosa is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, stability and freshness. All Bianca Rosa products are prepared with the highest level of quality control, from the raw materials used through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the finished product is sealed for freshness and shipped to you. Our highest possible standards backed by our personal guarantee.
Bianca Rosa makes all products as affordable as possible and we are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you. Bianca Rosa has been a trusted household name for many families throughout the world since the 1990s. Bianca Rosa is packed in tamper-proof, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of all Bianca Rosa products, including creams, salves and oils in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any condition or disease.
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
Bianca Rosa is an exclusive line of premium-quality natural products sourced from only the finest and purest ingredients from around the world. Bianca Rosa is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, stability and freshness. All Bianca Rosa products are prepared with the highest level of quality control, from the raw materials used through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the finished product is sealed for freshness and shipped to you. Our highest possible standards backed by our personal guarantee.
Bianca Rosa makes all products as affordable as possible and we are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you. Bianca Rosa has been a trusted household name for many families throughout the world since the 1990s. Bianca Rosa is packed in tamper-proof, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of all Bianca Rosa products, including creams, salves and oils in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any condition or disease.
Studies focusing on devil's claw and participants suffering from chronic low back pain have concluded that devil's claw supplementation for one month outperformed the placebo and lessened the need for pain medication.
St. John's Wort is relaxing, anti-inflammatory and helps to mend nerve tissue; if back pain is stress-related, St. john's wort can provide support for anxiety and contributing emotional distress.
White willow bark was the herbal precursor to salycilic acid, or modern day aspirin; its similar chemical makeup makes it an effective pain supporter without any of the side effects.
Horsetail is included in this blend for its tissue-restorative abilities in addition to its ability to normalize the digestive tract - often a reason cited for lower back pain.
As well as having a calming effect on the mind, chamomile flower provides a relaxing effect on smooth muscle tissue.
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
Bianca Rosa is an exclusive line of premium-quality natural products sourced from only the finest and purest ingredients from around the world. Bianca Rosa is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, stability and freshness. All Bianca Rosa products are prepared with the highest level of quality control, from the raw materials used through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the finished product is sealed for freshness and shipped to you. Our highest possible standards backed by our personal guarantee.
Bianca Rosa makes all products as affordable as possible and we are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you. Bianca Rosa has been a trusted household name for many families throughout the world since the 1990s. Bianca Rosa is packed in tamper-proof, recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of all Bianca Rosa products, including creams, salves and oils in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any condition or disease.