Belaiche P. Etude clinique de 630 cas d'artrose traites par le nebulisat aqueux d'Harpagophytum procumbens (Radix). Phytotherapy 1982;1:22-28. Diaz-Silveira GL, Deutsch J, Little DP. DNA Barcode Authentication of Devil's Claw Herbal Dietary Supplements. Plants (Basel). 2021 Sep 24;10(10):2005. doi:10.3390/plants10102005.

One case report in 2015 found systemic hypertension ( high blood pressure ) caused in a patient taking devil’s claw. ( 25 )

The final word

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of devil’s claw may be useful as a supplementary treatment for these diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease . ( 22 ) 8. Supports Kidney Health Chrubasik, S., Conradt, C., and Roufogalis, B. D. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extracts and clinical efficacy. Phytother.Res. 2004;18(2):187-189. View abstract. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. 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. Cuspidi C, Sala C, Tadic M, et al. Systemic hypertension induced by Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw): a case report. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2015;17(11):908-10. View abstract.

Romiti N, Tramonti G, Corti A, Chieli E. Effects of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) on the multidrug transporter ABCB1/P-glycoprotein. Phytomedicine 2009;16:1095-100. View abstract. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if devil's claw is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy: Devil's claw is possibly unsafe when used during pregnancy. It might harm the developing fetus. Avoid use. Due to its purported anti-inflammatory effects and potential to reduce pain, devil’s claw has been proposed as an alternative treatment for those with gout ( 20).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 Ribbat JM and Schakau D. Behandluing chronisch aktivierter Schmerzen am Bewegungsapparat. NaturaMed 2001;16:23-30.

Leblan, D., Chantre, P., and Fournie, B. Harpagophytum procumbens in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Four-month results of a prospective, multicenter, double-blind trial versus diacerhein. Joint Bone Spine 2000;67(5):462-467. View abstract. For other conditions, sufficient studies to determine effective doses are unavailable. In addition, devil’s claw has only been used for up to one year in studies. However, devil’s claw appears to be safe for most people in doses up to 2,610 mg per day ( 29). Whitehouse LW, Znamirowska M, Paul CJ. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): no evidence for anti-inflammatory activity in the treatment of arthritic disease. Can Med Assoc J 1983;129:249-51. View abstract.Anecdotal reports suggest devil’s claw could increase the production of stomach acid, so if you suffer from chronic heartburn , it may be a factor to consider. Occhiuto, F., Circosta, C., Ragusa, S., Ficarra, P., and Costa, De Pasquale. A drug used in traditional medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. IV. Effects on some isolated muscle preparations. J Ethnopharmacol. 1985;13(2):201-208. View abstract. In addition to reducing pain, it’s possible that devil’s claw benefits arthritis sufferers by preventing bone loss. Although tests thus far have taken place only in lab and animal tests, there are promising results that suggest devil’s claw prohibits bone loss in inflammatory osteoporosis. ( 10 ) These results are conflicting when it comes to hormonally activated osteoarthritis. ( 11 ) 2. Might Aid in Weight Loss Devil’s claw is known by a variety of folk names, including grapple plant, wood spider and harpago. These creative monikers refer to the small “hooks” on the fruit of the plant. You can find devil’s claw in teas, tablets and capsules. It’s also available in beauty products such as herbal bath soaks, gels and massage oils. Devil’s claw plant