Health Benefits of Devil’s Claw
Health Benefits of Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw (harpagophytum) also known as grapple plant or wood spider is an herb belonging to the spider family predominantly grown in Southern Africa. For centuries, Devil’s claw has been used to treat arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, muscle pain, headaches and various skin conditions. Traditionally, devil’s claw has been used to treat loss of appetite, menstrual problems, inflammation, and syphilis.
Devil’s claw has anti-inflammatory properties. Devil’s claw are rich in antioxidants including iridoid glycosides, terpenoids, and glycosides that have anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and may help prevent the risk of chronic diseases. Test-tube studies has shown that Devil’s claw may suppress inflammation.
Devil’s claw also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-viral properties.
Devil’s claw may alleviate joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that people with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee who consumed devil’s claw daily had reduced their pain. In another study of 42 people with chronic osteoarthritis who consumed devil’s claw with bromelain and turmeric had their pain reduced by an average of 46%.
Devil’s claw may also relieve back pain similarly effective to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) due to its plant compound harpagoside. Studies have shown that people with chronic back pain who consumed harpagoside extract had their pain reduced by 23% at the end of treatment.
Devil’s claw may promote weight loss.
Devil’s claw may also help treat gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion.
Devil’s claw may have side effects including, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea and or stomach pain. Severe side effects may include gallstones, allergic reaction, severe itching or rash, heart-related effects, lower sodium levels and stomach ulcers.
Devil’s claw may interact with certain medications.
As always consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11185727/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/devils-claw
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-984/devils-claw
https://www.verywellhealth.com/devils-claw-what-should-i-know-about-it-89445
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/devils-claw
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9182060/
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/devil-claw