A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis…which has me a little concerned since I am not even 50 yet. I have it in my knees, hips, hands and neck and am currently on an anti-inflammatories. While this works 1/2 the time I have been searching for something natural to help as well.

I came across references of taking Devil’s Claw for arthritis relief. But now that I have read more I am having doubts whether this is safe.

In reading the information on Medline Plus it looks like Devil’s Claw may cause gastrointestinal upset and since I have IBS I’m not sure I need to make the problem worse not to mention the fact that Devil’s Claw is used to stimulate the appetite…something I can honestly tell you I DON’T need!

It also looks like it is a short-term solution and should not be taken more than 3 months. That won’t work for me as I can feel my arthritis getting worse over the years.

So as it stands now I won’t be buying any Devil’s Claw supplement until I can talk to an herbalist and my doctor about any safety issues with my current medicine.

Per Medline Plus website:
Devil’s Claw

Devil’s claw ( Harpagophytum procumbens ) originates from the Kalahari and Savannah desert regions of South and Southeast Africa. In these parts of the world, devil’s claw has historically been used to treat a wide range of conditions including fever, malaria, and indigestion. The medicinal ingredient of the devil’s claw plant is extracted from the dried out roots.

Currently, the major uses of devil’s claw are as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever for joint diseases, back pain, and headache. There is currently widespread use of standardized devil’s claw for mild joint pain in Europe.

Potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset, low blood pressure, or abnormal heart rhythms (increased heart rate or increased heart squeezing effects).

Traditionally, it has been recommended to avoid using devil’s claw in patients with stomach ulcers or in people using blood thinners (anticoagulants such as warfarin/Coumadin®).

Degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis

There is increasing scientific evidence suggesting that devil’s claw is safe and beneficial for the short-term treatment of pain related to degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis (8-12 weeks), it may be equally effective as drug therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), and it may allow for dose reductions or stopping of these drugs in some patients. However, most studies have been small with flaws in their designs. Additional well-designed trials are necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached.

Low back pain

There are several human studies that support the use of devil’s claw for the treatment of low back pain. However, most studies have been small with flaws in their designs, and many have been done by the same authors. Therefore, although these results can be considered promising early evidence, additional well-designed trials are necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached. It is not clear how devil’s claw compares to other therapies for back pain.

Appetite stimulant

Traditionally, devil’s claw was commonly used as an appetite stimulant, and this remains a popular use. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence in this area, and it remains unclear if devil’s claw is beneficial as an appetite stimulant.

Cancer (bone metastases)

Devil’s claw is used to treat several types of pain, including osteoarthritis and low back pain. One case report indicates it may also be helpful for pain due to bone metastases. More research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn.

Digestive tonic

Devil’s claw is popular as a digestive tonic for the relief of constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence in this area, and it remains unclear if devil’s claw is beneficial for these uses.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Allergies, antiarrhythmic, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, arteriosclerosis (clogged arteries), arthritis, bitter tonic, blood diseases, boils (topical), choleretic, constipation, coronary artery disease, diabetes, diuretic, dysmenorrhea, edema, fever, fibromyalgia, flatulence, gall bladder tonic, gastrointestinal disorders, gout, headache, heartburn, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, hip pain, kidney disorders, knee pain, labor aid, liver tonic, malaria, menopausal hot flashes, menstrual pain, migraine, myalgia, nerve pain, nicotine poisoning, pain reliever, rheumatoid arthritis, sedative, skin cancer (topical), skin ulcers (topical), sores (topical), spasmolytic, tendonitis, urinary tract infection, vulnerary for skin injuries (topical), wound healing.

Side Effects and Warnings

At recommended doses, devil’s claw is traditionally believed to be well tolerated. Whether use of devil’s claw for longer than 3-4 months is safe or effective is unknown.

There are reports of headache, ringing in the ears, loss of taste and appetite, gastrointestinal upset, and diarrhea in those taking this herb. Devil’s claw may affect levels of acid in the gastrointestinal tract and should be avoided by people with gastric (stomach) or duodenal (intestinal) ulcers. Devil’s claw should be used cautiously in patients with gallstones.

Devil’s claw may change the rate and force of heartbeats (chronotropic and inotropic effects). Individuals with heart disease or arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) should consult their cardiologist or primary care physician before taking devil’s claw.

In theory, devil’s claw may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

In theory, devil’s claw may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Patients may need to stop taking devil’s claw before some surgeries, and should discuss this with their primary healthcare provider.

Devil’s claw products may be contaminated with other herbs, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, or drugs.

For more information please visit Medline Plus/Devil’s Claw.

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com