Devil's Claw Root - For Inflammation

[1984]

Several months back, I was 'officially' diagnosed with moderate osteoarthritis (OA) in my spine, neck and shoulders (the majority of arthritis stems from an almost fatal car accident 30+ years ago). I have been living in pain for many years, trying everything non-drug related to ease the pain and not having much luck (with the exception of temporary as in heat, FAR, etc.) Of course, the diet change to dairy free, gluten free, etc. really seemed to help a lot but not enough to the degree that I wasn't in pain every day.

Since Burdock Root has been mentioned here by Laura, I bought some from my herbalist. I tried it for 2 months but haven't had much luck with it. 2 weeks ago, I asked my herbalist what else I could try. She suggested Devil's Claw Root and that she uses it with much success for her OA. I told her I hadn't heard of that (and I've studied herbology a bit). She said it was less known because it if from Africa, and that there is no build up or toxicity levels to concern me with, she suggested I try it, saying the results should be felt within the first day or so.

After doing some web research, and not finding any negative notations about it, I bought an ounce of the powder (US$2.25). I was to use 1/4 teaspoon 3x daily. Since it was in powder form, I just mixed it in a little water and drank it down. It doesn't have a bitter taste so it's a breeze to take. From day one, I could tell a big difference in the level of pain. In fact, I could compare the results to taking a mild prescription pain pill as far as the level of relief. I stopped taking it for 5 days to see if in fact it was the reason I was in less pain. My pain came back almost immediately, so I started it back up and again am in better shape again.

I am very pleased with the results so am posting it for others that may benefit.

Here's a bit about the herb:

Devil's Claw Root

Overview:
Native to southern Africa, devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a shrub that has lush foilage and red flowers. The plant gets its name from the miniature hooks that cover its fruit. For thousands of years, the Khoisan peoples of Madagascar and the Kalahari Desert have used devil's claw root in remedies to treat pain and complications of pregnancy and in topical ointments to heal sores, boils, and other skin problems. Since its introduction to Europe from Africa in the early 1900s, dried roots have been used to restore appetite, relieve heartburn, and reduce pain and inflammation. Today, devil's claw is used for degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis, for low back pain, and as an appetite stimulant and digestive tonic. Scientific evidence supports the use of devil's claw root to help relieve pain and inflammation in people with arthritis and other painful disorders.

Plant Description:
Devil's claw does not have an odor, but it contains substances that make it taste bitter. It is a leafy perennial with branching roots and shoots. It has secondary roots, called tubers, that grow out of the main roots. The roots and tubers are used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Osteoarthritis (Note by me: some sites I've seen reference that it is good for rheumatoid arthritis as well)
Studies have found that taking devil's claw for several months substantially reduces pain and improves physical functioning in people with osteoarthritis. A 4-month study, including 122 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis, examined the effects of devil's claw root powder on pain. The devil's claw supplement reduced pain and improved functional ability as effectively as standard doses of a leading European medication for osteoarthritis. In addition, those who received devil's claw experienced fewer side effects and required fewer pain-reducing medications throughout the study.

Another study found that devil's claw supplementation was effective in patients with rheumatic diseases (arthrosis and low back pain). Seventy-five patients with hip or knee arthritis were given devil's claw, 2,400 mg daily, corresponding to 50 mg of harpagosides, for 12 weeks. The dosage provided a significant reduction of pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Only 2 cases of possible adverse drug reactions were reported (complaints of indigestion and a sensation of fullness).

Back and neck pain
Although study results have been somewhat conflicting, evidence suggests that devil's claw may help relieve low back and neck pain. In a small study of 63 people with mild-to-moderate back, neck, or shoulder pain, 4 weeks of treatment with a standardized extract of devil's claw root provided moderate relief from muscle pain. In a larger study of 197 men and women with chronic low back pain, those who received daily doses of a commercialized devil's claw extract every day for a month reported experiencing less pain and needing fewer painkilling medications than those who received placebo.

Another study followed 73 patients. Thirty-eight patients took a standardized devil's claw supplement, while 35 taking the COX-2 inhibitor medicine rofecoxib, also known as Celebrex, for up to 54 weeks. Results inidicated that devil's claw was as effective in relieving pain as the rofecoxib.

Other uses
In addition to the treatment of these and other painful disorders, many professional herbalists consider devil's claw to be useful for upset stomach, loss of appetite, headaches, allergies, and fever. Topical preparations of devil's claw are also applied to the surface of the skin to heal sores, ulcers, boils, and skin lesions.

What's It Made Of?:
Devil's claw contains iridoid glycosides, components believed to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Harpagoside (one type of iridoid) is highly concentrated in devil's claw root and has been reported in some laboratory studies to have significant pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Available Forms:

Devil's claw is available as dried or fresh root supplements and is found in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and topical ointments. Teas (infusions) can also be made from dried devil's claw root.
How to Take It:

Pediatric
There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of devil's claw. Therefore, it is not currently recommended for children.

Adult
* Standardized dose: 600 - 1,200 mg, standardized to contain 50 - 100 mg of harpagoside, 3 times daily
* Dried tuber or dried root powder: 100 - 250 mg, 3 times daily
* Capsules containing dried root powder: 100 - 250 mg, 3 times daily
* Liquid extract (1:1 in 25 % alcohol): 2 - 7 drops, 3 times daily
* Tincture (1:5 in 25 % alcohol): 10 - 30 drops, 3 times daily
* Tea (Decoction): Boil 1/3 - 1 (1.5 - 4 gm) teaspoonful in water. Strain and drink, 1 - 3 times daily.

Precautions:
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach for strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Devil's claw is nontoxic and safe, with virtually no side effects if taken at the recommended therapeutic dose for short periods of time. However, high doses can cause mild gastrointestinal problems in some individuals, and it is not clear whether devil's claw becomes toxic if taken for long periods of time.

Individuals with stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or gallstones should not take devil's claw unless recommended by a health care provider.

Safety of devil's claw for pregnant and breastfeeding women is not known. Therefore, it should be avoided during those times unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
Possible Interactions:

Warfarin and Other Blood-Thinning Medications -- Devil's claw may interact with a blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin) and cause bruising or bleeding disorders. For this reason, individuals taking warfarin or other blood-thinners should not use devil's claw without first talking to a health care provider.

Other Potential Interactions -- ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diabetes medicines, diuretics, herbs with blood-thinning effects.
Alternative Names:

Grapple plant; Harpagophytum procumbens; Wood spider

* Reviewed last on: 10/27/2008
* Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Supporting Research
Baghdikian B, Lanhers M, Fleurentin J, et al. An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri. Planta Med. 1997;63:171-176.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:84-87.

Brendler T, Gruenwald J, Ulbricht C, Basch E; Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(1):89-126.

Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Review of Efficacy and Safety. J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(10):981-93.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998:66.

Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, Guedon D, Vandermander J, Fournie B. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(3):177-83.

Chrubasik S, Junck H, Breitschwerdt H, Conradt C, Zappe H. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extract WS 1531 in the treatment of exacerbation of low back pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 1999;16(2):118-129.

Chrubasik S, Sporer F, Dillmann-Marschner R, Friedmann A, Wink M. Physiochemical properties of harpagoside and its in vitro release from Harpagophytum procumbens extract tablets. Phytomedicine. 2000;6(6):469-473.

Chrubasik S, Pollak S, Black A. Effectiveness of devil's claw for osteoarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2002;41(11):1332-3

Chrubasik S. [Devil's claw extract as an example of the effectiveness of herbal analgesics]. Orthopade. 2004;33(7):804-8.

Denner SS. A review of the efficacy and safety of devil's claw for pain associated with degenerative musculoskeletal diseases, rheumatoid, and osteoarthritis. Holist Nurs Pract. 2007;21(4):203-7.

Ernst E, Chrubasik S. Phyto anti-inflammatories. A systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2000;26(1):13-27.

Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal. 4th ed. New York: The Haworth Herbal Press; 1999:139-140.

Gagnier JJ, van Tulder MW, Berman B, Bombardier C. Herbal medicine for low back pain: a Cochrane review. Spine. 2007;32(1):82-92.

Gobel H, Heinze A, Ingwersen M, Niederberger U, Gerber D. Effects of Harpagophytum procumbens LI 174 (devil's claw) on sensory, motor und vascular muscle reagibility in the treatment of unspecific back pain. [German] Schmerz. 2001;15(1):10-18.

Grant L, McBean DE, Fyfe L, Warnock AM. A review of the biological and potential therapeutic actions of Harpagophytum procumbens. Phytother Res. 2007;21(3):199-209.

Gregory P, Sperry M, Friedman Wilson A. Dietary supplements for osteoarthritis. Am Fam Phys. 2008;77(2): 177-84.

Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000;57(13):1221-7.

Izzo AA, Di Carlo G, Borrelli F, Ernst E. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and herbal medicines: the risk of drug interaction. Int J Cardiol. 2005;98(1):1-14.

Lanhers MC, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, Vinche A, Younos C. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum procumbens. Planta Med. 1992;58:117-123.

Laudahn D, Walper A. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum extract LI 174 in patients with chronic non-radicular back pain. Phytother Res. 2001;15(7):621-4.

LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide. Hudson, OH:LexiComp; 2000: 422-423.

Leblan D, Chantre P, 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.

Moussard C, Alber D, Toubin M, Thevenon N, Henry JC. A drug used in traditional medicine, Harpagophytum procumbens: no evidence for NSAID-like effect on whole blood eicosanoid production in human. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1992;46:283-286.

Na HK, Mossanda KS, Lee JY, Surh YJ. Inhibition of phorbol ester-induced COX-2 expression by some edible African plants. Biofactors. 2004;21(1-4):149-53.

Occhiuto F, Circosta C, Ragusa S, Ficarra P, Costa De Pasquale R. A drug used in traditional medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. IV. Effects on some isolated muscle preparations. J Ethnopharmacol. 1985;13:201-208.

Rotblatt M, Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc; 2002:149-153.

Soulimani R, Younos C, Mortier F, et al. The role of stomach digestion on the pharmacological activity of plant extracts, using as an example extracts of Harpagophytum procumbens. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1994;72(12):1532-1536.

Wegener T, Lupke NP. Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract of devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC.). Phytother Res. 2003;17(10):1165-72.

Wegener T. [Degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system--overview of current clinical studies of Devil's Claw (Harpagophyti radix)]. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(15-16):389-92.

Whitehouse L, Znamirowski 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;129:249-251.

 

[Jacques]

Thank you 1984 for letting us know about that wonderful herb.

Really happy to read that your health has improved.

 

[1984]

Indeed, Gandalf - I am finding it to be very effective - it is wonderful to have found something that is not evil as we know NSAIDS are. My medical doctor (who I had to go to get updated spine and neck x-rays) just INSISTED I take Celebrex. He just laughed when I said I'd heard some pretty bad things about NSAIDS - he said, "well, they work, and the side effects aren't that bad". Instead of even trying to discuss it further with him, I took the prescription (didn't get it filled) and went to see my herbalist (Kathy) right away!

On a serious note, my herbalist' mother (86 years old) had been given Celebrex for her severe OA (unbeknownst to Kathy) and developed severe colitis in under 3 months of use. Kathy, in 6 weeks, got her mother off Celebrex, instituted a diet GF and dairy free, and had her start taking Devil's Claw Root. In under 6 weeks, her mom's colitis was eliminated and she is in much better health. Of course, the diet is a big reason she got it under control, but for the pain of her OA, her mom is doing very well with taking the herb and is mostly pain free.


For those that may be unaware:

What Are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs -- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- are a common treatment for ailments, such as joint pain, related to inflammation. They relieve pain, reduce swelling, and lower fevers.

Examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs are:

* Aspirin (Bayer, St. Joseph, and Ecotrin)
* Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
* Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis KT)
* Naproxen (Aleve)

There are also prescription strength NSAIDS. Some examples are Daypro, Indocin, Lodine, Naprosyn, Relafen, and Voltaren.

Cox-2 inhibitors are a newer form of prescription NSAID. Celebrex is the only one of these drugs still on the market. Two others -- Bextra and Vioxx -- are no longer sold because of concerns about their side effects.

What Are the Side Effects of NSAIDs?

The side effects -- and benefits -- of different NSAIDs vary. Here's a rundown of some of the more important risks.

* Heart attacks and strokes. Experts believe that all NSAIDs -- except aspirin -- have the potential to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Celebrex may be the most likely to cause these effects. However, aspirin can lower the risks of heart attacks and strokes because it reduces the risk of blood clots.

* High blood pressure. All NSAIDs have the potential to raise high blood pressure. However, because aspirin has such good effects on the cardiovascular system, you doctor may ask that you take it especially if you are at risk for heart attack or stroke.

* Heartburn, ulcers, and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Most NSAIDs increase the risk of GI problems. Celebrex is the NSAID least likely to cause problems because it was designed to avoid GI side effects.

* Kidney damage. NSAIDS can be damaging to the kidneys in some people.

* Allergic reactions. NSAIDs can cause allergic reactions, resulting in wheezing, hives, facial swelling, and shock. Dangerous side effects may be more common in people with asthma, especially if they also have sinus problems or nasal polyps -- tissue growths on the inside of the nasal cavity.

Other Warnings

* Many NSAIDs are not safe for pregnant women, especially in the last three months.

* Children and teenagers should not take aspirin because it's associated with the serious disease Reye's syndrome.

* Most over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers do not mix with alcohol. If you take an NSAID, including aspirin, just one drink a week can increase your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. People who have three or more drinks a night should not use NSAIDs.