Devil's claw

Generic Name: devil's claw (DEH vilz CLAW)

Brand Names:

What is devil's claw?

The use of devil's claw in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Devil's claw is also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, grapple plant, and wood spider.

Devil's claw has been used most commonly for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, muscle pain, and other degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Devil's claw has also been used orally for liver and gallbladder complaints, stomach complaints, loss of appetite, and pain relief and topically as an ointment for skin injuries and disorders.

Devil's claw has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of devil's claw may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Devil's claw may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about devil's claw?

Do not take devil's claw without first talking to your doctor if you have a stomach or intestinal ulcer, diabetes, high or low blood pressure or other heart problems, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat these conditions.

Devil's claw has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of devil's claw may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking devil's claw?

Do not take devil's claw without first talking to your doctor if you have a stomach or intestinal ulcer, diabetes, high or low blood pressure or other heart problems, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat these conditions.

Before taking devil's claw, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Devil's claw may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take devil's claw without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether devil's claw will be harmful an unborn baby. Do not take devil's claw without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether devil's claw will be harmful a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of devil's claw by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take devil's claw?

The use of devil's claw in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take devil's claw, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of devil's claw with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of devil's claw with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of devil's claw can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Topical forms of devil's claw are intended for external use only. Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of devil's claw at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of devil's claw.

Store devil's claw as directed on the package. In general, devil's claw should be protected from light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra devil's claw to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking devil's claw?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Devil's claw side effects

Although rare, allergic reactions to devil's claw may occur. Stop taking devil's claw and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Other less serious side effects have also been reported infrequently. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you experience

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  headache,

  
  


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  ringing in the ears,

  
  


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  loss of appetite, or

  
  


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  loss of taste.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect devil's claw?

Interactions between devil's claw and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking devil's claw if you are taking any other medicines, vitamins, minerals, or supplements.

More devil's claw resources

• Devil's claw Side Effects (in more detail)
• Devil's claw Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Devil's claw Drug Interactions
• Devil's claw Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Devil's claw - Add your own review/rating

• Devil's Claw Natural MedFacts for Professionals (Wolters Kluwer)


• Devil's Claw Natural MedFacts for Consumers (Wolters Kluwer)


• Devil's Claw MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare devil's claw with other medications

• Gout
• Herbal Supplementation
• Infectious Gastroenteritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Skin Rash

Where can I get more information?

• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

See also: devil's claw side effects (in more detail)