devil's claw Health Article

Generic name(s):

devil's claw

Brand name(s):

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 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 medication guide.

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.