Devil's claw is a shrub native to Africa. It has red flowers and its root is used to make medicine. Its botanical name, harpagophytum, means "hook plant" in Greek, according to the National Institutes of Health. Devil's claw is used for several conditions, including back pain, but there are precautions for you to know about first. Herbal remedies should not replace traditional medical care. It is important to consult your doctor before taking devil's claw.
History
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, devil's claw has been used in Africa for thousands of years to treat pain and pregnancy complications, as well as in topical ointments for sores and other skin problems. It was introduced to Europe in the early 1900s, where the dried roots were used to relieve heartburn, restore appetite and reduce pain and inflammation. Today, devil's claw is used for arthritis and lower back pain, according to the UMMC.
Back Pain
Studies suggest that devil's claw may help relieve lower back pain, although study results have been somewhat conflicting, according to the UMMC. Devil's claw helped relieve mild-to-moderate back pain after four weeks of treatment in a small study, says the UMMC. Devil's claw also helped relieve chronic lower back pain in a larger study of men and women. Individuals taking a commercialized devil's claw extract daily for 30 days reported less pain, according to the UMMC.
Constituents
According to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, an analysis of commercial devil's claw products revealed a variety of chemical components. These include flavonoids, phytosterols and phenolic acids, which are beneficial plant substances with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress by binding to and neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules resulting from energy metabolism. Free radicals can damage your cells and tissues as they seek to pair their electrons.
Precautions
According to the UMMC, devils claw is non-toxic and considered safe. There are no known side effects at recommended doses when used short-term. However, you may experience gastrointestinal issues if you take high doses. Long-term effects of devil's claw are not well known, and long-term toxicity evidence is lacking. Use caution if you have gallstones or ulcers. Devil's claw may interact with medications, so it is important to consult your doctor first. You should not take devil's claw if you are pregnant or nursing, unless directed by your doctor, says the UMMC.
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