devil’s claw

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:

devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a medicinal plant native to Southern Africa known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The mechanism of action of devil’s claw is believed to involve several components working together to provide its therapeutic effects. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, studies suggest that devil’s claw’s activity may be due to its unique combination of iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and phytosterols.

The iridoid glycosides, including harpagoside and procumbide, are the main active constituents of devil’s claw. These compounds are thought to inhibit key enzymes involved in inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), responsible for producing inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. devil’s claw may reduce inflammation and associated pain by inhibiting these enzymes.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, devil’s claw is believed to have analgesic properties. It may block pain signals by acting on opioid receptors in the central nervous system, reducing pain perception.

devil’s claw has a broad spectrum of activity. Traditional uses and scientific evidence support its effectiveness in managing various conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain, and other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly used as a herbal remedy for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation and is often taken orally as capsules, tablets, or teas.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined

GI upset

Headache

Taste loss

Bradycardia

Black Box Warning

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution:

Contraindications:

• Allergy or hypersensitivity: Individuals allergic or hypersensitive to devil’s claw or any of its components should avoid its use.
• Gastric or duodenal ulcers: devil’s claw may increase stomach acid secretion, which could potentially worsen symptoms of gastric or duodenal ulcers. It should be used with caution or avoided in individuals with a history of these conditions.
• Gallstones or bile duct obstruction: devil’s claw may stimulate bile production, potentially worsening symptoms in individuals with gallstones or bile duct obstruction. It should be used with caution or avoided in individuals with these conditions.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: devil’s claw should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating individuals unless directed by a healthcare professional.
• Children: devil’s claw is not recommended for use in children under 18, as safety and efficacy have not been well established in this population.
• Bleeding disorders: devil’s claw may have antiplatelet effects and could potentially increase the risk of bleeding. It should be used cautiously in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
• Interactions with medications: devil’s claw may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antacids.

Caution:

• Dosage and duration: devil’s claw should be used according to the recommended dosage and duration as indicated on the product label or as a qualified healthcare professional prescribes.
• Quality and source of product: The quality and source of devil’s claw products can vary, as the herbal supplement is available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, teas, and extracts.
• Underlying health conditions: If you have any underlying health conditions, such as gastric or duodenal ulcers, gallstones, liver or kidney disease, bleeding disorders, or other chronic health conditions
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Due to limited safety data, devil’s claw should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant, it is best to avoid using devil’s claw unless directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
• Allergy or hypersensitivity: It should be avoided if you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to devil’s claw or any of its components.
• Interactions with medications: devil’s claw may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antacids.
• Adverse effects: Although devil’s claw is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, or skin rash.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: N/A

Lactation: N/A

Pregnancy Category:

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:

The pharmacology of devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is complex and poorly understood. Devil’s claw contains various bioactive compounds believed to contribute to its medicinal properties, including iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, and flavonoids.

The iridoid glycosides, particularly harpagoside, are the primary active components of devil’s claw. Harpagoside has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may contribute to its traditional use for relieving pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and musculoskeletal pain.

devil’s claw also contains other bioactive compounds such as verbascoside, procumbide, and acteoside, which may also exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.

The exact mechanism of action of the devil’s claw is not fully understood, but it is believed to exert its effects through multiple pathways. It has been suggested that devil’s claw may inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), thereby reducing the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. devil’s claw may also modulate the immune response and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines.

Pharmacodynamics:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: devil’s claw has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may be attributed to its iridoid glycoside content, particularly harpagoside. Harpagoside is thought to inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which produce inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. By reducing the production of these inflammatory mediators, devil’s claw may help to decrease inflammation and relieve associated symptoms, such as pain and swelling.
• Analgesic effects: devil’s claw is known for its analgesic properties, which may be related to its ability to modulate pain pathways. It is believed that devil’s claw may interact with pain receptors in the body, reducing the perception of pain signals and providing pain relief. Additionally, devil’s claw may inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are known to sensitize pain receptors and contribute to the sensation of pain.
• Muscle relaxant effects: devil’s claw has been shown to possess mild muscle relaxant properties, which may help to relieve muscle spasms and tension associated with musculoskeletal conditions. The exact mechanism of this effect is not fully understood, but it is believed that devil’s claw may act on the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle contractions and promoting muscle relaxation.
• Antioxidant effects: devil’s claw contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which are molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells. By reducing oxidative stress, devil’s claw may have a protective effect on cells and tissues, and may contribute to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption

devil’s claw is usually consumed orally as a dietary supplement or herbal tea. The active constituents of devil’s claw, including harpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide, are poorly soluble in water, which may affect their absorption. However, some studies suggest that devil’s claw extracts may be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, although the bioavailability may be low due to its low solubility.

Distribution

Once absorbed, devil’s claw constituents may be distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Some studies suggest that devil’s claw’s active constituents may accumulate in inflamed tissues due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Metabolism

devil’s claw is metabolized in the liver by various enzymes, including glucuronidation and sulfation. Harpagoside, one of the major active constituents of devil’s claw, is known to undergo hydrolysis to harpagide, which is metabolized to various compounds such as harpagogenin and harpagide-6-O-glucoside. These metabolites may have different pharmacological activities compared to the original constituents.

Elimination and Excretion

devil’s claw and its metabolites are excreted primarily through feces and urine. Some studies suggest that the elimination half-life of devil’s claw constituents may range from a few hours to several days, depending on the specific compound and dose.

Adminstartion

Administration:

• Oral capsules or tablets: devil’s claw is often available as capsules or tablets taken orally with water. The recommended dosage may vary depending on the product and the intended use. It’s essential to follow the dosing instructions provided by the manufacturer or as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
• Herbal tea: devil’s claw can be brewed as a tea by steeping the herb in hot water for a certain period, usually around 5-10 minutes. The resulting tea can be consumed orally. However, it’s worth noting that the devil’s claw has a bitter taste, which may not be palatable to everyone.
• Tinctures: devil’s claw tinctures are liquid extracts made by soaking the devil’s claw in a solvent, such as alcohol or glycerin, for some time to extract its active constituents. Tinctures are typically taken orally using a dropper, and the dosage can be adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions or as a qualified healthcare professional recommends.

Topical creams or gels: devil’s claw extracts can also be found in topical formulations, such as creams or gels, applied to the skin over the affected area.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet

Generic Name: devil’s claw

Why do we use devil’s claw?

devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a medicinal herb native to southern Africa, known for its potential health benefits. It has been used traditionally for a variety of purposes, and its primary uses include:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: devil’s claw is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body. It has been used to relieve symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. devil’s claw is thought to work by inhibiting certain enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, thereby reducing inflammation and associated pain.
• Analgesic properties: devil’s claw is believed to have analgesic properties, which may help to alleviate pain. It has been used to relieve various types of pain, including joint, muscle, and back pain. devil’s claw is thought to work by acting on pain receptors in the body and reducing pain perception.
• Digestive health: devil’s claw has been used traditionally as a digestive tonic to help improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating and discomfort. It is believed to have a bitter taste that may stimulate digestive juices and promote healthy digestion.

Appetite stimulant: devil’s claw has been used as an appetite stimulant, particularly in traditional African medicine, to help increase appetite and improve overall nutrition.