Devils Claw Extract
Species Name: Harpagophytum procumbens
Also Known As: Wood Spider, Grapple Plant, Devil Claw, Harpago, Uncaria Procumbens.
What Is Devils Claw Extract? Devils Claw is a plant that is found in South Africa.
The plant is native to Africa, and it is called Devils Claw because of small hooks on the fruit.
While the plant has been brought to various countries since, it thrives in this climate. The extract comes from the tubers and roots of the plant.
Home Remedies Using Devils Claw Extract:
Benefits and Uses of Devils Claw Extract:
The benefits of Devils Claw extract stem from the secondary root of the plant. This particular region features harpagosides and beta-sitosterol.
Both of these chemicals are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Others look to these particular chemicals for a sedative or diuretic purpose.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Devils Claw extracts are seen as the most important use of the plant itself.
Many will look to this particular property for general pain relief. According to reports from Medline Plus there is a current push for Devils Claw use in Europe for joint pain.
Others use Devils Claw in an attempt to reduce swelling and improve joint movement. According to Arthritis Today, after eight weeks of taking 60 mg daily, between 50 and 70 percent of people reported improvement in pain, mobility and flexibility.
There are those who use Devils Claw as a topical skin treatment. These individuals trust Devils Claw extracts to work on lesions, boils, and sores.
Some look to Devils Claw for help with urinary tract infections because of the plant’s diuretic properties.
Side Effects of Devils Claw Extract:
There are some side effects to consider with Devils Claw extract. In general, those who use Devils Claw for short periods of time in recommended dosages will not suffer from side effects.
Long periods of usage can cause gastrointestinal issues, forcing many to stick with short Devils Claw schedules.
These gastrointestinal issues can be serious for those who already suffer from gastrointestinal problems. Anyone suffering from stomach ulcers will want to avoid Devils Claw, as it will aggravate the condition.
The same goes for those suffering from gallstones and duodenal ulcers, as the herb actually promotes the creation of stomach acid.
The National Library of Medicine states one potential drug interaction found with Devils Claw is with blood-thinning medications. Those who take Warafin and Ticlopidine should avoid the herb, as it can and will react with the medication, altering its performance.
Pregnant women and nursing women are advised to avoid Devils Claw extracts because of the lack of information about the herb.
If you are thinking about using Devils Claw extract, consult your doctor. They will be able to tell you about any other potential issues that may be caused by Devils Claw.
