2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49
Devil's claw: medicinal properties and contraindications
What is the devil's claw?
Devil's Claw - This plant native to South Africa, scientifically known as Harpagophytum, got its dark name from the presence of hook-shaped formations on the fruit. Alternative medicine uses Devil's Claw Root to treat arthritis, stomach upset, fever and pain.
Devil's Claw (Latin name Harpagophytum procumbens) in Western literature - Devil's Claw. Active substances are found in large quantities in the root of the plant, which is used as a natural food supplement.
Content:
- The healing properties of the devil's claw
- Side effects, interactions with other medications
- Permissible dosage
- Instead of a conclusion
The healing properties of the devil's claw
At the root of the devil's claw, iridoid glycosidic compounds are found, which have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. In the course of research, the antioxidant effect of iridoid glycosides was established. Experimental results have shown that active phytocompounds protect tissue cells from the negative effects of free radicals. The data obtained served as a reason for further study of the devil's claw as a remedy for the treatment of diseases accompanied by an inflammatory process - arthritis and gout. Later it was found that drugs, which are based on the root of the devil's claw, can reduce weight.
Phytopreparations containing prostrate harpagophytum are produced in various dosage forms - capsules, powders, infusions. Devil's claw is a component of various herbal formulations.
Anti-inflammatory effect
The body reacts to internal and external pathological factors by developing inflammation. This is a natural immunological response to a violation of the integrity of tissues, organs and the constancy of the internal environment. Infectious diseases, injuries are the most common causes of signs of inflammation.
In case of inflammation, the body activates its protective functions, protecting itself from harm. This is beneficial in some acute conditions, but chronic inflammation tends to impair human health. The chronic inflammatory process causes the appearance of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and brain disorders. Symptoms of inflammation are common in some bowel disorders, gout and arthritis.
To study the anti-inflammatory properties of the devil's claw, a number of experiments have been carried out with the participation of animals. A study in mice led to the conclusion that iridoid glycosides inhibit the pathogenic properties of cytokines - specific molecules responsible for the onset of inflammatory processes.
Laboratory studies of the properties of the devil's claw continue to this day. The first results already allow us to hope for the creation of effective alternative drugs for the treatment of diseases characterized by inflammation.
For the treatment of osteoarthritis
Medical observations in the United States have shown that more than 30 million adults in the country suffer from the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis. The disease is characterized by gradual abrasion of the hyaline cartilage covering the articular surface of the bones. The bones begin to rub against each other, which leads to the formation of edema, limited mobility, and pain in the joints.
To confirm the effectiveness of the use of the devil's claw in patients with osteoarthritis, a study was conducted involving 122 patients with injuries of the knee and hip joints. Reception of the devil's claw at a dosage of 2610 mg allowed to reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome. The analgesic effect is achieved by the action of phytocomponents of the plant, which are similar to diacerein - the main drug for the treatment of joint pain. [1]
In another study, devil's claw was used along with turmeric and bromelain. The participants in the experiment - 43 patients with chronic osteoarthritis - were offered the combined composition for 2 months. After this time, it was found that the pain sensation decreased by 46%. [2]
The study of the analgesic properties of the devil's claw in the treatment of osteoarthritis continues to this day. Researchers are analyzing the composition of an element similar to diacerein to create an effective pharmacological drug.
Read More: 10 Natural Remedies for Arthritis
In the treatment of gout
Gout, a common form of arthritis that is often disabling, can cause death. The disease is characterized by the destruction of the joints. The toes, ankle and knee joints are especially affected. With gout, there is a specific redness of the skin over the articular surfaces, pronounced swelling, soreness.
The cause of the disease lies in a pathological increase in the level of uric acid in the blood, formed during the breakdown of purine. This substance, which has a crystalline structure, is present in some foods. Therapeutic tactics for gout involves the appointment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The well-known anti-inflammatory, analgesic qualities of the devil's claw made it possible to use it as an alternative to pharmacological agents.
It is believed that the devil's claw is able to reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood. Data supporting this hypothesis comes from studies in mice. It has been found that high dosages of prostrate harpagophytum reduce uric acid levels. Data on the effect of the devil's claw on the human body as a treatment for gout are not yet available.
Read more: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Gout
Back pain relief
Painful sensations in the spine are familiar to almost the entire adult population. Low back pain comes out on top - 80% of cases. Given the ability of the devil's claw to treat signs of inflammation, there is a possibility that it will have an analgesic effect for lower back pain. This is possible thanks to harpagosides - active phytocomponents of the plant.
Scientists have performed a study to study the properties of the harpagoside extract. The experiment involved two groups of patients - one was given a devil's claw drug, and the other - a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug "Viox". After 6 weeks, the results of the experiment were evaluated. Patients in the group receiving harpagosides reported a 23% reduction in pain. In the Viox group, the subjects experienced a 26% reduction in the intensity of painful sensations. [3]
In two other medical studies, conducted independently of each other, patients were asked to take 50-100 grams of harpagosides every day. It was concluded that the devil's claw significantly reduces pain.
Considering the effect of harpagosides, scientists are considering the devil's claw as an alternative treatment for pain in the lumbar spine. A number of scientific experiments are being carried out to confirm the analgesic effect.
Read more: Back pain
For weight loss
In addition to having an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, devil's claw is able to suppress hunger. This occurs when active plant substances interact with ghrelin, a peptide hormone responsible for appetite. Ghrelin is synthesized by cells of the gastrointestinal tract, activates the brain cells that are responsible for arousing hunger.
A study aimed at studying this feature of the devil's claw was carried out in mice. The animals that received the prostrate harpagophytum consumed much less food over the next four hours, compared to the placebo group.
The effect of the devil root on suppressing hunger in animals is of interest for human trials. But at the moment, such studies are not carried out due to the lack of information about the effect on humans.
Read More: List of Effective Weight Loss Diets
Side effects, interactions with other medications
There is reliable evidence that the devil's claw at a dose of 2610 mg does not cause unpleasant symptoms. Data on the use of the tool for a long time have not yet been received.
Side effects include:
- Dyspeptic disorders.
- Allergies.
- Headache.
- Cough.
There are a number of diseases, the symptoms of which can be aggravated by the use of the devil's claw:
- Cardiovascular disease. The devil's claw can cause irregularities in the heart rhythm, surges in blood pressure.
- Diabetes mellitus. Phytocomponents can interact with antidiabetic drugs, reduce the amount of glucose in the blood.
- Gallstone disease. Devil's claw activates the synthesis of bile, aggravates symptoms in the presence of stones in the gallbladder.
- Stomach ulcer. The consumption of the devil's claw increases the acidity of the gastric juice. This can aggravate the course of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Devil's claw can adversely affect the body in combination treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, agents that lower the acidity of gastric juice.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Devil's claw suppresses the action of NSAIDs (Motrin, Voltaren, Velden, Celebrex).
- Anticoagulants. Devil's claw enhances the effect of anticoagulants, causing bleeding, hematomas (Coumadin).
- Antacids. The devil's claw inhibits the effect of drugs that reduce the concentration of acid in gastric juice (Famotidine, Omeprazole, Zantac, Lansoprazole).
Before you start taking Devil's Claw, you should consult with your doctor. Only a doctor can approve the supplement if you are undergoing any pharmacological treatment.
Permissible dosage
Devil's claw supplements come in the form of capsules, tablets, powder, extract. Before starting the intake, you should study the content of active elements - harpagosides.
For the treatment of osteoarthritis, lumbar pain syndrome, it is recommended to take the devil's claw at a dosage of 600 to 2610 mg per day. Harpagoside extract in an amount of 50-100 mg meets these recommendations.
For osteoporosis, devil's claw is prescribed in the form of an AINAT supplement. The composition of the drug includes: 300 mg of prostrate harpagophytum, 200 mg of turmeric, 150 mg of bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme that is effective against inflammation.
All studies using the devil root were conducted for no more than 12 months. The short duration of the experiments made it possible to verify the safety of the 2610 mg dose of the devil's claw. If you have diabetes, any heart disorder, kidney stones, or stomach ulcers, taking a devil's claw may exacerbate the symptoms of these diseases.
When treating with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, antacids, it should be remembered that the devil's claw can interact with them. This will lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of pharmacological agents.
Instead of a conclusion
Preparations that contain devil's claw extract are able to reduce pain, eliminate symptoms of inflammation in arthritis, gout. Phytoextracts restore joint mobility, eliminate puffiness. In addition, the devil's claw affects the production of hormones responsible for the occurrence of hunger, suppresses appetite.
Numerous studies have led to the conclusion that a safe dosage of devil's claw is acceptable in the amount of 600-2610 mg per day. There are no official medical recommendations on this matter.
If you adhere to the recommended dosage, the likelihood of developing side effects is extremely small. It is necessary to take into account the presence of some somatic diseases, the intake of certain groups of drugs, so as not to aggravate symptoms or reduce the therapeutic effect. Before using dietary supplements with a devil's claw, you should consult with your doctor to assess the likelihood of negative consequences.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
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