Overview

Devil’s claw is a plant with a distinctive claw-shaped fruit. Dietary supplements and teas that contain devil’s claw are made from the roots of two different plants: Harpagophytum procumbens and H. zeyheri. These products are used for pain and mild stomach problems, but their benefits for any use are not well defined. Common side effects may include diarrhea, headache, feeling off balance, or an upset stomach. Before taking devil’s claw, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is devil’s claw used for?

Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is used to help with pain in the joints and lower back. It is also sometimes used for mild stomach problems and to increase appetite. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed devil’s claw for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does devil’s claw work (mechanism of action)?

Devil’s claw refers to plants in the Harpagophytum genus that are native to Africa. Its name refers to its distinctive, hooked fruit that has a claw- or spider-like shape. Some people may also refer to it as the grapple plant or wood spider. Most devil’s claw products are made from the roots of two specific species: Harpagophytum procumbens and H. zeyheri.

Devil’s claw contains chemicals called iridoid glycosides, which were originally thought to ease swelling (inflammation). But most research shows that these chemicals may not actually reduce inflammation when taken by mouth. It is not clear whether or how they may work for any form of pain, including joint pain, osteoarthritis, or low back pain.

Some of the chemicals in devil’s claw give it a naturally bitter flavor. Historically, bitter plants have been used to increase the production of acid in the stomach. Although this is thought to help stimulate appetite and manage mild stomach problems, the benefits of devil’s claw for these uses are not well defined.

Herbal products, like devil's claw, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific devil's claw product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store devil’s claw?

You should store devil’s claw according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of devil’s claw?

The most common side effects of devil’s claw are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Feeling off balance
• Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of devil’s claw that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of devil’s claw?

While less common, the most serious side effects of devil’s claw are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Devil’s claw may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using devil’s claw and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use devil’s claw?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use devil’s claw.

• Devil’s claw
• Grapple plant
• Harpagophytum procumbens
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific devil’s claw products they stock.

What should I know about devil’s claw before using it?

Devil’s claw is available as a tea and a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep devil’s claw out of the reach of children.

If you are taking devil’s claw for pain, call your health care provider if your pain is getting worse, the painful area is also red or swollen, or the pain lasts longer than four weeks.

If you are taking devil’s claw for stomach problems, call your health care provider if your symptoms get worse or last more than two weeks.

Herbal products, such as devil's claw, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific devil's claw product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Devil's claw is available in many different forms, including as a tea, dried ground powder, capsule, or liquid extract. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

Devil's claw products may be made from two different plants: H. procumbens and H. zeyheri. But it is not clear whether these plants contain the same chemicals or have the same effects on the body. It is important to read the label to confirm which species was used to make that product.

The FDA has not tested devil’s claw products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using devil’s claw?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if devil’s claw is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney or liver problems
• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
• Stomach problems, including an ulcer

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how devil's claw could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if devil's claw passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does devil’s claw interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between devil's claw and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect devil's claw.

Does devil’s claw interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between devil’s claw and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with devil’s claw is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking devil’s claw with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much devil’s claw?

If you or someone else has used too much devil’s claw, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take devil's claw safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.