Harpagophytum procumbens or devil's claw as it's more commonly referred to is a plant native to southern Africa. The herb gets its name from the small hooks on the plant's fruit. It is also called grapple plant and wood spider. The secondary root of devil's claw is the medically active part which contains iridoid glycosides called harpagosides.

Devil's claw nutrient content includes calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc.

In Africa devil's claw has been used for centuries to treat fever, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, and conditions involving certain organs including the pancreas, gallbladder, stomach, kidneys, arteriosclerosis and menopausal symptoms.

A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported sales of devil's claw in Germany to be around $30 million euros in 2001 making it the leading prescription for rheumatism.

Several studies indicate that people suffering form osteoarthritis can reduce pain substantially and improve physical functioning by taking devil's claw over a period of several months.

One study consisting of 122 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis, that were monitored over a 4 month period showed devil's claw root powder to reduce pain and improve functional ability as effectively as standard doses of a leading medication in Europe for osteoarthritis. Moreover, fewer side effects were evident in those who took devil's claw

While results of previous studies have conflicted somewhat, certain evidence does exist which indicates low back and neck pain may be relieved with devil's claw.

In one small study, 63 people with mild to moderate back, neck, and/or shoulder pain, were treated with a standardized extract of devil's claw root for weeks and were reported to have moderate relief from muscle pain. A larger study of 197 men and women with chronic low back pain reported that participants experienced less pain and need for pain-killing medications - when given doses of a commercialized devil's claw extract every day for a month - than those who received placebo.

Devil's claw is a recommendation among many for the treatment of upset stomach, loss of appetite, fever, headaches and allergies as well.

Devil's claw is available in capsule, tincture, and tea form. It can also be applied topically to the surface of the skin to treat sores, skin lesions ulcers & boils.

* Important note: Devil's claw should not be used by women who are pregnant or by those with gastric or duodenal ulcers.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using devil's claw or any alternative therapies. The recommended doses are for those over age 18 unless otherwise stated. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.