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Nutrimartus
DEVIL'S CLAW
COMMON NAME : Devil's Claw
LATIN NAME :Harpogophytum procumbens
ACTIVE SUBSTANCES: Iridoid glycosides (harpogoside, harpagide, and procumbine), sugars, gum resin, Beta-sitosterol
DESCRIPTION :Devil's Claw derives its name from its large hooked, claw-like fruit which has been known to harm and trap livestock grazing nearby. The tuber is used medicinally and has become a primary treatment for arthritis and rheumatism. In the Kalahari Desert and Namibian steppes, the root is also used as a treatment for indigestion and other gastro-intestinal problems in the same manner as Western bitters are used. Devil's claw is also used externally as an ointment to treat skin rashes, wounds, etc.
PHYSIOLOGY : Two components of the plant, harpogoside and beta sitosterol have anti-inflammatory properties. Whole Devil's Claw however was found to be superior to isolated harpogoside. Devil's Claw also possesses a bitter value of 6,000 equivalent to gentian root, the main western bitter.
ACTIVE PROPERTIES : Devil's Claw has been used in Africa and German medical clinics for liver, gall bladder, and kidney ailments, lymphatic system toxicity, diabetes, nervous malaise, respiratory ailments, blood diseases, and indigestion. Most clinical studies have shown that this plant has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is extremely helpful for sufferers of arthritis and inflammatory diseases. Devil's claw was reported helpful to reduce swelling relieve pain, improve motility in the joints, and improved feeling of well-being. The British Herbal Pharmacopoea recognizes Devil's Claw as having anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, sedative, and diuretic properties. In addition Devil's Claw has proved effective in treating such complaints as dyspepsia and conditions relating to the proper functioning of bile salts, the gallbladder, and the enterohepatic circuit.
HISTORICAL USES :
• Arthritis, gout, rheumatism, gout, spondylosis-induced lower back pain
• Inflammation, analgesic, sedative, anti-spasmodic
• Relieve pain and swelling
• Edema, water retention
• Indigestion, upset stomach, dyspepsia, bile salt problems
• Liver, gallbladder, and kidney ailments
• Elevated blood sugar
• Sluggish immune systems
DIRECTIONS FOR USE : 100 mg/day of 5% standardized extract
TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRA-INDICATIONS : Side effects are rare. Devil's Claw should be avoided during pregnancy as it has been suggested to stimulate uterine muscle. Devil's Claw has extremely low toxicity with the LD50 established at 34 mg./kg. and 220 mg./kg.
