Devil’s Claw – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Devil’s claw is an herb, this plant gets its name from the appearance of its fruit, which is covered with hooks intended to attach itself to animals. In order to scatter the seeds. The roots and tubers of the plant are used to make medicine.

Devil ‘s Claw root has been used medicinally for thousands of years by the San and Khoi people of the Kalahari Desert. Ancient African healers would use this root to treat a wide spectrum of complaints, ranging from pain during childbirth, fevers, sores and joint pain to its most common application of indigestion.

Around 1906 it was discovered by Western medicine in the form of a German colonial soldier, GH Mehnert, who spent the next 40 years studying the properties of this fascinating and powerful herb. Also, nowadays, Devil’s Claw is a popular natural remedy in some parts of Europe, especially France and Germany .

What is the Devil’s Claw for?

Devil’s Claw is an herb that has many health benefits. In addition, as we have seen, it is a plant that belongs to the Kalahari desert and is used in several European countries for its effectiveness in combating and preventing various types of ailments. Now, take a closer look at some of the health benefits of Devil’s Claw .

Health Benefits of Devil’s Claw:

Treat Arthritis Pain:

Devil’s Claw has been studied extensively for the pain relief it can provide to arthritis and osteoarthritis sufferers. In addition, a set of studies were carried out to test the analgesic effects of the plant. The results showed that this herb is effective in decreasing pain in osteoarthritis of the knee and hip; however, the mechanism by which it does so is not well understood.

Improves Digestive Health:

Known as a powerful digestive tonic, the flavonoids and phytosterols found in the herb are antioxidants , choleretics (stimulate bile production), and antispasmodics that help maintain overall digestive health. It can provide considerable relief from heartburn as it soothes inflammation caused by acid reflux.

Weight loss:

In a study conducted at the University College of Cork in Ireland, it was shown that Devil’s Claw can slow down or even stop the production of the “hunger hormone” ghrelin. This herb may be helpful for weight loss in suppressing hunger if overeating is a problem, and may make it a promising treatment for “Beding Disorder”.

Wound Healing:

Devil ‘s Claw root can be applied to wounds to encourage healing. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of this herb, along with the pain relief it provides, are thought to be responsible for its traditional use as a skin healer .

How does Devil’s Claw work?

The health benefits of Devil’s Claw are likely derived from its content of iridoid glycosides. These are herbal anti-inflammatory compounds that are rich in glucose molecules in the body. The main active compound is an iridoid glucoside called harpagoside. According to ESCOP – the European Scientific Cooperative for Phytotherapy, any Devil’s Claw supplement must contain at least 1% harpagoside.

In addition to these iridoid glucosides, the herb contains various phytosterols and bioflavanoids with antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. Additionally, the antioxidant actions contribute to many of the plant’s uses, while the antispasmodic properties give the plant its ability to treat digestive issues.

France and ESCOP approved the use of Devil’s Claw for painful symptoms of arthritis and tendonitis. In addition, it has also been approved to help restore appetite and treat dyspepsia .

Devil’s Claw Side Effects:

Devil’s Claw is possibly safe for most adults when taken by mouth in appropriate doses for up to one year. Also, the most common side effect is diarrhea . About 8% of people who participated in a research study developed diarrhea .