Loew, D., Mollerfeld, J., Schrodter, A., Puttkammer, S., and Kaszkin, M. Investigations on the pharmacokinetic properties of Harpagophytum extracts and their effects on eicosanoid biosynthesis in vitro and ex vivo. Clin.Pharmacol.Ther. 2001;69(5):356-364. View abstract.

Hagiwara H, Seki T, Ariga T. The effect of pre-germinated brown rice intake on blood glucose and PAI-1 levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2004;68:444-7. View abstract. Tunmann P and Bauersfeld HJ. Über weitere Inhaltsstoffe der Wurzel von Harpagophytum procumbens DC. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 1975;308(8):655-657. Baghdikian, B., Guiraud-Dauriac, H., Ollivier, E., N'Guyen, A., Dumenil, G., and Balansard, G. Formation of nitrogen-containing metabolites from the main iridoids of Harpagophytum procumbens and H. zeyheri by human intestinal bacteria. Planta Med 1999;65(2):164-166. View abstract. Do not take devil's claw without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:Circosta C, Occhiuto F, Ragusa S, et al. A drug used in traditional medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. II. Cardiovascular activity. J Ethnopharmacol 1984;11:259-74. View abstract. This is significant because when TNF-alpha is overactivated, chronic inflammation can occur and lead to a variety of diseases. In fact, inhibition of TNF-alpha is a major subject of study in the prevention of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatic disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ( 19 ) 6. Rich in Antioxidants According to WebMD, people with heart problems, hypertension, low blood pressure, diabetes, gallstones or peptic ulcer disease should avoid devil’s claw. There is at least some evidence that it could affect these conditions. So if you take devil’s claw and have one of these conditions, you should be closely monitored by your health care provider.

Chrubasik S and Eisenberg E. Treatment of rheumatic pain with Kampo medicine in Europe. The Pain Clinic 1999;11(3):171. Gallstones: Devil's claw might increase bile production. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Avoid using devil's claw. In fact, some research suggests that some of the anti-inflammatory benefits of devil’s claw may actually be the result of these antioxidants because of the way they work hand-in-hand. ( 21 ) 7. May Aid in Digestion A fairly large body of research has been done on the ability of devil’s claw to relieve arthritis pain. Results show that it likely does relieve this pain.Current research indicates that devil’s claw can help to inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine (cell-signaling protein) that is involved in the normal inflammation that occurs in the body as it regulates the immune system. ( 18 ) Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury and infection. When you cut your finger, bang your knee or come down with the flu, your body responds by activating your immune system ( 6). Chrubasik S, Sporer F, Wink M, and et al. Zum wirkstoffgehalt in arzneimitteln aus harpagophytum procumbens. Forsch Komplementärmed 1996;3:57-63.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 30 million adults in the US ( 15). Jadot G and Lecomte A. Activite anti-inflammatoire d'Harpagophytum procumbens DC. Lyon Mediteranee Med Sud-Est 1992;28:833-835.Devil’s claw appears to be safe when taken in doses up to 2,610 mg daily, though long-term effects have not been investigated ( 29). Devil’s claw benefits may also include weight management, reducing chronic inflammation and preventing oxidative stress. Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Devil's claw can increase stomach acid. Taking devil's claw might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors. Devil’s claw can be found as a concentrated extract, capsule, tablet or powder. It’s also used as an ingredient in herbal teas. Also, some researchers suggest it may reduce uric acid, though the scientific evidence is limited. In one study, high doses of devil’s claw decreased uric acid levels in mice ( 21, 22).