How to Use Devil's Claw? Benefits and Harm

Scientifically "Harpagophytum procumbens " Devil's claw is a plant native to South Africa. Also known as "Devil's Claw", the terrifying name of the plant comes from its small hook-like fruit.

Traditionally, the roots of this herb have been used to treat a wide variety of ailments such as fever, pain, arthritis, and indigestion. 

In the article, devil's claw plantInformation about the benefits and usage of s and its supplements will be given.

What is Devil's Claw?

Devil's claw It is a flowering plant from the sesame family. Its root contains various active plant compounds and is used as an herbal supplement.

African and European traditional doctors have been around for centuries to treat digestive ailments, lower fever, relieve pain and treat certain pregnancy symptoms. devil's claw prescribed. 

Devil's clawcontains iridoid glycosides, a class of compounds that show anti-inflammatory effects.

Some studies suggest that iridoid glycosides may have antioxidant effects. This means that the plant may have the ability to capture the cell-damaging effects of unstable molecules called free radicals.

Therefore, devil's claw supplementsIt has been studied as a potential remedy for inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis and gout. In addition, pain reduction and weight loss effects were also evaluated.

Devil's claw supplements in the form of concentrated extracts and capsules or ground into a fine powder. It is also used as an ingredient in various herbal teas.

Devil's clawContains beneficial bioflavonoids and phytosterols, which are plant-based antioxidants with antispasmodic properties.

Devil's clawOther traditional uses of s include improving heart health, relieving gout symptoms, soothing heartburn, and relieving back, chest, and headache.

What Are the Benefits of Devil's Claw?

Reduces inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury and infection. When you cut your finger, pop your knee, or have the flu, the body responds by activating your immune system.

Although some inflammation is necessary to defend the body against harm, chronic inflammation is harmful to health. Ongoing research links chronic inflammation to heart disease, diabetes, and brain disorders.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) arthritis ve gout There are also conditions that are directly characterized by inflammation.

Devil's clawSince it contains iridoid glycosides, specifically plant compounds called harpagoside, it has been suggested as a potential remedy for inflammatory conditions. In test-tube and animal studies, harpagoside reduced inflammatory responses.

For example, a study in mice showed that harpagoside significantly suppressed the action of cytokines known to increase inflammation in the body.

Improves osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cover at the ends of the joint bone - cartilage - wears out. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Current research, devil's clawsuggests that it may be effective in reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis.

For example, a clinical study involving 122 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis found that 2.610 mg per day devil's claw supplementIt suggests that it may be more effective at reducing osteoarthritis pain than a drug commonly used to treat this condition.

Relieves gout symptoms

Goutis another common form of arthritis characterized by painful swelling and redness of the joints, usually toes, ankles, and knees.

Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood that occurs when purines - compounds found in certain foods - are broken down.

Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to reduce the pain and swelling caused by gout.

Because of its alleged anti-inflammatory effects and its potential to reduce pain, devil's claw supplementis recommended as an alternative therapy in gout patients.

Also, some researchers suggest that it may reduce uric acid, although scientific evidence is limited. In one study, high doses devil's claw reduced uric acid levels in mice.

Relieves back pain

Pain in the lower back is a condition experienced by most people. It is estimated that 80% of adults experience this pain at any given time.

Along with its anti-inflammatory effects, devil's clawIt shows potential as pain reliever, especially in back pain. Researchers do this, devil's clawThey attribute it to harpagoside, the active plant compound in.

In one study, harpagoside extract appeared to be similarly effective as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

In addition, two clinical studies have shown that treatment of 50–100 grams of harpagoside per day is more effective in reducing lower back pain.

May aid digestion

Devil's clawis known to suppress inflammation. Inflammation has a lot to do with digestion.

Devil's clawIts antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties may be useful as a complementary therapy for these diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Supports kidney health

Devil's clawAn underdeveloped area of ​​study on its benefits is that it can aid in the treatment of a group of kidney diseases known as glomerular diseases. 

These diseases are related to inflammation and refer to diseases that damage the kidney's tiny filters that clean the blood.

Devil's claw extracthelped suppress nitrite formation in laboratory testing, and the researchers noted that these extracts "may represent potential anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of glomerular inflammatory diseases.

Devil's claw helps slimming

In addition to reducing pain and inflammation, devil's claw hunger hormone ghrelin Suppresses appetite by interacting with.

One of the main functions of ghrelin is to tell the brain that it is hungry, and it is time to eat.

In a study in mice, devil's claw root powder animals that received meals ate less food every four hours than those treated with placebo.

While these results are fascinating, these appetite-reducing effects have yet to be studied in humans. Therefore, devil's clawConsiderable evidence is currently unavailable to support the diet for weight loss.

Devil's Claw Side Effects and Interactions with Other Drugs

Devil's claw It appears to be safe when taken in doses up to 2,610mg per day, but its long-term effects have not been studied.

The reported side effects are mild, with diarrhea being the most common. Rare undesirable effects include allergic reactions, headache and there is a cough.

However, certain conditions can put you at a higher risk for more serious reactions:

Heart diseases

Studies, devil's clawIt has shown that the drug can affect heart rate and blood pressure.

Diabetes

Devil's claw It can lower blood sugar levels and intensify the effects of diabetes medications.

Gallstone

Use devil's clawcan increase the formation of bile and cause worse problems in those with gallstones.

Stomach ulcer

The production of stomach acid, which worsens peptic ulcers devil's claw may increase with.

Some medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, and stomach acid reducers, devil's claw supplement may negatively interact with:

NSAIDs

Devil's claw It can slow the absorption of popular NSAIDs such as Motrin, Celebrex, Feldene, and Voltaren.

Blood thinners

Devil's clawMay increase the effects of Coumadin (also known as warfarin), which can lead to increased bleeding and bruising.

Stomach acid reducers

Devil's claw It can reduce the effects of stomach acid reducers such as Pepcid, Zantac, Prilosec, and Prevacid.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Devil's claw supplementConsult a doctor first to use it safely.

How to Use Devil's Claw?

Devil's claw It can be found as a concentrated extract, capsule, tablet, or powder. It is also used as an ingredient in herbal teas.

When choosing a supplement, devil's claw Look for the concentration of harpagoside, an active compound, in it.

600--2,610 mg daily in osteoarthritis and back pain studies devil's claw doses used. It corresponds to 50-100 mg of harpagoside per day, depending on the extract concentration.

For other conditions, insufficient studies are available to determine effective doses. 

The second reason to use the devil's claw It has only been used for up to a year in studies. However, devil's claw It appears to be safe for most people at doses of up to 2.610mg per day.

Some conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney stones and stomach ulcers, devil's clawKeep in mind that it may increase the risk of side effects while using ni.

Also, any devil's claw dosecan affect the medications you take. These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, and stomach acid reducers.

Have you used devil's claw? Users can send us a comment as to its effect and whether it is beneficial or not.