Devil’s claw for joint pain

According to the Spanish Agency for Medicine and Health Products, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs has increased by 12% in the last decade, increasing the risk of gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal tract irritation, increased blood pressure or decreased kidney function. Therefore, it is not surprising that the use of natural products for therapeutic purposes has been increasing, such as the use of the devil's claw plant.

What is the devil's claw?

It's devil's claw it's a plant of the African continent, also known as "devil's claw" because its big flowers and its great resistance to withstand extreme temperatures. Its ability to retain water and nutrients lies in its long root, which can reach one meter in length and which sinks vertically into the ground, which favors its resistance. It is the root and underground stems that are used, as they contain the substances that provide the therapeutic properties: harpagina, phytosterols, flavonoids, etc.

Are its benefits proven?

The devil's claw shows activity anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and analgesic. In addition, it has diuretic, healing, digestive properties and stimulates the appetite. It also seems to have some cardiovascular activity.

The tests conducted on people demonstrate the effectiveness of devil's claw in primary chronic polyarthritis, degenerative joint diseases and joint rheumatism where a significant improvement in pain reduction and mobility functions is observed, without significant adverse effects.

In a study by Chantre et al (2000), it was observed through a trial carried out with 122 patients suffering from knee and hip, that after the administration of devil's claw for four months the symptoms improved when compared with other treatments (diacerein). The patients who took devil's claw had increased pain tolerance and less need for pain relievers and non-steroids.

Other study by Chrubasik et al (2002), with 250 patients who suffered imprecise back pain or suffered from knee or hip osteoarthritis, confirmed that after a dose equivalent to 60 mg of harpagoside per day, pain decreased significantly, reducing pain more in older patients .

How to take the devil's claw?

Currently the devil's claw is indicated as an anti-inflammatory in degenerative rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, arthritis, tendonitis and other pain. It can be prescribed alone or in combination with other anti-inflammatories, thus reducing its doses. It is usually prescribed for a time period of two to three months.

• Management: its administration is oral typeThey can be capsules with the drug sprayed inside, liquid extract, dry extract, infusion ... The important thing, as it is a phytotherapeutic preparation, is that it is a standardized product, to ensure that the doses indicated on the container are correct.
• Dose: depending on the type of administration and the author, the dose is variable. Blumenthal et al, (2000) advise a dose of 4.5 g / day to treat joint discomfort. The ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) recommends a dose of 1.5 to 3 g in decoction, three times a day or 1 to 3 g of drug or aqueous extracts. The easiest and most frequent way to take it are the devil's claw tablets or capsules, due to their easy administration and exact dose. If it is taken in infusions or decoctions, since it is a very bitter taste, it is usual to add some other plant such as licorice, mint ... to improve its flavor. Always before taking any medication.

Toxicity and contraindications

The devil's claw is considered safe, if used orally at adequate doses, for a maximum of one year. Its tolerance is good, with very low adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, unlike other anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The secondary effect plus usual is the diarrhea, 8% of the people who participated in the study suffered from it.

Despite good tolerance its consumption is discouraged in pregnant women, as it can cause harm to the fetus, and not during lactation because sufficient information is lacking.

It is also discouraged in people suffering from different pathologies such as:

• cardiovascular problems: heart problems, high or low blood pressure, arrhythmias ... as it can affect heart rate, heart rate and blood pressure.
• Gastric or duodenal ulcer: Devil's claw can increase the production of acids in the digestive system, so if you suffer from an ulcer, its use is discouraged.
• diabetes: Devil's claw could lower blood glucose levels, so if hypoglycemic agents are used, the doctor should adjust the dose of this, it is important to consult with your doctor.

• Devil's claw has become known as an alternative to traditional drugs since it is attributed anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties without the unwanted side effects.
• Trials conducted in people demonstrate effectiveness in primary chronic polyarthritis, degenerative joint diseases, and joint rheumatism.
• The easiest and most common way to find it is in devil's claw tablets or capsules, due to its easy administration and exact dose.

Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Master in Pediatric Nutrition and Sports Nutrition