What is devil's claw?
Devil's claw is a perennial plant. It grows naturally in South Africa in the Kalahari Desert. It can be found in the savannas of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The first to discover its health-promoting properties were the indigenous inhabitants of these regions. The plant is distinguished by its tuberous roots, which can grow up to two meters deep. Devil's claw has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties comparable to the action of classic painkillers. Therefore, it served the inhabitants of southern regions of Africa as support for various types of ailments and when it was necessary to reduce inflammation. Today, devil's claw is also a component of various types of dietary supplements that can have a supporting effect on the body. They are worth using both for specific ailments and as a preventive measure.
Devil's claw ingredients
The plant mainly has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It owes this to the active ingredients and rich phytochemical composition. The most important substances include iridoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sterols and triterpenes.
The effects of iridoids
Iridoids in devil's claw belong to the group of true iridoids, and their main and very important component is harpagoside. They have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic effects.
The effects of flavonoids
Flavonoids are a group of antioxidants and dyes. Devil's claw contains mainly two compounds: luteolin and kaempferol. The first of these substances has a diuretic effect, while the second has a weak antispasmodic effect.
The effects of phenolic acids
From the group of phenolic acids, devil's claw contains three substances: cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. Thanks to them, devil's claw has a choleretic effect, but also a bacteriostatic effect.
The effect of sterols and triterpenes
Devil's claw contains beta-sterol and stigmasterol. Beta-sterol has a cholesterol-lowering effect in the blood. Stigmasterol is distinguished by its anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic effect and, like beta-sterol, it reduces cholesterol levels.
Devil's claw can be used for individual ailments, as a natural support for the body in fighting them. Its ingredients with anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects mean that devil's claw often brings relief and helps the body cope with disease states.
Devil's claw for pain and fever
Iridoid and triterpene ingredients mean that devil's claw can be an effective remedy for various types of pain, but also provide effective support for fever. It is worth remembering, however, that devil's claw-based supplements for pain relief should only be used by adults.
Devil's claw for rheumatic ailments
Devil's claw can be helpful in situations where there are inflammations of the joints, but also in relieving the symptoms of degenerative joint disease, which is called fatigue arthritis. Even 60 mg of harpagoside can relieve pain and improve mobility. It may also be possible to reduce the doses of classic substances that are prescribed for rheumatic ailments. Devil's claw and the harpagoside contained in it can also be effective for back pain and fight bone pain.
Devil's claw for stomach ailments
Devil's claw root extract may also be effective for stomach ailments. It supports digestion, but can also stimulate appetite. It is determined that a dose of 0.5-1g of dried and powdered devil's claw can relieve stomach ailments or stimulate appetite.
Devil's claw - contraindications
Contraindications to the use of devil's claw are related to the fact that devil's claw stimulates the secretion of digestive juices. Supplementation with this plant is therefore impossible if there are stomach or duodenal ulcers. In turn, due to the choleretic effect, devil's claw cannot always be used if the person taking it has gallstones. In such cases, the desire to supplement should be consulted with a doctor.
Contraindications to taking devil's claw also include:
- age under 18 years;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the lack of research on the safety of taking supplements based on this plant.
