Devils Claw gets its name from the small hooks that conceal the fruits skin. Devils Claw, is native to Southern Africa, and it gets its name from the herbs with a claw like fruit, which are attached to an unusual trumpet shaped flower. Most of the active ingredients within Devils Claw is thought to consist mostly of iridoid glycosides, additionally accepted as Harpogosides. This extract of Harpagophytum Procumbens, which is broadly used in Europe and, recently in more countries, is traditionally used to treat the inflammatory processes.

You should really consult with a healthcare specialist before starting any supplementation program, or if you have or suspect that you might have a health problem. In theory, Devil's Claw might interfere with other herbs and dietetic supplements that affect heart rate, heart rhythm, and the intensity of heartbeats. People do not realise that Devils claw may add to the effects of other herbs and food supplements which are used for pain or swelling and can cause complications.

Devil's Claw is also claimed to be very beneficial for treating many diseases of the kidneys, liver, arthritis and rheumatism, bladder and gallbladder. It does not really have an odour, but it does contain substances that will make it taste bitter.

The British Herbal Pharmacopeia recognises Devil's Claw as having an analgesic, sedative and diuretic properties.

A recent French double-blind randomized review compared a Devils Claw preparation with another anti-inflammatory agent in around 122 patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis over a period of 4 months. The instrument of action of Devils claw herb is still ambiguous and disputed. Another separate 2006 systematic evaluation of herbal medications for low back pain reached the conclusion that a normal daily dose of between 50 to 100 mg of Harpogosides performed much better than a placebo, Another study found that devil's claw supplementation was effectual in patients with various rheumatic diseases. The clinical statistics on Devils Claw though is pretty promising.

Devils claw is readily available as a dried or fresh root supplement and can be found in liquid extracts, capsules, tablets, and topical ointments, and can occasionally be prepared into a herbal tea, although the taste is bitter.

If arthritic pain is really bothering you, devil's claw could be your best friend. If it is used in combination with proper diet, work out, relaxation techniques such as contemplation, yoga etc. and nutritional supplements, this herb can be incredibly effectual in keeping rheumatic problems under control the natural way.

Although Devils claw is relatively short on side effects some patients from time to time may experience mild anxiety and stomach cramps.

Possible dangers of this supplement:

- Devil's claw must not be used by women who are or may be pregnant.

- People with the disease diabetes or who are taking medicine that affects their blood sugar really should only use this product under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

- Devil's claw has been found to trigger allergic responses.

- Because it can increase stomach acidity levels, devil's claw may have hazardous side-effects for people who have gastric or duodenal ulcers and also those with possible gallstone problems.

- Devil's claw may also interact with a blood-thinning medication called warfarin.

Remember that Devils Claw has not been authorized for use by the FDA for effectiveness, purity, safety, or any other international medical bodies. Take this at your own risk if you are not taking medical advice.

 No. No cures exist for arthritis once you have it (except surgical replacement). However, Devils Claw 'may' help with some people and not with others. Arthritis can be a very chronic and painful disease, so it is worth trying other things as well as prescribed medication as long as you inform your doctor.