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Devil's Claw

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 21, 2023.

What are other common names?

  • Harpagophytum procumbens
  • Harpagophytum zeyheri
  • Procumbens
  • Uncaria procumbens
  • Devil's Claw Root
  • Devils Claw
  • Garra del Diablo
  • Grapple Plant
  • Grapple Vine
  • Griffe du Diable
  • Harpagophyti Radix
  • Harpagophytum
  • Hook Plant
  • Racine de Griffe du Diable
  • Racine de Windhoek
  • Radix Harpagophyti
  • Teufelskrallenwurzel
  • Wood Spider
  • Xwate

What is this product used for?

Devil's claw is used by some people to help with pain related to swelling that is often found in arthritis. It may also be used to treat low back pain.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

  • Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

  • This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

  • Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

  • Do not take this product if you are breastfeeding.

  • Do not use this product if you have stomach ulcers.

  • Do not use if you are taking drugs that help your heart beat stronger. These are drugs like dobutamine, milrinone, or digoxin.

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These can also increase your risk of bleeding. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

  • If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

  • Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

    • Heart problems

    • Kidney problems

    • Blood pressure problems

    • Bleeding problems

    • Stomach ulcers

    • Gallstones

    • Diabetes

Related/similar drugs

turmeric, Ginkgo Biloba, echinacea

What should I watch for?

  • Upset stomach

  • Ringing in the ears

When do I need to call the doctor?

  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

  • Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.

  • Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headaches, nervousness, problems breathing, or nosebleeds.

  • Loss of appetite

  • Very bad throwing up

  • Very bad loose stools

  • Very bad dizziness or passing out

  • Bruising or bleeding that is not normal

  • Changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles

  • Not able to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or big weight gain

Last Reviewed Date

2023-06-07

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