Devil’s claw, scientifically known as Harpagophytum procumbens, is a plant native to South Africa. It owes its name to the appearance of its fruit, which bears several small, hook-like projections which attach onto animals in order to spread the seeds. The roots and tubers of the plant are used to make medicine. Traditionally, the roots of this plant have been used to treat a wide range of ailments, such as fever, pain, arthritis, and indigestion. Devil’s claw is a flowering plant of the sesame family. Its root packs several active plant compounds and is used as an herbal supplement. In particular, devil’s claw contains iridoid glycosides, a class of compounds which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. Some but not all studies suggest that iridoid glycosides may also have antioxidant effects. This means the plant may have the ability to ward off cell-damaging effects of unstable molecules called free radicals.
Devil's claw is used for "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis), arthritis, gout, muscle pain (myalgia), back pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, chest pain, gastrointestinal (GI) upset or heart burn, fever, and migraine headache. It is also used for difficulties in childbirth, menstrual problems, allergic reactions, loss of appetite, and kidney and bladder disease. Some people apply devil's claw to the skin for injuries and other skin conditions.
Devil’s claw is Possibly Effective for Back pain and Osteoarthritis. Taking devil's claw by mouth seems to reduce low-back pain. Devil's claw seems to work about as well as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Also taking devil's claw alone or along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seems to help decrease osteoarthritis-related pain. Some people taking devil's claw seem to be able to lower the dose of NSAIDs they need for pain relief.
They are also some Insufficient Evidence for treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout, High cholesterol, Loss of appetite, Muscle pain, Migraine headache, Skin injuries and conditions, Upset stomach but more evidence is needed to rate devil's claw for these uses.