Devil's Claw is a medicinal plant with amazing properties. In this article, we will examine the effect of Devil's Claw on weight loss. Stay with Saeed News.
The term "Devil's Claw" or "Devil's Claw root" refers to the plant Harpagophytum procumbens, which is found in South Africa and Madagascar. In its supplemental form, Devil's Claw is derived from the dried roots of this plant. Traditional African and European doctors have prescribed Devil's Claw for centuries to treat digestive diseases, reduce fever, alleviate pain, and address some pregnancy symptoms.
It was often believed that the benefits of Devil's Claw were due to the presence of valuable iridoid glycosides like harpagoside. Iridoids are anti-inflammatory compounds found primarily in plants, and they bind to glucose molecules. That’s why the entire compound is referred to as iridoid glycosides. According to the European Phytotherapy Scientists Association, the root of Devil's Claw should contain at least one percent harpagoside. It also contains beneficial bioflavonoids and phytosterols, which are plant-based antioxidants with antispasmodic properties (that’s why it’s used in the treatment of digestive issues).
Properties of Devil’s Claw Plants have widespread applications in traditional medicine, and Devil's Claw is one of thousands of plants used for medicinal purposes. Native to the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, it grows in the savannas of Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. The plant is named for the appearance of its fruit, which has hooks that attach to the skin of animals. These seeds are then dispersed as the animals roam. People use the roots and tubers of this plant to prepare remedies for a range of diseases, including arthritis, back pain, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Effect of Devil’s Claw on Arthritis Studies show that people with arthritis experience pain reduction when using Devil’s Claw alone or in combination with other supplements and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some evidence suggests that Devil’s Claw is as effective as the slow-release arthritis medication Diacerhein in alleviating knee and hip pain after 16 weeks of treatment.
Effect of Devil’s Claw on Weight Loss Interestingly, this anti-inflammatory root may also offer a new approach for weight loss. A study showed that Devil’s Claw could stop or slow down the production of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger. By reducing hunger signals, people who tend to overeat experience a decrease in appetite, which helps with weight loss. It may also potentially help people with obesity avoid heart diseases linked to weight, such as hardening of the arteries, by suppressing inflammation.
Effect of Devil’s Claw on Inflammation Devil’s Claw extract significantly reduces bodily inflammation and eliminates infections. For example, herbal doctors use it when a finger is cut and becomes infected. This plant can also be helpful for treating the flu. Devil’s Claw strengthens the immune system and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It can be used to treat chronic inflammation in diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and brain disorders. It is also beneficial for treating inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and gout.
Effect of Devil’s Claw on Back Pain Back pain is a heavy burden for many people. In fact, it’s estimated that 80% of adults experience it at some point. In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, Devil’s Claw acts as a pain reliever, especially for back pain. Researchers attribute this to harpagoside, an active compound in Devil’s Claw. One study showed that harpagoside extract is similarly effective as the NSAID Vioxx. After 6 weeks, participants' back pain decreased by an average of 23% with harpagoside and 26% with NSAIDs. Additionally, two clinical studies indicated that 50-100 grams of harpagoside daily was more effective in reducing back pain compared to no treatment, but more research is needed to confirm these results.
Effect of Devil’s Claw on Lymphoma Treatment While research is still in its early stages, there is evidence suggesting that Devil’s Claw may help with the regression of follicular lymphoma. In one cancer unit at a hospital, a doctor observed that a patient’s lymphoma improved after 10 months without chemotherapy. The patient had informed the doctor that he was taking two supplements, one of which was Devil’s Claw. After learning about this natural treatment, another patient in the support group started using Devil’s Claw and experienced similar regression after 11 months, which lasted for four years. When patients with various forms of arthritis were studied, it became clear that Devil’s Claw significantly reduced pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, and back.
Effect of Devil’s Claw on Kidney Health Another benefit of this plant, which has yet to be extensively studied, is its therapeutic effect on kidney diseases known as glomerular diseases. These diseases are associated with inflammation and damage the small filters in the kidneys that clean the blood. Devil’s Claw extract helps inhibit the formation of certain nitrates, suggesting that it may be a potential anti-inflammatory drug for treating glomerular inflammatory diseases.
Side Effects of Devil’s Claw There is insufficient information regarding the potential side effects of Devil’s Claw. Most sources recommend avoiding it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the results are unknown. People with heart problems, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes, kidney stones, or stomach ulcers should avoid Devil’s Claw. Other reports suggest that Devil’s Claw may increase stomach acid production, so it may be a factor for those suffering from chronic heartburn. A 2015 case report showed systemic hypertension (high blood pressure) in a patient taking Devil’s Claw.
Conclusion Some medications may interact with Devil’s Claw, including drugs processed by the liver, as it may slow the breakdown of these substances in the liver. Blood-thinning medications like warfarin (brand names such as Coumadin and Jantoven) may also be affected by this plant. Other drugs that may interact with Devil’s Claw include P-glycoprotein, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
