Devils Claw
Numerous tribes native to southern Africa have used devil’s claw for a wide variety of conditions, such as helping to maintain a healthy digestive system and aiding the joints.
Devil’s claw has been widely used in Europe as a treatment for arthritis.
The devil’s claw tuber contains three important constituents belonging to the iridoid glycoside family: harpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide. The secondary tubers of the herb contain twice as much harpagoside as the primary tubers and are the chief source of devil’s claw used medicinally. Harpagoside and other iridoid glycosides found in the plant may be responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions.
Devil’s claw is also considered by herbalists to be a potent bitter. Bitter principles, like the iridoid glycosides found in devil’s claw, can be used in combination with carminative (gas-relieving) herbs by people with indigestion, but not heartburn.
Up to 2 grams daily can be taken of Devil’s claw.
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