Devil’s Claw for Back Pain

A 2001 study found that an extract from Devil’s claw root significantly improved moderate muscular back pain compared to placebo over 4 weeks. Other studies have shown that Devil’s claw root significantly reduced pain associated with knee and hip osteoarthritis similar to a medicine diacerhein. Devil’s claw root may cause digestive tract ulcers or have other side effects.

Göbel H, Heinze A, Ingwersen M, Niederberger U, Gerber D. Harpagophytum-Extrakt LI 174 (Teufelskralle) bei der Behandlung unspezifischer Rückenschmerzen - Effekte auf die sensible, motorische und vaskuläre Muskelreagibilität [Effects of Harpagophytum procumbens LI 174 (devil's claw) on sensory, motor und vascular muscle reagibility in the treatment of unspecific back pain]. Schmerz. 2001 Feb;15(1):10-8. German. doi: 10.1007/s004820170043. PMID: 11810324.

Chrubasik S, Junck H, Breitschwerdt H, Conradt C, Zappe H. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extract WS 1531 in the treatment of exacerbation of low back pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 1999 Feb;16(2):118-29. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2346.1999.00435.x. PMID: 10101629.

Leblan D, Chantre P, Fournié B. Harpagophytum procumbens in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Four-month results of a prospective, multicenter, double-blind trial versus diacerhein. Joint Bone Spine. 2000;67(5):462-7. PMID: 11143915.

Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, Guedon D, Vandermander J, Fournie B. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine. 2000 Jun;7(3):177-83. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80001-X. PMID: 11185727.