Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Devil's Claw

BotanicalBest with a meal

Useful mainly for modest relief of osteoarthritis and lower back pain.

Quick decision guide

May help most

modest relief of osteoarthritis and lower back pain

Common dosing range

600–2400 mg standardized extract/day (50–100 mg harpagoside)

When to expect effects

Weeks (2–6)

Watch out for

avoid with peptic ulcers; may add to anticoagulant and NSAID effects

What is it

Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a flowering plant native to southern Africa whose tuberous roots have been used traditionally for digestive complaints and as a tonic. In modern Western herbalism, it is primarily used for arthritis and back pain. The name comes from the small hook-like projections on the plant's fruit.

Is it worth it for you?

Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.

Worth considering if…

you have osteoarthritis or chronic lower back pain
you want a better-tolerated alternative to try alongside or instead of NSAIDs
you can commit to at least 4 weeks of consistent use

Probably skip if…

you have peptic ulcer disease, gallstones, or GI bleeding
you need strong, fast pain control
you are pregnant or take anticoagulants without medical advice

Evidence at a glance

low back pain

Good Evidence
Effect
Modest pain reduction
Best fit
adults with chronic non-specific lower back pain
Time
Weeks (2–6)

osteoarthritis

Limited Evidence
Effect
Modest pain reduction
Best fit
adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis
Time
Weeks (2–6)

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

low back pain

Supplement benefit
Good Evidence

Standardized devil's claw extracts standardized to harpagoside have reduced chronic lower back pain versus placebo in controlled trials. Higher-harpagoside doses appeared more effective in some studies. Trials are mostly short-term, so durability is uncertain.

Effect size
Modest pain reduction
Time to effect
Weeks (2–6)
Best fit
adults with chronic non-specific lower back pain

Bottom line: Helps modestly with chronic lower back pain over several weeks, especially at adequate harpagoside doses.

SourceVlachojannis et al., 2008 — PubMedGagnier et al., 2004 — PMC

osteoarthritis

Supplement benefit
Limited Evidence

Multiple controlled trials of standardized devil's claw extract show modest reductions in osteoarthritis pain over 4–12 weeks. Harpagoside is thought to modulate inflammatory pathways. Effects are generally smaller than NSAIDs but with better GI tolerability for some users.

Effect size
Modest pain reduction
Time to effect
Weeks (2–6)
Best fit
adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis
Less likely
people needing rapid or strong analgesia

Bottom line: A reasonable, generally well-tolerated option for modest osteoarthritis pain relief.

SourceLeblan et al., 2000 — PubMedChantre et al., 2000 — PubMed

How it works

Devil's claw root contains iridoid glycosides, the most important being harpagoside, along with harpagide and procumbide. These compounds, particularly harpagoside, are thought to be primary contributors to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in joint pain conditions. Laboratory studies suggest harpagoside may modulate inflammatory pathways, including effects on cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, leukotriene synthesis, and inflammatory cytokine production. The compound has shown reduced prostaglandin E2 and other inflammatory mediators in some experimental models. The exact mechanisms in humans remain incompletely characterized. Clinical evidence is most developed for osteoarthritis and lower back pain, where standardized devil's claw extracts have shown modest benefits in multiple controlled trials. Effects are typically smaller than NSAIDs but with generally better tolerability for some users. Most clinical trials have run 4 to 12 weeks.

How to take it

1. Typical dose
600–2400 mg standardized extract/day providing 50–100 mg harpagoside
2. Timing
divided 2–3 times daily
3. With food
with meals to reduce GI effects
4. Split dosing
2–3 divided doses
5. How long to try
at least 4 weeks before judging; 4–12 weeks in trials

What to track

joint or back pain score
function and mobility
GI upset or diarrhea

4 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Standardized extract (harpagoside)

Most-studied form for arthritis. Look for products specifying harpagoside content for reliable dosing.

Standardized to harpagoside content (often 2-5%)

Dried root powder

Traditional whole-herb form.

Whole-root form, variable harpagoside content

Liquid extract / tincture

Traditional form used in herbalist preparations.

Alcohol or water-based extraction

Tea (decoction)

Traditional preparation method.

Aqueous extraction of dried root

Safety

Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.

Common side effects

mild GI upsetdiarrheaheadachedizziness

Serious risks

  • possible heart rate or blood pressure changes in rare reports

Who should avoid it

  • people with peptic ulcer disease, gallstones, or GI bleeding
  • pregnant or breastfeeding people
  • people with arrhythmias (consult clinician)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Avoid in pregnancy due to possible uterine effects, and in breastfeeding due to insufficient data.

Interactions

warfarin and anticoagulantsModerate

potential increased bleeding risk

NSAIDsModerate

may potentiate and increase GI effects

acid-reducing medicationsMinor

may increase stomach acid, counteracting their effect

diabetes and blood-pressure medicationsMinor

possible additive effects

Choosing a product

What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.

Look for…

standardized harpagoside content (50–100 mg/day)
Harpagophytum procumbens root specified
extract ratio stated

Be skeptical of…

works like an NSAID
cures arthritis
rapid pain relief

Frequently asked questions

How long until devil's claw works for arthritis?⌄

Effects typically emerge over 2 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use. Continue for at least 4 weeks before judging whether it is helpful.

Is devil's claw as good as ibuprofen?⌄

Some trials suggest comparable benefit to certain NSAIDs for osteoarthritis or back pain, with better tolerability for some users. Effects are typically modest. Devil's claw is not a substitute for evaluated treatment of severe arthritis.

Can I take devil's claw with NSAIDs?⌄

Discuss with your clinician. Combining may produce additive effects but also additive risks, particularly gastrointestinal effects.

Is devil's claw safe long-term?⌄

Most clinical trials have run 4 to 12 weeks. Longer-term safety is not well established, though traditional use has been long-standing. Discuss extended use with your clinician.

Why shouldn't I take devil's claw with ulcers?⌄

Devil's claw may increase stomach acid and can worsen peptic ulcer symptoms. Avoid use if you have active peptic ulcer disease or gallstones.

References by claim

osteoarthritis

Leblan et al., 2000 — PubMed (2000) link

Chantre et al., 2000 — PubMed (2000) link

low back pain

Vlachojannis et al., 2008 — PubMed (2008) link

Gagnier et al., 2004 — PMC (2004) link

Track Devil's Claw with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.