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Devil's Claw Side Effects & Safety

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution

Potential Side Effects

  • Gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain) in ~8% of users
  • Headache (uncommon)
  • May stimulate gastric acid — avoid in peptic ulcer disease
  • Contraindicated in gallbladder disease due to choleretic effects

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Anticoagulants (warfarin) — theoretical increase in bleeding risk; monitor INR
  • Antidiabetic drugs — may lower blood glucose; monitor if combining
  • Proton pump inhibitors/antacids — devil's claw may increase gastric acid, potentially counteracting these drugs
  • Cardiac glycosides (digoxin) — theoretical interaction; use with caution

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: Up to 100mg harpagosides daily (2,400mg extract) has been used in clinical trials

Full Devil's Claw Guide

References

  1. (). A randomized double-blind pilot study comparing Doloteffin and Vioxx in the treatment of low back pain. Rheumatology. DOI
  2. (). Herbal medicine for low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI
  3. (). 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. DOI