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Devil's Claw Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — 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. RCTChrubasik S, Model A, Black A, Pollak S (2003). A randomized double-blind pilot study comparing Doloteffin and Vioxx in the treatment of low back pain. Rheumatology. DOI PubMed
  2. Meta-analysisOltean H, Robbins C, van Tulder MW, et al. (2014). Herbal medicine for low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI PubMed
  3. RCTLeblan D, Chantre P, Fournie B (2000). 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 PubMed
  4. ReviewBrendler T, Gruenwald J, Ulbricht C, Basch E, et al. (2006). Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.. Journal of herbal pharmacotherapy. PubMed
  5. ReviewCrawford C, Boyd C, Paat CF, Meissner K, et al. (2019). Dietary Ingredients as an Alternative Approach for Mitigating Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Practice and Research in the Military.. Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.). DOI PubMed
  6. Puigdellivol J, Comellas Berenger C, Pérez Fernández MÁ, Cowalinsky Millán JM, et al. (2019). Effectiveness of a Dietary Supplement Containing Hydrolyzed Collagen, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Glucosamine in Pain Reduction and Functional Capacity in Osteoarthritis Patients.. Journal of dietary supplements. DOI PubMed