HARPAGOPHYTUM PROCUMBENS

The Justification For The Use Of Harpagophytum Procumbens In The Herbal Treatment Of Arthritis Of The Knee And Hip



The Justification For The Use Of Harpagophytum Procumbens In The Herbal Treatment Of Arthritis Of The Knee And Hip

Critical Review of the Literature 1800

Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) has a long history of use in the alleviation of musculoskeletal pain, and recent clinical trials have substantiated its role as a moderately effective analgesic suitable for clinical utilization. In patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, Harpagophytum is just as effective yet safer and better tolerated than the drug diacerhein. (Hachfeld, 2004) In a study involving 183 patients with low-back pain, Harpagophytum was found to be safe and moderately effective in patients with "severe and unbearable pain" and radiating pain with neurologic deficit. Most recently, Harpagophytum was studied in a head-to-head clinical trial with the formerly popular but dangerous selective COX-2 inhibitor, Vioxx (rofecoxib); the data indicate that Harpagophytum was safer and at least as effective. (Anonymous, 2005) Data suggest that Harpagophytum is better than placebo and at least as good as commonly used NSAIDs, suggesting that Harpagophytum should be clinically preferred over NSAIDs due to the lower cost and greater safety. (Strohbach, 2004)

There is increasing scientific evidence suggesting that devil's claw is safe and beneficial for the short-term treatment of pain related to degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis (8-12 weeks), it may be equally effective as drug therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), and it may allow for dose reductions or stopping of these drugs in some patients. However, most studies have been small with flaws in their designs. (Fiebich, 2001) Additional well-designed trials are necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached. (Raimondo, 2005)

There are several human studies that support the use of devil's claw for the treatment of low back pain. (Moussard, 1992) However, most studies have been small with flaws in their designs, and many have been done by the same authors. (Ihlenfeldt, 1970) Therefore, although these results can be considered promising early evidence, additional well-designed trials are necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached. It is not clear how devil's claw compares to other therapies for back pain. (Golding, 2002) Traditionally, devil's claw was commonly used as an appetite stimulant, and this remains a popular use. (Laudahn, 2001) However, there is no reliable scientific evidence in this area, and it remains unclear if devil's claw is beneficial as an appetite stimulant. Devil's claw is used to treat several types of pain, including osteoarthritis and low back pain. One case report indicates it may also be helpful for pain due to bone metastases. More research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn. (McVeigh, 2000)

Devil's claw may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. A qualified healthcare provider should monitor patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin closely. Medication adjustments may be ...