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Dietary supplement

Devil's Claw Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbalist & Alchemist

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Devil's Claw is a dietary supplement by Herbalist & Alchemist with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for osteoarthritis pain, lower back pain, joint pain and stiffness.Based on those ingredients, 804 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are dried Devil's Claw tuber extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Devil's Claw by Herbalist & Alchemist

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: dried Devil's Claw tuber extract. Devil's Claw is a plant traditionally used for joint and back discomfort.

The liquid also includes ethyl alcohol and distilled water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: balances inflammatory response.
  • We looked for evidence on: Back pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Gout, Tendinopathy, Fibromyalgia — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Devil's Claw is rated "Possibly Effective" for Back pain (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Devil's Claw is rated "Possibly Effective" for Osteoarthritis.
  • Also on file: Devil's Claw is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Fibromyalgia, Myalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Gout, and more.

Devil's Claw is possibly effective for back pain and osteoarthritis based on the evidence we have on file. For atherosclerosis, the research is too limited to say whether it works.

If you're considering this for back pain or joint pain, talk with your pharmacist about what the research shows and whether it fits your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Devil's Claw

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Devil's Claw is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, though digestive upset is common. The most frequent side effects are allergic skin reactions, diarrhea, and indigestion.

Some people report headache, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, dizziness, or sleep issues, though it's unclear if devil's claw caused these. Rarely, gastrointestinal bleeding has occurred.

The product is not appropriate during pregnancy because it may affect the uterus and safety has not been established. Avoid it while breastfeeding as well — there isn't enough safety information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Devil's Claw

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Devil's Claw.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 805 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check your medications for interactions with blood thinners (especially warfarin), drugs metabolized by liver enzymes CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4, stomach acid–reducing medications (H2-blockers and PPIs), and P-glycoprotein substrates. Use the interaction checker on this page with your exact medication list.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Devil's Claw may help with back pain and osteoarthritis, but it interacts with a large number of medications, especially blood thinners and drugs your liver processes. If you take any regular prescription medication — particularly a blood thinner, heartburn medication, or anything metabolized in the liver — check with your pharmacist before starting.

Digestive upset is common, and it's not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 23, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Devil's Claw, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbalist & Alchemist
Barcode (UPC) 667056110970
Net contents 2 fl. Oz.; 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 23, 2018
DSLD ID 174187
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Devil's Claw by Herbalist & Alchemist, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.5 mL
Servings per container
40
UPC/BARCODE
667056110970
IngredientAmount% DV
dried Devil's Claw tuber extract1.5 mL--

Other ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, distilled Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Harpagophytum procumbens

OK

General Statements

Balances inflammatory response

Botanical preparation ratio 1:4

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 20-30 drops (1-1.5 mL) in juice or water. Take 3 times per day. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy or if you have gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Keep out of children's reach

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General

NO. DVC-2 1733WE

Seals/Symbols

OK

See for yourself

Devil's Claw by Herbalist & Alchemist label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Devil's Claw by Herbalist & Alchemist

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container40 Amounts shown are per serving.

Dried Devil's Claw tuber extract

Interacts with
804 drugs
1.5 mL per serving

Devil's claw is a southern African plant used mainly for arthritis and back pain, and some studies suggest it may help ease these types of discomfort....

Dried Devil's Claw tuber extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, Distilled Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Devil's Claw by Herbalist & Alchemist Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Devil's Claw?

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Go to the checker
804Drugs
731 Moderate 73 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Devil's Claw with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

dried Devil's Claw tuber extract7 drug types · 804 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro research shows that devil's claw might inhibit CYP2C19, although this has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that devil's claw might inhibit CYP2C9, although this has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that devil's claw might inhibit CYP3A4, although this has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, Devil's claw might increase the activity of warfarin.
In one case report, purpura occurred in a patient taking warfarin and devil's claw concurrently. This might indicate over-anticoagulation. It is unclear if this was due to Devil's claw or other contributing factors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Theoretically, devil's claw might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
Devil's claw has been reported to increase stomach acid, which might interfere with the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that devil's claw inhibits P-glycoprotein, which transports many drugs out of cells. This might increase intracellular levels of P-glycoprotein substrates, although it is unclear if this effect would be clinically important.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, devil's claw might decrease the effectiveness of PPIs.
Devil's claw has been reported to increase stomach acid, which might interfere with the effects of PPIs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Devil's Claw, from the product label.

Herbalist & Alchemist

See all Herbalist & Alchemist products
Name
Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc.
City
Washington
State
NJ
ZipCode
07882
Phone Number
800-611-8235
Web Address
www.herbalist-alchemist.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Devil's Claw by Herbalist & Alchemist: Common Questions

Does Devil's Claw by Herbalist & Alchemist interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Devil's Claw has a known interaction with 804 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Devil's Claw contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Devil's Claw if I'm on a blood thinner?
Devil's Claw may increase how strongly blood thinners like warfarin work, which raises bleeding risk. One case report noted unusual bruising when someone took both together. You absolutely need to check with your pharmacist before combining them — never start this without talking to them first.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common ones are allergic skin reactions, diarrhea, and indigestion. Gastrointestinal complaints show up in about 9% to 18% of people taking devil's claw, especially at higher doses. Most people tolerate it fine for short-term use, but digestive upset is pretty typical.
Is Devil's Claw safe during pregnancy?
No — you should avoid it during pregnancy because it may affect the uterus and its safety has not been established. Also avoid it while breastfeeding; there isn't enough safety information.
Can Devil's Claw affect how my heartburn medication works?
Yes. Devil's Claw has been reported to increase stomach acid, which can interfere with H2-blockers and PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). This could make your heartburn medication less effective. Run it by your pharmacist if you're taking either type.
Does Devil's Claw work for back pain?
Yes — it's listed as possibly effective for back pain and osteoarthritis based on the research we have on file. That means there's some evidence it helps, though the evidence isn't definitive. Your results may vary.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Devil's Claw label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Devil's Claw's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 18 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Devil's Claw 18 references
  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  3. Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, et al. Efficacy and tolerance or Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine 2000;7:177-83.
  4. Chrubasik S, Thanner J, Kunzel O, et al. Comparison of outcome measures during treatment with the proprietary Harpagophytum extract doloteffin in patients with pain in the lower back, knee or hip. Phytomedicine 2002;9:181-94. PubMed
  5. Circosta C, Occhiuto F, Ragusa S, et al. A drug used in traditional medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. II. Cardiovascular activity. J Ethnopharmacol 1984;11:259-74. PubMed
  6. Grahame R, Robinson BV. Devils's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): pharmacological and clinical studies. Ann Rheum Dis 1981;40:632. PubMed
  7. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
  8. Wegener T, Lupke NP. Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract of devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC). Phytother Res 2003;17:1165-72.
  9. Chrubasik S, Kunzel O, Thanner J, et al. A 1-year follow-up after a pilot study with Doloteffin for low back pain. Phytomedicine 2005;12:1-9. PubMed
  10. Romiti N, Tramonti G, Corti A, Chieli E. Effects of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) on the multidrug transporter ABCB1/P-glycoprotein. Phytomedicine 2009;16:1095-100. PubMed
  11. Chrubasik, S., Junck, H., Breitschwerdt, H., Conradt, C., and 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;16(2 DOI
  12. Laudahn, D. and Walper, A. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum extract LI 174 in patients with chronic non-radicular back pain. Phytother.Res. 2001;15(7):621-624.
  13. Belaiche P. Etude clinique de 630 cas d'artrose traites par le nebulisat aqueux d'Harpagophytum procumbens (Radix). Phytotherapy 1982;1:22-28.
  14. Chrubasik S, Model A, Black A, and et al. A randomized double-blind pilot study comparing Doloteffin® and Vioxx® in the treatment of low back pain. Rheumatology 2003;42:141-148.
  15. Cuspidi C, Sala C, Tadic M, et al. Systemic hypertension induced by Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw): a case report. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2015;17(11):908-10.
  16. Mahomed IM, Ojewole JAO. Oxytocin-like effect of Harpagophytum procumbens [Pedaliacae] secondary root aqueous extract on rat isolated uterus. Afr J Trad CAM 2006;3(1):82-89.
  17. Carvalho RR, Donadel CD, Cortez AF, Valviesse VR, Vianna PF, Correa BB. J Bras Nefrol. 2017 Mar;39(1):79-81.
  18. Anon. Devil's claw root: ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Prescrire Int 2013;22(144):296.

See these in context on the Devil's Claw monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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