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Dietary supplement

Devil's Claw Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Higher Nature

Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Devil's Claw is a dietary supplement by Higher Nature 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 Devil's Claw root (Harpagophytum procumbens) extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Devil's Claw by Higher Nature

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: Devil's Claw root extract (from Harpagophytum procumbens). Devil's Claw is a plant traditionally used for joint and back discomfort, and this extract concentrates its active compounds.

There are no inactive ingredients listed for this formulation.

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: muscle and joint pain relief.
  • We looked for evidence on: Back pain, Myalgia, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Tendinopathy, Arthralgia — and 2 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), Tendinopathy.

Devil's Claw has possibly effective evidence for back pain. Research suggests it may help with osteoarthritis as well, though the evidence is considered possibly effective.

For atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels), the evidence is insufficient to say whether it works. Most of the research backing these uses comes from specific extracts tested in clinical trials, so results can vary by product.

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 in the short term for most healthy adults. The most common side effects are digestive — mild upset stomach, diarrhea, and indigestion — reported in a small number of users, especially at higher doses.

Rarely, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or loss of appetite have been reported, though it's unclear whether devil's claw was the cause. Very rarely, gastrointestinal bleeding has occurred, so if you experience abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, stop the product and seek medical attention right away.

Devil's claw is not safe in pregnancy — it may affect the uterus and safety has not been established — and you should avoid it while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

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.

Check these medication types before starting Devil's Claw: blood thinners like warfarin (moderate risk of increased bleeding), drugs broken down by liver enzymes CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 (moderate risk of higher drug levels), P-glycoprotein substrates (minor risk of increased levels), and acid-reducing medications like H2-blockers and proton pump inhibitors (minor risk of reduced effectiveness). If you're unsure whether your medications fall into these groups, run them through the checker below or ask your pharmacist.

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 or osteoarthritis, but it's not for everyone — especially if you take blood thinners, multiple prescription medications that your liver processes, or acid-reducing drugs. Digestive upset is common, and it's unsafe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Check your medications with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, and stop if you develop stomach pain or bleeding.

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 Jun 24, 2020.

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 Higher Nature
Net contents 40 Film-Coated Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2020
DSLD ID 224693
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Seniors/Mature (>50 Years)
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 Higher Nature, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Devil's Claw root (Harpagophytum procumbens) extract600 mg--

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.
Formulation

Muscle & joint pain relief A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints, based on traditional use only.

Traditionally used for: Backache Muscle ache, pain Joint ache, pain Rheumatic pain

THR 23056/0001 THR certification mark

Formula

Devil's Claw root extract 600 mg

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Dosage: For oral use. Adults and the elderly. For backache, muscular, joint or rheumatic aches and pains, take one tablet twice daily. The dose can be increase to 2 tablets twice daily if you do not obtain relief after 3-5 days. The tablets should be swallowed whole with some water or other liquid.

Precautions

Warning: Do not exceed stated dose.

Do not use if you are: Under 18 years Are pregnant or breastfeeding Are allergic to any of the ingredients

Do not use if you are: Under 18 years Are pregnant or breastfeeding Are allergic to any of the ingredients

Do not use if you are: Under 18 years Are pregnant or breastfeeding Are allergic to any of the ingredients

Keep out of sight and reach of children

Please read the enclosed Patient Information Leaflet carefully before taking these capsules.

This product contains lactose monohydrate and sucrose.

Storage

Storage: Do not store above 25 degrees C. Store in the original packaging.

General Statements

Expiry date: see base

See for yourself

Devil's Claw by Higher Nature label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Devil's Claw by Higher Nature

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

600 mg per serving Form: Devil's Claw

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....

Devil's Claw root (Harpagophytum procumbens) extract monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Devil's Claw by Higher Nature Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Devil's Claw?

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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.

Devil's Claw root (Harpagophytum procumbens) 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.

Higher Nature

See all Higher Nature products
Name
Higher Nature
City
Burwash Common
State
East Sussex
ZipCode
TN19 7LX
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Devil's Claw by Higher Nature: Common Questions

Does Devil's Claw by Higher Nature 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 pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — Devil's Claw is not safe during pregnancy because it may affect the uterus and safety hasn't been established. You should also avoid it while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
What are the most common side effects?
Stomach upset, diarrhea, and indigestion are the most common, reported in a small percentage of users. These are usually mild and more likely at higher doses. Rarely, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or loss of taste have been reported.
Is Devil's Claw safe to take long-term?
The safety data we have covers short-term use in healthy adults. If you're thinking about taking it for longer, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's right for you.
Will Devil's Claw help my back pain?
Devil's Claw has possibly effective evidence for back pain, meaning some research shows it may help, but the evidence isn't definitive. Results can vary depending on the extract used and how long you take it — this is worth discussing with your doctor as part of your overall pain management plan.
Can Devil's Claw cause gastrointestinal bleeding?
Gastrointestinal bleeding is rare, but it has been reported. Stop the product and seek immediate care if you notice abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
What if I take warfarin — is Devil's Claw okay?
No — Devil's Claw may increase warfarin's effect and raise your bleeding risk. One patient who took both developed bruising. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Devil's Claw if you're on warfarin or any other blood thinner.

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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