Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Devil's Claw Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

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

Devil's Claw is a dietary supplement by NOW 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 Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Devil's Claw by NOW

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. Devil's claw is a plant traditionally used to help with joint and back pain — the extract concentrates its active compounds into capsule form.

The capsules also contain two inactive ingredients (rice flour and hypromellose) that serve as fillers and the capsule material itself.

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: Joint health and healthy response to joint stress.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Back pain, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Tendinopathy, Myalgia, Fibromyalgia — 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 is rated possibly effective for back pain and osteoarthritis based on the evidence we hold. For atherosclerosis, there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate how well it works.

If you're considering it for pain or joint issues, the research shows promise, but we can't guarantee results — it works better for some people than others.

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, but digestive upset is the main concern. The most common side effects are allergic skin reactions, diarrhea, and indigestion — these show up in about 9% to 18% of people taking it, depending on the dose and formulation.

Rarely, gastrointestinal bleeding has been reported. A few people have also reported headache, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or sleep problems, though it's unclear if devil's claw caused these.

Avoid devil's claw during pregnancy because it may affect the uterus and safety hasn't been established. Skip it while breastfeeding as well — there isn't enough safety data to know either way.

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.

Double-check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin or any blood thinner — devil's claw might boost its effect and increase bleeding risk. Also flag any medication your liver breaks down (ask your pharmacist if you're unsure), acid-blocking drugs like omeprazole or famotidine, and any drugs that rely on P-glycoprotein transport.

Most of these interactions are theoretical, but they're worth verifying before you start.

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 if you're looking for an herbal option. If you take warfarin, any drug metabolized by your liver, or acid-blocking medication, you'll want to check with your pharmacist first.

Don't use it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk to us before you start, especially if you have a history of stomach trouble or are on multiple medications.

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 Jul 25, 2024.

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 NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739046505
Net contents 100 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2024
DSLD ID 314265
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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 NOW, 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:
2 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
733739046505
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Devil's Claw Root Extract166 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 2 capsules 2 to 3 times daily.

Formula

Devil’s Claw is native to the southern regions of Africa and gets its name from the hooks which cover its fruit. It has been traditionally used by tribal African peoples and more recently by Europeans and North Americans. Devil’s Claw is abundant in naturally occurring bioactive compounds including harpagoside, phytosterols, phenolic acids and flavonoids (kaempferol). Some studies suggest that these compounds may help to support joint comfort through their ability to promote a healthy response to typical everyday joint stress.

Bioactive flavonoids and phytosterols

Triangle K (Kosher)

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Joint Health Healthy response to normal joint stress

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

Product of Canada.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Botanicals/Herbs Family owned since 1968.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

See for yourself

Devil's Claw by NOW label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Devil's Claw by NOW

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

Serving size2 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Devil's Claw Root Extract

Interacts with
804 drugs
166 mg per serving Form: Harpagophytum procumbens extract, Harpagophytum zeyheri Root Extract

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 Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Devil's Claw by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Devil's Claw?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

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.

Devil's Claw Root 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.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Devil's Claw by NOW: Common Questions

Does Devil's Claw by NOW 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.
What is devil's claw, and where does it come from?
Devil's claw is a plant extract traditionally used in herbal medicine. This product contains an extract of the root, which concentrates the active compounds into an easy-to-take capsule.
Can I take devil's claw if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — avoid it during pregnancy because it may affect the uterus and safety hasn't been established. Skip it while breastfeeding too, since there isn't enough safety information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're considering it during these times.
What side effects might I get from devil's claw?
The most common ones are digestive: indigestion, diarrhea, or skin reactions. These happen in about 9% to 18% of people. Rarely, gastrointestinal bleeding has been reported. A few people have had headaches, ringing in the ears, or sleep problems, though it's not clear if devil's claw caused these.
Will devil's claw help my back pain?
Devil's claw is rated possibly effective for back pain and osteoarthritis based on available evidence, but results vary from person to person. It's not guaranteed to work for everyone.
Are there fillers in this product?
Yes — the capsule contains rice flour and hypromellose (the capsule material itself), which are standard inactive ingredients used to make the capsule work.
Should I be concerned about interactions if I'm on blood thinners?
Yes — if you take warfarin, devil's claw might increase its effect and your bleeding risk. One case report showed this could happen. Check with your pharmacist before starting, especially with any blood thinner.

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

Not sure if Devil's Claw is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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

Keep exploring