Devil's claw
Devil's Claw
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), also known as grapple plant, wood spider and most commonly as devil's claw, is a plant species native to South Africa. It is named for the appearance of its fruit, which is covered in hooks meant to attach onto animals in order to spread seeds. The plant's large tuberous roots are used medicinally to reduce pain and fever, and to stimulate digestion.
Pronunciation
Devil's Claw: /ˈdɛvɪlz klɔː/
Etymology
The name "Devil's Claw" is derived from the Greek words harpagos, which means "hook", and phytum, which means "plant". This refers to the plant's fruit, which has a hook-like shape.
Related Terms
- Phytotherapy: The study of the use of extracts from natural origin as medicines or health-promoting agents.
- Analgesic: A drug used to relieve pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: A substance that reduces inflammation or swelling.
- Tuber: The thickened part of an underground stem of a plant, such as a potato, serving as a food reserve and bearing buds from which new plants arise.
Uses
Devil's Claw is used in traditional South African medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, inflammation, and digestive problems. It is also used in modern herbal medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Precautions
While Devil's Claw is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects in some people, including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. It may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and stomach acid reducers. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
References
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants - Volume 1. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1999.
- European Medicines Agency Assessment report on Harpagophytum procumbens D.C. and/or Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne., radix. London: European Medicines Agency; 2009.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Devil's claw
- Wikipedia's article - Devil's claw
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