Questions and Answers
My Father aged 74 years suffers from advanced arthritis. He has heard about Devils Claw as an effective remedy. Do you know anything about this?
Preparations of the root of this herb have been used in Africa and Europe for over 250 years mainly for its effect as an antiinflammatory and analgesic ... some studies in France and Germany (which I haven't seen) compare its effectiveness to cortisone and phenolbutazone (both used sparingly because the frequency and severity of their side-effects) ... two things are surprising - why hasn't rheumatology added this prep to its armementarium if it's so effective, and - if so effective, the pharmacological truism that such highly effective substances are likely to have more than the desired effect, will probably hold ... since it has been used as popular folk medicine for so long and is available over-the-counter, it is unlikely to be hazardous, and as a corollary unlikely to have a demonstrated pharmacological action ... that being said, many individuals will have used it and would swear as to its effectiveness (some swear to the effectiveness of wearing a pure copper bracelet) ... I can personally sympathesize with your Dad and I guess that with sufficient faith to bolster my decision I would at least give it a try ... (the exotic name and likely high cost can only add to its potential benefits!)
The dose is one capsule up to thrice daily.