Is Devil’s Claw Root compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Devil’s Claw Root?

Devil’s Claw Root

July 12, 2016 (Low Risk)

The root of this herb that is native from Southern Africa is used.
It contains iridoids as harpagoside and phytosterols and flavonoids.
Traditional indications are not based on clinical evidence: relief of pain and joint inflammation, dyspepsia, flatulence and anorexia.

At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk was found.

Given the lack of therapeutic effectiveness and the likelihood of adverse gastrointestinal side effects, it seems prudent to avoid using this herb during lactation, otherwise do it on a moderate or occasional basis.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Grapple Plant
  • Wood Spider

Writings

  • Harpagophytum burchelii Decne (Latin, botanical name)
  • Harpagophytum procumbens (Latin, botanical name)
  • Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne (Latin, botanical name)
  • Дьявольский Коготь (Cyrillic)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013Abstract
  2. [No authors listed] Devil's claw root: ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding? Prescrire Int. 2013Abstract
  3. Douros A, Bronder E, Andersohn F, Klimpel A, Thomae M, Ockenga J, Kreutz R, Garbe E. Drug-induced acute pancreatitis: results from the hospital-based Berlin case-control surveillance study of 102 cases. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013Abstract
  4. Cordier W, Steenkamp V. Drug interactions in African herbal remedies. Drug Metabol Drug Interact. 2011Abstract
  5. Vlachojannis J, Roufogalis BD, Chrubasik S. Systematic review on the safety of Harpagophytum preparations for osteoarthritic and low back pain. Phytother Res. 2008Abstract
  6. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 3. WHO monographs. 2007 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety. J Altern Complement Med. 2006Abstract