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References

Menghini L, Recinella L, Leone S Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) and chronic inflammatory diseases: a concise overview on preclinical and clinical data. Phytother Res. 2019; 33:2152-2162 https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6395
Kellesarian SV, Al-Kheraif AA, Vohra F Cytokine profile in the synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review. Cytokine. 2016; 77:98-106 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2015.11.005
London: Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC); 2016
Vlachojannis J, Roufogalis BD, Chrubasik S Systematic review on the safety of Harpagophytum preparations for osteoarthritic and low back pain. Phytother Res. 2008; 22:149-152 https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2314

Letters to the editor

From Volume 51, Issue 10, November 2024 | Page 735

Authors

Nicola Gallagher

Specialty Dentist in OMFS, King's College London

Articles by Nicola Gallagher

Article

Devil's claw

I would like to draw attention to an alternative therapy that may provide respite for those suffering with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is one of the most researched plant extracts known to affect key mechanisms that contribute to the inflammatory process in humans.1 For years, devil's claw has been used in the traditional management of inflammatory disorders and in vitro studies have confirmed that devil's claw targets many inflammatory cells that have been identified in the synovial fluid of patients with TMD (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α).2

There is an abundance of studies supporting the efficacy and safety of devil's claw and consequently the Herbal Medicinal Products Committee of the European Medicines Agency has concluded that devil's claw can be used for the treatment of minor joint pain without the requirement of medical supervision.3 The potential for devil's claw to be beneficial in the management of TMD can be attributed to the shared pathogenesis between TMD and the previously researched arthropathies. Reports of unwanted side effects are scarce and unlike traditionally used NSAIDs, there are no known contraindications or drug interactions that restrict its use (e.g. anticoagulant therapy).4

In conclusion, the accessibility of the drug in combination with the evidence supporting its anti-inflammatory effects and strong safety profile strongly suggest that devil's claw has the potential to positively contribute in the multimodal management of TMD. We now await clinical trials, but in the meantime, it would be interesting to hear of any anecdotal success stories so far.