Reasons for use of Devil's claw

• Devil's claw has been known as a medicinal plant for many centuries
• The San of the Kalahari discovered its value and over generations this knowledge was transferred to their descendants
• The medicinal value of the plant lies in its tubers
• The secondary tubers contain active ingredients to manufacture medicinal products
• Devil's claw is known worldwide and is primarily used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism
• The active ingredients have anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and analgesic (painkiller) properties that relieve muscle and joint pain
• Other medicinal uses include:

  • sedative
  • diuretic (reduce fluid buildup in the body)
  • anti-allergenic
  • lowers cholesterol
• Since Devil's claw is such a sought-after remedy, the demand is constantly increasing
• Millions of plants are harvested annually, which increases the pressure on this protected species
• Overexploitation poses a major threat to the survival of this plant, as well as to the welfare of the people who harvest it
• The people who harvest the plants are often from very poor, rural communities in arid regions