HERBAL REMEDY OF THE MONTH                                       April 2008   

Atrosan Devil’s Claw tablets has been awarded a Traditional Herbal Medicines Directive licence for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain, and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints. It's the equivalent of the clinical licence for a pharmaceutical drug - and gives a solid guarantee that the supplement is effective.

Devil’s Claw or Harpagophytum is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a popular and effective herbal remedy for problems such as rheumatism, backache and sports injuries. Devil’s Claw has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and analgesic properties, due to a group of components called iridoids, the principle of which is harpagoside. Its anti-inflammatory activity is equivalent to corticosteroids but without the potential side effects. Devil’s Claw reduces pain and inflammation and is safe for long term use.

A clinical trial to investigate the effects of Harpagophytum tablets for the treatment of general rheumatic disorders had encouraging results. Pain and stiffness improved significantly. 70% of patients reported a beneficial effect from using the tablets and 78% said they would take them again. 92% rated tolerability of Devil’s Claw as good.

The supplements are also green: an example of Bioforce’s commitment to sustainable cultivation. The increasing popularity of Devil’s Claw threatens the plant with extinction and also the livelihood of the South African indigenous people who harvest it. Every year, up to 15 million wild Devil’s Claw plants are uprooted in the Kalahari to meet demand. The herb is very difficult to cultivate but Bioforce has worked for several years with international scientists and local producers to develop a unique sustainable Devil’s Claw crop. The specially created farm is also making a positive contribution to the local economy.

A.Vogel Atrosan Devil’s Claw tablets are specially coated to protect the active ingredients from stomach enzymes. The newly packaged tablets cost ?8.95 (30) and ?15.95 (60) and will be available from 14 April in health stores.
 

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