Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus)
Background
Devil’s club constituents possibly include saponins and inulin. In North America, Southwest natives believed regular use could prevent cancer.
Clinical Studies
Pharmacology
Devil’s club attracted medical attention in 1938 when Dr Brocklesby (MD) discovered that a patient was stabilizing diabetes with an infusion of devil’s club. In lab tests conducted by Brocklesby and Large in 1938, devil’s club showed no apparent toxicity. The hypoglycemic effect of devil’s club extract is especially significant in view of the longstanding controversy over the use and toxicity of present antidiabetic drugs. Experiments done on rabbits demonstrated that an extract of the herb would substantially reduce blood sugar without any toxic side effects.
Devil’s club is used for arthritis, rheumatism, stomach pains, constipation, and especially for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. The bark can be burnt and applied to cuts. A paste can be made out of the root powder and applied as a poultice to decrease pain and swelling from insect bites and stings.
Dosage
Recommended dose is 1-2 g, three times daily.
