The History Of Devil's Claw - Harpogophytum Procumbens

Other Common Names: Grapple Plant, Harpogophytum procumbens

Range: Southern and Eastern Africa, Namibia, Madagascar

Numerous tribes native to southern Africa have used devil?s claw for a wide variety of conditions, ranging from gastrointestinal difficulties to arthritic conditions. Devil?s claw has been widely used in Europe as a treatment for arthritis. It is anti-inflammatory, anodyne, hepatic.

From the flowers grow woody, sharply curved, barbed fruits, which give devil?s claw its name. Although the name comes from the fruit, the part of the plant used for its medicinal value is the tuber.

The active principle in devil?s claw, which is used to standardize products, is a glycoside called harpagoside. Other constituents include beta-sitosterol, harpagide, procumbine, sugars, gum resin and bitter principles.

The analgesic properties can be compared in strength to cortisone or phenylbutazone, both prescription medications used in the treatment of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and both with serious side effects.

Extracts of the secondary tubers of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) are recommended for the supportive treatment of degenerative painful rheumatism. There was observed an improvement of motility and a reduction of pain sensation in several clinical studies. Pharmacological experiments have shown analgesic, antiphlogistic and anti-inflammatory actions.

The Commission E approved the use of devil's claw root for loss of appetite, dyspepsia, and degenerative disorders of the locomotor system. Devil's claw root has been used to treat painful arthroses, tendonitis, indigestion, blood diseases, headache, allergies, rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago, neuralgia, and fever, and externally for sores, ulcer, boils, and skin lesions.

Most important constituents are iridoid glycosides, which are supposed to contribute mainly to the observed effects. However, the entire extract has to be considered as active ingredient.

Devil's claw is also used externally as an ointment to treat skin rashes, wounds, etc.

Known Hazards: Anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers, heartburn, gastritis, or excessive stomach acid should not use the herb. With gallstones, consult a physician before use.

  • Bradley, P.R. 1992. British Herbal Compendium, Vol. 1. Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association.
  • Wien Med Wochenschr, 149(8-10):254-7 1999 - Dienstleistung Phytopharmaka Rheda-Wiedenbruck, Deutschland

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