Devil's claw

Harpagophytum procumbens

Other names: grapple plant, wood spider, H. zeyheri

EuropeanAfrican

Photo credit: Henri pidoux / Wikimedia Commons

Safety information

Toxicity: generally mild - GI upset, diarrhea; headache, dizziness occasionally.

Contraindications: active gastric/duodenal ulcers (bitter, gastric-acid stimulating); gallstones (use with care); pregnancy/breastfeeding (insufficient data - avoid); children.

Interactions: may potentiate anticoagulants/antiplatelets (warfarin); possible additive with antiarrhythmics/cardiac glycosides; may affect drugs metabolized by CYP enzymes; caution with NSAIDs (GI).

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: avoid in pregnancy/breastfeeding (insufficient data)

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

Preparations

decoction · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: low back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatic pain

Proposed mechanism: harpagosides - anti-inflammatory

Evidence:Clinical

dry extract · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: minor articular pain, digestive/appetite complaints

Proposed mechanism: iridoid glycosides (harpagoside/harpagide), bitter

Evidence:Clinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

low back pain osteoarthritis rheumatic pain Loss of appetite dyspepsia

Healing traditions

EuropeanAfrican

Sources (3)

Devil's Claw bibliographic review (MDPI Pharmaceuticals, 2021)
EMA: Harpagophyti radix (EMA/HMPC, 2016)
Health Canada NHPID Devil's Claw monograph

All sources →