Devil’s Claw - Harpagophytum procumbens

Devil’s claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, aka grapple plant, or wood spider, is native to Africa and is an economically important export of Namibia. 

Devil’s claw is traditionally used for a wide variety of problems but the most universal may be to treat pain due to osteoarthritis, gout, and back troubles. Interestingly it is thought to increase appetite but also is thought to support weight loss. 

Devil’s claw contains an iridoid glycoside called harpagoside, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Iridoid-glycosides, primarily harpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide; phytosterols; phenylpropanoids such as verbascoside; triterpenes, such as oleanolic acid, 3β-acetyloleanolic acid, and ursolic acid; flavonoids, such as kaempferol and luteolin; unsaturated fatty acids, cinnamomic acid, chlorogenic acid, and stachyose were identified as the most prominent compounds present in the root.¹

Dosing: Tincture 1-3 ml 3 times a day. 

Possible side effects: Allergy, and medication interactions

Contraindications:  Devil’s claw can slow the absorption of NSAIDs, enhance the effects of warfarin, and reduce the effects of proton pump inhibitors. Speak to your doctor before using it if you are being treated with these medications. 

¹Brendler, Thomas. 2021. "From Bush Medicine to Modern Phytopharmaceutical: A Bibliographic Review of Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum spp.)" Pharmaceuticals 14, no. 8: 726. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14080726