Herbal Supplements For A Healthier Life

Botanical & Identity

Botanical Name

Harpagophytum procumbens

Common Names

Devil’s Claw, Grapple Plant, Wood Spider

Plant Family

Pedaliaceae

Part Used

Tuberous secondary roots

Taste Profile

Bitter, earthy

Energetics

Cooling, drying, anti-inflammatory
Devil’s Claw

Summary & Classification

Short Summary

Devil’s Claw is a traditional African anti-inflammatory herb known for its effectiveness in managing joint pain, arthritis, and musculoskeletal inflammation. It’s commonly used to support mobility, reduce stiffness, and relieve chronic back and joint pain.

Herb Actions

anti-inflammatory, bitter tonic, analgesic, antirheumatic

Herbal Category

musculoskeletal support, inflammation regulation

Medicine System

african, western

Active Ingredients

Harpagoside
,
Harpagide
,
Procumbide
,
Flavonoids
,
Phenolic Acids
.

Chemistry & Effectiveness

Active Ingredients

Mechanism of Action

Harpagoside inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g. TNF-α, COX-2), reducing joint inflammation and oxidative stress. It also exerts mild analgesic effects and stimulates bile secretion via its bitter principles

Modern Applications

Used in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, lower back pain, and general inflammatory conditions affecting the joints and muscles.

Traditional Uses & Preparation

Traditional Uses

Indigenous to Southern Africa, Devil’s Claw was traditionally used for fevers, digestive complaints, joint pain, and wound healing.

Preparation & Usage

Commonly used as dried root decoction, capsule, or tincture. Standardised extracts are often used in clinical trials.

Recommended Dosage

Extract (standardised to harpagoside): 600–1200 mg/day; Tincture: 2–4 ml, 2–3x/day; Decoction: 2–3 tsp dried root per cup, simmer 15 min, 1–2x/day.

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Gallstones, gastric or duodenal ulcers due to bitter stimulation; monitor blood pressure in hypertensive patients

Drug Interactions

May interact with anticoagulants, NSAIDs, and antidiabetic medications (monitor blood sugar).

Pregnancy & Lactation

not recommended

Side Effects

Rare: nausea, diarrhoea, headache, or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Scientific & Source Info

Scientific References

– Chrubasik, J.E. et al. (2006). Devil’s Claw extract for osteoarthritis and low back pain: systematic review. – Brendler, T. (2014). Harpagophytum procumbens: Traditional and evidence-based use.

Sourcing Notes

Sustainably harvested in Southern Africa. Ethical sourcing critical due to wild harvesting pressure. Standardised extracts should declare harpagoside content for efficacy.

Product Linkage

Used In Products

Acid Balance capsules

Acid Balance 120’s

R440.00