Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
A Southern African desert plant whose root extract is well-studied for back and joint pain. Comparable to mild NSAIDs in some trials.
Moderate for osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tendonitis. Multiple positive RCTs; comparable to slow-onset NSAIDs. Effects: 4–8 weeks.
Harpagophytum procumbens (named for the hooked claws on its fruit) is native to the Kalahari. Its harpagoside-rich root has been used by San and Khoi peoples for inflammation and pain. Modern German clinical use and trials support meaningful pain relief in osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tendonitis — often comparable to mild NSAIDs (and gentler on the gut). Slower-acting than NSAIDs; build up over weeks.
- Form
- Standardised devil's claw extract to ≥50 mg harpagoside per dose.
- Dose
- 1,000–2,000 mg/day extract, or 50–100 mg harpagoside daily, split.
- Timing
- With food.
- Schedule
- Daily.
- Side effects
- GI upset, diarrhea, headache. Generally well-tolerated.
- Interactions
- Anticoagulants — mild additive blood-thinning. Diabetes medications — additive glucose lowering. P-gp / CYP substrates — possible mild interactions.
- Contraindications
- Active peptic ulcer (devil's claw increases stomach acid). Gallstones (bile-flow effects). Pregnancy. Cardiac arrhythmia (case reports).
- Lab markers
- Not standard.
- Food sources
- Not in everyday food.
Pairs with
Curcumin, boswellia, omega-3 (joint pain stack).
within Herbs & botanicals