Main properties and uses of harpagophytum
Harpagophytum is a plant with multiple anti-pain and anti-inflammatory properties. Originally from South-West Africa, its properties are also recognized in Europe. Sometimes called "devil's claw", it is used to treat joint pain, whether chronic or temporary (rheumatism, osteoarthritis, arthritis, etc.). It is also appreciated by athletes, against muscle pain or sprains (tendinitis, strains, etc.) and promotes flexibility. Finally, it is effective in stimulating lack of appetite and digestion.
Main uses of harpagophytum:
- Joint pain :
- Osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatism:
- Tendonitis:
- Flexibility:
- Mobility problems of athletes:
- Muscular weakness :
Secondary Uses of Harpagophytum:
- Loss of appetite :
- Slow and difficult digestion:
Different forms of use of harpagophytum:
Harpagophytum can be consumed in different forms:
- Although the capsule remains the most practical form, harpagophytum is available in other forms
- Macerate: let the dried roots macerate in olive oil for 1 month. External use.
- Herbal tea and decoction: boil water and let the harpagophytum infuse for a few minutes. Take before meals.
- Tincture: dilute in a glass of water
Harpagophytum ID card
- Botanical name:
Harpagophytum procumbens - Synonyms:
Devil's claw
- Family :
Pedaliaceae - Part used:
root
- Harvest time:
autumn - Geographic origin :
Namibia
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Harpagophytum for joints:
this root is one of the most effective natural treatments for treating joint pain. It is particularly effective against inflammation and chronic joint pain, such as osteoarthritis (less inflammatory than arthritis, but some studies nevertheless demonstrate an inflammatory component to this pathology), arthritis or rheumatism. Rheumatism is a generic term for any type of pain related to joints, bones and muscles; this pain is not necessarily linked to age, but can be due to repeated physical efforts or chronic illnesses. Harpagophytum roots have recognized powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These properties are particularly effective for painful, red and swollen joints. Harpagophytum contains iridoids (one of the most important active ingredients is called harpagoside), as well as flavonoids and phytosterols. It is this combination of active ingredients which generates the anti-inflammatory effect. Most often, harpagophytum is prescribed as a basic treatment, in people suffering from chronic joint problems (osteoarthritis, arthritis or rheumatism) to help reduce the dose or frequency of taking classic anti-inflammatories. Harpagophytum is also recommended for back and lower back pain.
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Harpagophytum for the mobility and flexibility of athletes:
This root is particularly appreciated by athletes, in order to facilitate the mobility of their joints. It can be consumed as prevention, to avoid joint problems following significant physical effort, or as treatment, in cases of pain. Harpagophytum is, for example, recommended in cases of sprain or tendinitis, in order to calm pain and inflammation and reduce the time necessary for recovery. This plant also helps maintain good flexibility of the tendons in people who have to make significant physical efforts, or who perform identical movements repeatedly (for example for people practicing a sport involving twisting movements). -
Harpagophytum to stimulate the appetite.
Harpagophytum root is also traditionally used to stimulate lack of appetite and help with digestive problems. The root of this plant being very bitter, it is this bitterness, linked to its active ingredients which stimulates the appetite and digestion. The European Scientific Cooperation in Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recognized these effects on appetite and digestion during a study carried out during the 1970s. Likewise, the European Medicines Agency recognizes the use of harpagophytum for remedy “temporary loss of appetite”, in a two-week course. For an optimal effect on the appetite (and better feel the bitterness), we should rather use the plant in decoction.
The most interesting synergies based on harpagophytum
In order to optimize the effects of harpagophytum, it is possible, or even recommended, to combine it with other plants, essential oils or natural active ingredients. Here you will find some advice depending on the problem concerned:-
Joint problems:
Essential oils: lemon eucalyptus (anti-inflammatory), wintergreen (anti-inflammatory), camphor roman
Other assets: no specific recommendation -
Mobility, sprains:
Plants: ginger (chronic pain linked to repeated effort), horsetail, turmeric (tendinitis)
Essential oils: lemon eucalyptus (anti-inflammatory), wintergreen (anti-inflammatory)
Other active ingredients: Green clay (tendinitis), ice cubes (sprains), arnica vegetable oil (anti-inflammatory) -
Loss of appetite :
Plants: fennel (lack of appetite), ginger (digestion)
Essential oils: peppermint (stimulates the appetite), lemon and basil (for their digestive and stimulating effects)
Other assets: no specific recommendation
Precautions for use and contraindications of harpagophytum:
This information is not exhaustive!! Always also consult the instructions on the product packaging as well as the manufacturer's recommendations. If in doubt, consult a health professional.
If the recommended quantities are respected, harpagophytum has no particular contraindications. Unlike allopathic anti-inflammatories, it does not cause major digestive problems. The plant, however, promotes gastric secretions. It is not recommended for people suffering from stomach or duodenal ulcers or gallstones. Likewise, harpagophytum should be avoided in people suffering from hypertension.
- Keep out of reach of young children.
- Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Use reserved for adults.
- This product cannot replace a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Interactions to consider with harpagophytum:
It is advisable to consult a doctor in the event of oral anticoagulant treatment. One case of interaction with an anticoagulant medication, warfarin, has been reported.
Harpagophytum and joint pain
Joint pain is common, affecting 1 in 3 French people. It can be traumatic (injuries), age-related or inflammatory. They can be chronic or temporary. Harpagophytum is effective for all types of joint pain, if it is mild to moderate. Scientific studies and health authorities have recognized the effects that harpagophytum has on joint pain.
In 2004, the World Health Organization recognized the use of harpagophytum as a “folk remedy” for “the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism”.
To prove the benefits of the plant in cases of rheumatic and arthritic pain, a study was carried out in 2007 with 259 patients for 8 weeks in the United Kingdom. The pain felt in the shoulder, hip, knee and back of most patients decreased significantly. The researchers conclude that “harpagophytum is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for mild to moderate rheumatic disorders, providing improvement in patient well-being.”
The European Scientific Cooperation in Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recognizes the effectiveness of this plant in the treatment of osteoarthritis and lower back pain. ESCOP recommends a basic treatment based on harpagophytum for two to three months to alleviate this chronic pain.
Several studies show that the plant is effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis, sometimes more than allopathic medications. For example, a study was conducted in 2000 with 122 patients suffering from osteoarthritis over 4 months. Some patients took a harpagophytum capsule and others underwent treatment with the allopathic drug. The results of the study show that “the harpagophytum-based capsules used in the study are comparable in effectiveness and superior in safety to the classic molecule”. Harpagophytum capsules are, in fact, very well tolerated.
Bibliography of this study: Patient safety and protection of medicinal plants: guidelines for a $60 billion industry, WHO, February 10, 2004. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (Ed). Harpagophyti radix, ESCOP Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plants Drugs, Center for Complementary Health Studies, University of Exeter, Great Britain, 1996. Chantre P, Cappelaere A, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine. 2000 Jun;7(3):177-83. Warnock M, McBean D, et al., Effectiveness and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders. Phytother Res. 2007 Dec;21(12):1228-33. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17886223
Harpagophytum and lower back pain
Lower back and lumbar pain can be due to repeated physical exertion, psychosomatic disorders or chronic illnesses; in some cases, back pain can be alleviated by taking harpagophytum regularly.
Several studies, with or without a placebo, show that the plant can reduce back and lumbar pain. A 2006 study shows that a dose of 50 to 100 mg of harpagophytum per day is effective in soothing lower back pain, in addition to white sage (Salix Alba) and cayenne pepper (Capsicum Frutescens). These natural remedies would be more effective than a placebo or an industrial drug, Vioxx.
Bibliography of this study: Gagnier JJ1, van Tulder M, Berman B, Bombardier C., Herbal medicine for low back pain, Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Apr 19;(2):CD004504.
Conclusion and professional opinion:
Harpagophytum is a plant considered to be a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, known for the treatment of joint pain, osteoarthritis, arthritis or other types of rheumatism. It could even be more effective as a basic treatment, and have fewer side effects, than certain industrial medications (corticosteroids) for the treatment of joint pain.
It is also recommended in sports, to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle pain or pain related to sprains. However, studies are lacking on this subject to verify the effectiveness of harpagophytum.
Its effectiveness is recognized by European medical authorities to stimulate lack of appetite and improve digestion.
The data summarized here is given for information purposes and cannot engage our responsibility.
For further information on use, instructions for use, precautions to take and uses advised against, please refer to the commercial data sheet and label of your products. The food supplements described here are natural plant-based products. However, they are not without danger and without possible interactions with other medications or treatments. It is therefore very important to respect the recommended doses and to tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking these products: only he or she will be able to determine if any interactions exist between the food supplement and another treatment or medication that you may be taking.
The pathologies cited in this article are illnesses that can be serious or even life-threatening. A visit to a doctor remains essential. Only he will be able to make a precise diagnosis and, if necessary, provide you with the most appropriate treatment.
Bibliography
- Complete Monographs of the German Commission E - Therapeutic Guide to Medicinal Plants, American Botanical Council, USA 1998
- European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (Ed). Harpagophyti radix, ESCOP Monographs on the medicinal uses of plant medicines, Centre for Complementary Studies in Health, University of Exeter, Great Britain, 1996
- GURIB-FAKIM Ameenah, All the plants that heal, Editions Michel Lafon, 2008
- Guide to healing plants, Vidal, 2010
- Chantre P, Cappelaere A et al. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerein in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine. 2000 Jun;7(3):177-83
- Herbal medicinal products for human use, European Medicines Agency, 07/2016
- Warnock M, McBean D et al., Efficacy and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders. Phytother Res. 2007 Dec;21(12):1228-33
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17886223
- Gagnier JJ1, van Tulder M, Berman B, Bombardier C., Phytotherapy for low back pain, Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Apr 19;(2):CD004504.
- Chrubasik S., Conradt C, Black A., The quality of clinical trials with Harpagophytum procumbens, Phytomedicine. 2003;10(6-7):613-23
- Patient safety and protection of medicinal plants: guidelines for a $60 billion industry, WHO, February 10, 2004
NOTE: This article was written by a pharmacist. The data summarized there come from the scientific literature and the references cited above. For medical advice, in the event of specific or prolonged symptoms, please consult your doctor. Only he will be able to make a precise diagnosis and provide you, if necessary, with the most appropriate treatment.
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