The History Of Devil's Claw - Harpogophytum Procumbens
Other Common Names: Grapple Plant, Harpogophytum procumbens
Range: Southern and Eastern Africa, Namibia, Madagascar
Numerous tribes native to southern Africa have used devil?s claw for
a wide variety of conditions, ranging from gastrointestinal
difficulties to arthritic conditions. Devil?s claw has been widely used
in Europe as a treatment for arthritis. It is anti-inflammatory,
anodyne, hepatic.
From the flowers grow woody, sharply curved, barbed fruits, which
give devil?s claw its name. Although the name comes from the fruit, the
part of the plant used for its medicinal value is the tuber.
The active principle in devil?s claw, which is used to standardize
products, is a glycoside called harpagoside. Other constituents include
beta-sitosterol, harpagide, procumbine, sugars, gum resin and bitter
principles.
The analgesic properties can be compared in strength to cortisone or
phenylbutazone, both prescription medications used in the treatment of
rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and both with serious side effects.
Extracts of the secondary tubers of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum
procumbens) are recommended for the supportive treatment of
degenerative painful rheumatism. There was observed an improvement of
motility and a reduction of pain sensation in several clinical studies.
Pharmacological experiments have shown analgesic, antiphlogistic and
anti-inflammatory actions.
The Commission E approved the use of devil's claw root for loss of
appetite, dyspepsia, and degenerative disorders of the locomotor
system. Devil's claw root has been used to treat painful arthroses,
tendonitis, indigestion, blood diseases, headache, allergies,
rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago, neuralgia, and fever, and externally
for sores, ulcer, boils, and skin lesions.
Most important constituents are iridoid glycosides, which are
supposed to contribute mainly to the observed effects. However, the
entire extract has to be considered as active ingredient.
Devil's claw is also used externally as an ointment to treat skin rashes, wounds, etc.
Known Hazards: Anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers,
heartburn, gastritis, or excessive stomach acid should not use the
herb. With gallstones, consult a physician before use.
Other Common Names: Grapple Plant, Harpogophytum procumbens
Range: Southern and Eastern Africa, Namibia, Madagascar
Numerous tribes native to southern Africa have used devil?s claw for
a wide variety of conditions, ranging from gastrointestinal
difficulties to arthritic conditions. Devil?s claw has been widely used
in Europe as a treatment for arthritis. It is anti-inflammatory,
anodyne, hepatic.
From the flowers grow woody, sharply curved, barbed fruits, which
give devil?s claw its name. Although the name comes from the fruit, the
part of the plant used for its medicinal value is the tuber.
The active principle in devil?s claw, which is used to standardize
products, is a glycoside called harpagoside. Other constituents include
beta-sitosterol, harpagide, procumbine, sugars, gum resin and bitter
principles.
The analgesic properties can be compared in strength to cortisone or
phenylbutazone, both prescription medications used in the treatment of
rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and both with serious side effects.
Extracts of the secondary tubers of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum
procumbens) are recommended for the supportive treatment of
degenerative painful rheumatism. There was observed an improvement of
motility and a reduction of pain sensation in several clinical studies.
Pharmacological experiments have shown analgesic, antiphlogistic and
anti-inflammatory actions.
The Commission E approved the use of devil's claw root for loss of
appetite, dyspepsia, and degenerative disorders of the locomotor
system. Devil's claw root has been used to treat painful arthroses,
tendonitis, indigestion, blood diseases, headache, allergies,
rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago, neuralgia, and fever, and externally
for sores, ulcer, boils, and skin lesions.
Most important constituents are iridoid glycosides, which are
supposed to contribute mainly to the observed effects. However, the
entire extract has to be considered as active ingredient.
Devil's claw is also used externally as an ointment to treat skin rashes, wounds, etc.
Known Hazards: Anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers,
heartburn, gastritis, or excessive stomach acid should not use the
herb. With gallstones, consult a physician before use.
- Bradley, P.R. 1992. British Herbal Compendium, Vol. 1. Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Association.
- Wien Med Wochenschr, 149(8-10):254-7 1999 - Dienstleistung Phytopharmaka Rheda-Wiedenbruck, Deutschland
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