Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw)

Question 1

How do you recognise Devil’s Claw?

Answer 1

• A creeping plant with tuberiferous roots. The names devil’s claw and ‘grapple’ plant refer to the shape of the hooked fruit.
• Harvested mainly from the wild in Namibia, Botswana & South Africa - really dry, desert like areas. Harvesting may threaten wild populations but Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) have been introduced to protect the species especially in Namibia - looks less endangered/ more sustainable now
• May be mixed with material from H. zeyheri.
• Traditionally used by many peoples in Southern Africa – San, Khoi, Topnar and Herero – see ‘external links’ for more detail.

Question 2

What are Devil’s Claw ‘s main constituents?

Answer 2

Constituents:
* Iridoid glycosides - most actions related to this - harpagoside, harpagide, and procumbide – anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, possibly hepatoprotective.
* Phenyl propanoids.
* Terpenes
* Phytosterols – anti-inflammatory.
* Flavonoids – based on luteolin and kaempferol.
* Hargapaquinone

Question 3

What family is Devil’s Claw?

Answer 3

Family:
Pedaliaceae

Question 4

What is Devil’s Claw good for?

Answer 4

Summary: Tend to use it as an ‘anti rhuematic’ - good for back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, tendons etc. Mildly sedative. V bitter so not great for people with excess acid/ gastric problems.

Actions:
* Anti-inflammatory.
* Analgesic.
* Sedative
* “Anti-rheumatic”.
* Bitter.
* Diuretic.
* Possibly useful for arrhythmias.

Applications:
* Arthritis.
* Tendonitis.
* Back pain.
* Gout.
* Fibromyalgia.
* Anorexia.

Traditional uses in Africa include malaria, skin problems, to alleviate labour pains as well as for joint inflammation.

Question 5

What is Devil’s Claw ‘s Latin name?

Answer 5

Harpagophytum procumbens

Question 6

What parts of Devil’s Claw do you use?

Answer 6

Parts used: secondary tubers

Question 7

What safety issues might Devil’s Claw have?

Answer 7

Mostly seen to be safe but is very bitter and contraindicated in problems with excess stomach acidity.

Question 8

What useful research does Devil’s Claw have?

Answer 8

External links:
* From Bush Medicine to Modern Phytopharmaceutical: A
Bibliographic Review of Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum spp.) –
thorough study from 2021 that gives some coverage of use in
Southern Africa.
* Devil’s Claw—A review of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry
and biological activity of Harpagophytum procumbens – an
older study from 2012 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology
which covers indigenous use of the plant in more detail

Question 9

What remedies might you use Devil’s Claw in?

Answer 9

Dose 20-30ml/week 1:3 tincture
Case history from Bendle: Man in his 80s. He has diabetes and a poor diet. Oesteoarthritis in his knees, so Bendle gave him 15% Harpagophytum, Cucuma (Turmeric) 20%, Eleutherococcus (Siberian Ginseng) 20%, Hypericum (St Johns Wort) 25%, Serenoa (Saw Palmetto) 15% and Zingiber (Ginger) 5%.

Serenoa in there for background prostatic problem, STW and Ginseng for his emotional needs, but Harpagophytum, Cucuma, Ginger and Ginseng also for warming him up / for the arthritis. Takes the edge off his knee pain; could walk much easier.

Also had Cinnamon in there previously but swapped out for Ginger. The mix is keeping him walking.