🌿 Devil's Claw
Afrikanische Teufelskralle
Harpagophytum procumbens (Burch.) DC. ex Meisn.
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the sesame family (Pedaliaceae). It is native to the dry savannah regions of southern Africa, particularly Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.
The plant has creeping stems, distinctive flowers and characteristic fruits with hook-shaped projections. These resemble claws and give the plant its common name.
The secondary storage root tubers are primarily used for medicinal purposes. They contain bitter compounds, particularly iridoid glycosides such as harpagoside and harpagide.
Devil's Claw is traditionally used for joint discomfort, back pain and rheumatic complaints. Its constituents have anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is also used to support digestion because of its bitter compounds.
The plant has creeping stems, distinctive flowers and characteristic fruits with hook-shaped projections. These resemble claws and give the plant its common name.
The secondary storage root tubers are primarily used for medicinal purposes. They contain bitter compounds, particularly iridoid glycosides such as harpagoside and harpagide.
Devil's Claw is traditionally used for joint discomfort, back pain and rheumatic complaints. Its constituents have anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is also used to support digestion because of its bitter compounds.
Notes
The dried and chopped secondary storage root tubers are used medicinally. Traditional preparations include teas and tinctures. Standardised extracts and powders are also available.
Medicinal use should be avoided in people with gastric or duodenal ulcers. Medical advice is required before use in cases of gallstones, bile duct obstruction or other biliary disorders.
Medicinal use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because sufficient safety data are unavailable.
People taking anticoagulant medication should consult a healthcare professional about possible interactions. A clinically established blood-thinning effect of Devil's Claw has not been sufficiently demonstrated.
People with a known allergy to the plant should avoid its use.
Medicinal use should be avoided in people with gastric or duodenal ulcers. Medical advice is required before use in cases of gallstones, bile duct obstruction or other biliary disorders.
Medicinal use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because sufficient safety data are unavailable.
People taking anticoagulant medication should consult a healthcare professional about possible interactions. A clinically established blood-thinning effect of Devil's Claw has not been sufficiently demonstrated.
People with a known allergy to the plant should avoid its use.
Effects
- pain-relieving
- anti-inflammatory
- decongestant
Conditions
- menopausal complaints
- psoriasis
- back pain
- kidney weakness
- liver weakness
- sciatica
- lumbago
- shingles
- joint complaints
- eczema
- osteoarthritis
Application Areas
- digestion
- muscles
- skin
- joints
Plant Parts
- Root tubers
Preparations
- tincture
- tea
- powder
- extract
Contraindications
- breastfeeding
- pregnancy
- concomitant use of anticoagulants
- gallstones
- allergy