Devil's Claw
Harpagophytum procumbens
A southern African root recognised in the EU as a traditional medicine for minor joint pain and mild digestive problems. Trials of variable quality suggest it helps osteoarthritis and back pain.
What is Devil's Claw?
- Plant family
- Pedaliaceae, the sesame family
- Parts used
- The dried side roots (tubers), as tea, powder or extract
- Where it grows
- Southern Africa, including Namibia
- Genus
- Harpagophytum
- Species
- procumbens
Also called
Devils Claw, Grapple Plant, Harpagophytum
Regional names
Sengaparile
Older scientific names
Harpagophytum zeyheri
Traditionally used for
- Joint pain
- Osteoarthritis and back pain (studied)
- Bloating and loss of appetite (traditional)
Traditionally described as
Health topics
Where Devil's Claw appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Bloating
A traditional EU herbal medicine for mild bloating and wind.
- Joint Discomfort
A traditional EU herbal medicine for minor joint pain; trials of variable quality in osteoarthritis and back pain suggest it helps.
- Loss of Appetite
A traditional EU herbal medicine for temporary loss of appetite.
Traditions that use it
African Traditional Medicine
Used by peoples of southern Africa for digestion, pain, fever, childbirth and as a tonic; the powder was put on wounds.
Safety
Who should avoid it
Don't use devil's claw if you have an active stomach or duodenal ulcer. People with gallstones should ask a doctor first. Joint pain with swelling, redness or fever should be checked by a doctor. It hasn't been shown to be safe for under-18s.[1]
Side effects
Reported side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, headache and dizziness, and allergic reactions such as rash, hives and facial swelling.[1]
Pregnancy
Its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been established, so it isn't recommended then.[1]
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
The first written record of devil's claw use, from Namibia in 1907, describes how a Herero man, Samuel Kariko, used it for cough, diarrhea, constipation and sexually transmitted diseases. Later accounts describe teas of the root for digestion, childbirth, pain, fever, diabetes, infections and as a tonic, and the dried powder as a wound dressing.[2]
The European Medicines Agency recognises devil's claw root as a traditional herbal medicine, based on long use, for:
- Relief of minor joint pain (see a doctor if it lasts more than 4 weeks)
- Mild digestive problems such as bloating and wind, and temporary loss of appetite (see a doctor if they last more than 2 weeks)
It's for adults only.[1]
Research in people
Devil's claw has been studied in more than 50 human studies, mainly for osteoarthritis and low back pain. A 2021 review found that randomised, placebo-controlled trials, though of variable quality, suggest it helps and is generally safe, with mostly mild stomach side effects in trials lasting up to a year.[2]
In short
Not with an active stomach ulcer; ask a doctor first if you have gallstones. Not recommended in pregnancy.
Sources
- [1] European Union herbal monograph on Harpagophytum procumbens DC. and/or Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne., radix (EMA/HMPC/627057/2015) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
- [2] From Bush Medicine to Modern Phytopharmaceutical: A Bibliographic Review of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum spp.) · DOI: 10.3390/ph14080726Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.