Harpagophytum: Everything You Need to Know About Devil’s Claw

Where does this name come from?

Harpagophytum, commonly known as devil's claw or Windhoek root (named after the capital of Namibia), is a tuberous perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Harpagophytum of the Pedaliaceae family, like sesame. This plant, recently discovered in the West, originates from the desert regions of southern Africa: the steppes of Namibia, the Kalahari Desert, and southern Africa. Harpagophytum, Harpagophytum procumbens, derives its name from the Greek phyton, "plant," and harpagos, "harpoon." This is the origin of the term devil's claw, as its harpoon-shaped fruits with sharp hooks attach themselves to the fur of animals such as sheep and cattle, and to the hooves of antelopes, all of which thrash about frantically to rid themselves of them as if they had "the devil in their bodies." It is a strategy, successful to say the least, for dispersing its seeds. As for procumbens, it is derived from the Latin procubo, meaning "to lie prone, stretched out." Indeed, its stem is creeping and can spread up to 2m in length. It bears alternate leaves with ovate blades as well as solitary, short-lived, red-violet, trumpet-shaped flowers that open for only a single day. The fruit is a woody capsule with a crown adorned with several sharp hooks, the famous devil's claw.

Its main, woody root burrows vertically up to 1m into clay or sandy soil. From this main root, several secondary roots branch out, forming bulbous storage tubers, sometimes very large, weighing up to 1.5kg, found as deep as 2m. These serve as a reserve of water and nutrients for the plant, enabling it to withstand periods of drought. These tubers reach a size of 4 to 6cm in diameter and 15 to 25cm in length after 3 to 4 years, at which point they are harvested. Indeed, only these tubers (which constitute up to 90% of the plant's weight) are used in traditional medicine in southern Africa and in our pharmaceutical industry.

The medicinal potential of Harpagophytum became widely known in the Western world in the 1970s and 1980s. A victim of its own success, Harpagophytum became an endangered species in the early 2000s. Today, devil's claw enjoys protected status that regulates its harvesting, but it remains vulnerable. Various cultivation trials are underway, yet devil's claw remains difficult to grow.

Anti-inflammatory: The active compounds, primarily harpagosides, help reduce inflammation.

Analgesic: It helps relieve pain, particularly pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as lower back pain and joint pain.

Anti-rheumatic: Stimulates osteoblast production and inhibits enzymes responsible for cartilage degradation

Digestive: Harpagophytum may also improve digestion. It is sometimes used to treat digestive disorders such as dyspepsia (indigestion) and loss of appetite.

Antioxidant: The compounds found in harpagophytum have antioxidant properties. They help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to better overall health. 

• Reduction of inflammation 

• Pain relief 

• Improved joint pain 

• Digestive support

• Has a positive effect on cholesterol 

Harpagophytum is available as a dried herb, in capsules, as dry or liquid extracts, and also as gels, creams, or ointments for topical use. Opt for standardized extracts containing 1.2% to 2% harpagoside.

Use in Herbal Medicine

Harpagophytum is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powder, liquid extracts, and herbal teas. It is important to follow dosage recommendations and consult a healthcare professional before starting a treatment with Harpagophytum, especially for those taking medications or with pre-existing medical conditions.

It may be beneficial to combine the benefits of Harpagophytum with those of Ash, for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Tablets and capsules: It is generally recommended to take 3g to 6g of Harpagophytum daily, spread out over meals.

• Dried root (loose): Steep 1.5g to 3g of dried root in 300ml of boiling water and let steep for 8 hours. Strain and drink 100ml before each meal. Warning: it’s very bitter!

• Liquid extracts: follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions

• Ointments, creams, and gels: Apply by massaging into painful areas

Courses of treatment lasting 3 to 4 weeks are generally recommended, to be repeated for osteoporosis, joint flexibility, and osteoarthritis. For other conditions, Harpagophytum should be taken during the period of pain, not exceeding 4 weeks.

Good to know

Harpagophytum can be used alone or combined with other plants, such as Ash, blackcurrant, wintergreen, or even collagen, chondroitin, MSM, or glucosamine

Possible side effects: Although generally well-tolerated, Harpagophytum may cause gastrointestinal issues in some people.

Contraindications: It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for people with gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Drug interactions: People taking medications, particularly anticoagulants or heart medications, should consult a healthcare professional before taking harpagophytum.

Harpagophytum is a very interesting plant that should be used wisely given the necessary precautions. Also, since Devil’s Claw is endemic to a very specific region of our beautiful planet, it must be preserved as much as possible. It is therefore necessary to take proactive steps by adopting an anti-inflammatory diet. 

Catherine is passionate about plants and their properties. She studied natural cosmetics at the École Lyonnaise des Plantes Médicinales in the early 2000s. Driven by curiosity, she has continued to explore the richness and potential of plants. This led her to train in aromatherapy at the École Française d’Aromathérapie Intégrative. She discovered an almost unexplored world in olfactotherapy, and valuable tools for getting to know herself better and practising what she calls inner ecology.