Harpagophytum, commonly known as “devil’s claw”, is a major plant in herbal medicine, especially used for its anti-inflammatory benefits. But beware of its contraindications, adverse effects and drug interactions…
The harpagophytum (harpagophytum procumbens) is a flagship herbal plant. She is part of the family of Pedaliaceae. She is particularly recognized for her anti-inflammatory benefits on joint pain (osteoarthritis…). But, like all plants, it must be taken respecting the dosages and the contraindications. Discovery.
Definition: what is the harpagophytum?
“Harpagophytum comes from the Greek Harpagos which means grapple or boarding hook and Phyton which means the plant” says Dr. Patrick Aubé, general practitioner acupuncturist expert in herbal medicine, founding member of the National Syndicate of Phyto-Aromatherapy and of the European Association of Phytotherapy. “It is a plant that grows in the deserts of the African continent (Kalahari, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa), on soils rich in iron oxide, he specifies. The Harpagophytum is also called “Devil’s claw“, since on its creeping stems (up to 1.50m on the sand) it has fruits with claws that trap antelopes. It is a plant that is collected and not cultivated also its success in Europe is likely to involve a problem of resource. Also it is important not to waste the Harpagophytum“.
What are the benefits of harpagophytum?
“The Harpagophytum has anti-inflammatory and anti-phlogistic properties because of his active ingredients, iridoids (harpagosides and procumbosides)“, indicates our interlocutor. This plant is indicated for:
- relieve rheumatic pain : osteoarthritis large or small joints (knee, hip, finger…), inflammatory rheumatism chronic rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis…)
- relieve back pain, particularly lumbar (it is recommended by the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy
- treat osteoporosis due to menopause. “Research has shown that Harpagophytum promotes the production of osteoblasts (cells that make bone tissue)“Informs Dr. Patrick Aubé.
In what form to take the harpagophytum? In capsules?
“It is the rhizomethere underground stem of the harpagophytum which is used in herbal medicine. This tuber-shaped root can weigh up to 1.5 kg” answers Dr. Aubé right away, who believes that “best to use capsules (total powder or nebulisate) and liquid solutions, knowing that the dosage is slightly different between capsule of total powder and capsule of nebulisate: one capsule of nebulisate corresponds to two capsules of total powder“. Harpagophytum can be found:
- in dry extracts (total powder or nebulisate in capsule or tablet),
- in solution (aqueous or hydro-alcoholic extract).
- in herbal teas or decoctions of the root but the preparation will have a very pronounced bitterness.
- in the form of tablets.
- in the form of ointment to be applied directly to the painful area to effectively relieve the joints.
What is the dosage of harpagophytum?
The dosage of liquid solutions is indicated by the manufacturer.
- In case of moderate acute joint pain, it is recommended to take a capsule (nebulisate) morning and evening or two capsules (total powder) morning and evening.
- If the pain is severe, the dosage is one capsule (nebulisate) or two capsules (total powder) morning, noon and evening.
- In less acute periods of osteoarthritis, it is recommended to do cures at the rate of 2 capsules of nebulisate or 4 capsules of loose powder 5 days a week for a month.
Precautions for use and contraindications
Harpagophytum extracts are not recommended in case of stomach ulcer or bladder stones.
Undesirable side effects
“A Too high a dosage or too long a duration of Harpagophytum can lead to digestive disorders (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)“, says Dr. Patrick Aubé. Other possible side effects are headaches or dizziness.
Harpagophytum interactions with medications
“The Harpagophytum having a antihypertensive effect, this plant should not be combined with anti-hypertensive drugs. Similarly, as it has a hypoglycemic action, this plant should not be taken at the same time as hypoglycemic drugs” warns Dr. Patrick Aubé. Finally, taking Harpagophytum should not not be associated with taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because it increases the action of these anti-inflammatories.
In which medicines is harpagophytum found?
Harpagophytum is found in several drugs:
- in the form of tablets in dolosoft®, in the form of tablets,
- in capsule form Elusanes® harpagophyton and Arkocaps Harpadol®,
- in gel form Geldolor®,
- in the form of granules, drops, ointment, powder, tablets or ampoules in theHarpagophytum Boiron®.
Thanks to Dr Patrick Aubé, general practitioner acupuncturist expert in herbal medicine, founding member of the Syndicat National de la Phyto-