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Harpagophytum or devil's claw

Harpagophytum or devil's claw

A perennial herbaceous plant. Its main root descends very deeply vertically into the earth and has secondary roots with bulbous tubers that can weigh up to 1.5 kg. Its light green leaves are fleshy, opposite and lobed with petioles. Its pale pink solitary trumpet shaped flowers (4 to 6 cm), evolve gradually towards a reddish purple when mature. The highly characteristic woody fruits, from 10 to 20 cm in length, rest directly on the ground and have sharp hooked spines on the sides, giving them their characteristic claw shape.

Latin name

Harpagophytum procumbens

Origin

The desert regions of South East Africa (mainly the Kalahari Desert and Namibian steppes).

Used part

The rhizomes.

Active components

Iridoids (harpagide, harpagoside, coumaroyl harpagide, procumbide): substances responsible for the anti-inflammatory and analgaesic effect, and the protection of the cartilage.

Phenolic acids: antioxidant.

Flavonoids: antioxidant.

Usage

Numerous ethics groups in Africa have traditionally used the rhizomes of devil’s claw for different indications. To treat the stomach, post-natal pain, fever, loss of appetite, indigestion, to treat infectious diseases, to treat female infertility and limb pain. Devil's claw was the subject of multiple scientific studies in the 1950s, when German scientists started to become interested in traditional Namibian medicines. Since then, preparations using tubers have been used to treat painful arthroses, tendinitis, gout, lumbago, myalgia, dyspepsia, loss of appetite and as a supportive therapy for degenerative rheumatism. Until the 1990s, little was known about the specific active substances, their exact effects and their efficacy. Since then, subsequent studies have demonstrated that certain harpago extracts are effective and safe to use. The use of devil's claw is currently scientifically supported thanks to its soothing effect_1-21 in the case of joint discomfort _22-23 and lower back pain._34-40 The extract of this plant can also be applied to creams or gels for external use._41-43

Bibliographical references

Community herbal monograph on Harpagophytum procumbens DC. and/or Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne, Radix
Committee On Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)
Doc. Ref.: EMEA/HMPC/251323/2006
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_Community_herbal_monograph/2010/01/WC500059018.pdf
Formation of nitrogen-containing metabolites from the main iridoids of Harpagophytum procumbens and H. zeyheri by human intestinal bacteria
Baghdikian B., Guiraud-Dauriac H., Ollivier E., N’Guyen A., Dumenil G., Balansard G.
Planta medica 1999 ; 65 (2): 164–166.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10193209
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw): A Possible Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agent (An Experimental Study)
Mohamad Ibrahim Ahmed, Mohamad Ismael Afifi, Ibrahim Hamdy Younos
Bioline: http://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?pt05013
Inhibition of TNF-alpha synthesis in LPS-stimulated primary human monocytes by Harpagophytum extract SteiHap 69.
Fiebich BL, Heinrich M, Hiller KO, Kammerer N.
Phytomedicine. 2001 Jan;8(1):28-30.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11292236
Harpagoside suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression through inhibition of NF-kappa B activation.
Huang TH, Tran VH, Duke RK, Tan S, Chrubasik S, Roufogalis BD, Duke CC.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar 8;104(1-2):149-55.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16203115
Downregulation of iNOS expression in rat mesangial cells by special extracts of Harpagophytum procumbens derives from harpagoside-dependent and independent effects.
Kaszkin M, Beck KF, Koch E, Erdelmeier C, Kusch S, Pfeilschifter J, Loew D.
Phytomedicine. 2004 Nov;11(7-8):585-95.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15636171
Harpagophytum procumbens suppresses lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in fibroblast cell line L929.
Jang MH, Lim S, Han SM, Park HJ, Shin I, Kim JW, Kim NJ, Lee JS, Kim KA, Kim CJ.
J Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Nov;93(3):367-71.
J-STAGE: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jphs/93/3/93_3_367/_pdf
Devil's Claw-a review of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological activity of Harpagophytum procumbens.
Mncwangi N, Chen W, Vermaak I, Viljoen AM, Gericke N.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Oct 11;143(3):755-71.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22940241
Molecular targets of the antiinflammatory Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw): inhibition of TNFα and COX-2 gene expression by preventing activation of AP-1.
Fiebich BL, Muñoz E, Rose T, Weiss G, McGregor GP.
Phytother Res. 2012 Jun;26(6):806-11.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22072539
Effect of isolated fractions of Harpagophytum procumbens D.C. (devil's claw) on COX-1, COX-2 activity and nitric oxide production on whole-blood assay.
Anauate MC, Torres LM, de Mello SB.
Phytother Res. 2010 Sep;24(9):1365-9.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20812280
Isolation and anti-inflammatory activity evaluation of triterpenoids and a monoterpenoid glycoside from Harpagophytum procumbens.
Qi J, Li N, Zhou JH, Yu BY, Qiu SX.
Planta Med. 2010 Nov;76(16):1892-6.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20577946
Inhibitory effects of devil's claw (secondary root of Harpagophytum procumbens) extract and harpagoside on cytokine production in mouse macrophages.
Inaba K, Murata K, Naruto S, Matsuda H.
J Nat Med. 2010 Apr;64(2):219-22.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20177800
The inhibition of free radical generation by preparations of Harpagophytum procumbens in vitro.
Grant L, McBean DE, Fyfe L, Warnock AM.
Phytother Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):104-10.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18803229
Antinociceptive effects of St. John's wort, Harpagophytum procumbens extract and Grape seed proanthocyanidins extract in mice.
Uchida S, Hirai K, Hatanaka J, Hanato J, Umegaki K, Yamada S.
Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Feb;31(2):240-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18239280 J-STAGE: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/31/2/31_2_240/_pdf
Iridoid glycosides from Harpagophytum procumbens D.C. (devil's claw).
Qi J, Chen JJ, Cheng ZH, Zhou JH, Yu BY, Qiu SX.
Phytochemistry. 2006 Jul;67(13):1372-7.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16857222
Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous extract.
Mahomed IM, Ojewole JA.
Phytother Res. 2004 Dec;18(12):982-9.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15742343
Effects of Harpagophytum procumbens LI 174 (devil's claw) on sensory, motor und vascular muscle reagibility in the treatment of unspecific back pain.
Göbel H, Heinze A, Ingwersen M, Niederberger U, Gerber D.
Schmerz. 2001 Feb;15(1):10-8.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11810324
New and known iridoid- and phenylethanoid glycosides from Harpagophytum procumbens and their in vitro inhibition of human leukocyte elastase.
Boje K, Lechtenberg M, Nahrstedt A.
Planta Med. 2003 Sep;69(9):820-5.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14598207
Effect of a Harpagophytum procumbens DC extract on matrix metalloproteinases in human chondrocytes in vitro.
Schulze-Tanzil G, Hansen C, Shakibaei M.
Arzneimittelforschung. 2004;54(4):213-20.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15146934?dopt=Abstract
Investigations on the pharmacokinetic properties of Harpagophytum extracts and their effects on eicosanoid biosynthesis in vitro and ex vivo.
Loew D, Möllerfeld J, Schrödter A, Puttkammer S, Kaszkin M.
Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2001 May;69(5):356-64.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11372004
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum procumbens.
Lanhers MC, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, Vinche A, Younos C.
Planta Med. 1992 Apr;58(2):117-23.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1529021
Harpagophytum und Harpagophytum-Präparate in der Schweiz
Dr. Christoph Bachmann
Phytotherapie Nr. 3 • 2004
ASTRAL: http://phyto.astral.ch/Phyto/ALL/phytotherapie/003-2004/05-harpagophym-praep-CH.pdf
A review of the biological and potential therapeutic actions of Harpagophytum procumbens.
Grant L, McBean DE, Fyfe L, Warnock AM.
Phytother Res. 2007 Mar;21(3):199-209.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17128436
An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri.
Baghdikian B, Lanhers MC, Fleurentin J, Ollivier E, Maillard C, Balansard G, Mortier F.
Planta Med. 1997 Apr;63(2):171-6.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9140234
Degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system--overview of current clinical studies of Devil's Claw (Harpagophyti radix).
Wegener T.
Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(15-16):389-92.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12244884
Harpagoside: from Kalahari Desert to pharmacy shelf.
Georgiev MI, Ivanovska N, Alipieva K, Dimitrova P, Verpoorte R.
Phytochemistry. 2013 Aug;92:8-15.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23642455
Estimation of the relative antiinflammatory efficacies of six commercial preparations of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw).
Ouitas NA, Heard C.
Phytother Res. 2010 Mar;24(3):333-8.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19610038
Herbal medicine for low back pain: a Cochrane review.
Gagnier JJ, van Tulder MW, Berman B, Bombardier C.
Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2007 Jan 1;32(1):82-92.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17202897
Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis.
Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, Guedon D, Vandermander J, Fournie B.
Phytomedicine. 2000 Jun;7(3):177-83.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11185727
Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract of devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC.).
Wegener T, Lüpke NP.
Phytother Res. 2003 Dec;17(10):1165-72.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14669250
Zur klinischen Wirksamkeit der südafrikanischen Teufelskrallenwurzel (Harpagophyti radix) bei Patienten mit Cox- und Gonarthrose: Ergebnisse und Bewertung einer klinischen Studie der Phase IV.
Tankred Wegener
Universität Osnabrück Repositorium urn:nbn:de:gbv:700-2006052225
Universität Osnabrück: http://d-nb.info/980109957/34
Effectiveness and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders.
Warnock M, McBean D, Suter A, Tan J, Whittaker P.
Phytother Res. 2007 Dec;21(12):1228-33.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17886223
Effectiveness of devil's claw for osteoarthritis.
Chrubasik S, Pollak S, Black A.
Rheumatology (Oxford). 2002 Nov;41(11):1332-3; author reply 1333.
Oxford Journals: http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/41/11/1332.full.pdf+html
Effectiveness of Harpagophytum procumbens in treatment of acute low back pain.
Chrubasik S, Zimpfer C, Schütt U, Ziegler R.
Phytomedicine. 1996 May;3(1):1-10.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23194854
Wirksamkeit und Wirtschaftlichkeit von Teufelskrallenwurzelextrakt bei Rückenschmerzen: Erste Ergebnisse einer therapeutischen Kohortenstudie.
Chrubasik S., Schmidt A., Junck H., Pfisterer
Forsch. Komplementärmed. 1997; 4: 332–336.
KARGER: http://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/210360
Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extract WS 1531 in the treatment of exacerbation of low back pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
Chrubasik S, Junck H, Breitschwerdt H, Conradt C, Zappe H.
Eur J Anaesthesiol. 1999 Feb;16(2):118-29.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10101629
A randomized double-blind pilot study comparing Doloteffin and Vioxx in the treatment of low back pain.
S Chrubasik, A Model, A Black, S Pollak
Rheumatology (Oxford). 2003 Jan ;42 (1):141-8 12509627 Cit:24
BioInfoBank Library: http://lib.bioinfo.pl/paper:12509627
A 1-year follow-up after a pilot study with Doloteffin for low back pain.
Chrubasik S, Künzel O, Thanner J, Conradt C, Black A.
Phytomedicine. 2005 Jan;12(1-2):1-9.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15693701
Comparison of outcome measures during treatment with the proprietary Harpagophytum extract doloteffin in patients with pain in the lower back, knee or hip.
Chrubasik S, Thanner J, Künzel O, Conradt C, Black A, Pollak S.
Phytomedicine. 2002 Apr;9(3):181-94.
Joint s.a.s.: http://www.joint-biomateriali.it/admin/upload/documents/Doc13_Comparison%20of%20outcome%20measures%20during%20treatment.pdf
Harpgophytum procumbens for osteoarthritis and low back pain: a systematic review.
Gagnier JJ, Chrubasik S, Manheimer E.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2004 Sep 15;4:13.
PMC: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC520753/pdf/1472-6882-4-13.pdf
A novel ex vivo skin model for the assessment of the potential transcutaneous anti-inflammatory effect of topically applied Harpagophytum procumbens extract.
Ouitas NA, Heard CM.
Int J Pharm. 2009 Jul 6;376(1-2):63-8.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19383533
Dermal and transcutaneous delivery of the major glycoside constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) in vitro.
Abdelouahab N, Heard CM.
Planta Med. 2008 Apr;74(5):527-31.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18401847
Effect of the major glycosides of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) on epidermal cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in vitro.
Abdelouahab N, Heard C.
J Nat Prod. 2008 May;71(5):746-9.
Pubmed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18412394

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