BENEFITS OF HARPAGOPHYTUM
✓ Reduces inflammation
✓ Relieves joint pain
✓ Antioxidant
✓ Stimulates appetite
What is harpagophytum?
Harpagophytum (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a plant native to South Africa. It is found in semi-desert regions and in the Kalahari Desert.
It produces a central root and then bulbous secondary roots (tubers) that allow it to store water. Thus, it is able to withstand long periods of drought.
The plant is nicknamed “devil’s claw” because of its spiny fruits with curved, hooked barbs. Thanks to these spines, the fruit can cling to animal fur to be carried and thus dispersed into the wild.
As shown by this review, harpagophytum occupies an important place in African traditional medicine. It is used to relieve indigestion, fever, and rheumatism, as reported by this review.
It is the tubers that are used because they contain the main active compounds, including harpagosides. Once harvested, they are dried and then cut into slices before being consumed.
Today, the plant is used in modern herbal medicine. Research has highlighted its anti-inflammatory action, which helps relieve joint pain. It is also antioxidant and can stimulate appetite.
Nutritional composition
- Amino acids
- Vitamins : provitamin A, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, B12
- Minerals and trace elements : iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, silica, phosphorus, calcium
- Antioxidant active compounds : flavonoids, phenols
- Organic acids : cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid
- Harpagosides
Benefits of harpagophytum
🔥 Reduces inflammation
The tubers contain natural compounds called « iridoid glycosides », which are involved in the regulation of inflammation. Among them, harpagosides are the most important.
They target inflammation directly and the molecules involved within the body. Thus, they prevent the release of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), a pro-inflammatory cytokine.
Additionally, they inhibit the activity of interleukins IL-6, which can lead to an excessive inflammatory response.
Thus, harpagophytum is useful in cases of acute or chronic inflammation of the osteoarticular and musculo-tendinous systems: arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendonitis…
This study from the University of Caen Normandy (France), conducted on human cells, shows its beneficial effects on inflammation in osteoarthritis.
🏃🏻♂️ Relieves joint pain
Harpagosides have an analgesic effect, meaning that they reduce or even eliminate pain. Thus, in addition to reducing inflammation, they relieve the pain it causes.
They help to alleviate rheumatism and joint pain related to arthritis or osteoarthritis. They also act on mobility and stiffness to restore joint comfort.
Finally, the plant is indicated for back pain, lumbago, lumbar pain, sciatica, or a stiff neck.
This study from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh (Scotland), conducted on patients with rheumatic disorders, demonstrates its effectiveness in relieving arthritis.
🥝 Antioxidant
The roots of Harpagophytum contain antioxidant compounds. These include flavonoids, phenols, and a small amount of vitamin C.
They all combat free radicals that damage cells and contribute to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
This study from the National University of Science and Technology of Zimbabwe, conducted in a laboratory, shows the plant’s antioxidant activity.
🍽 Stimulates appetite
Like the dandelion or the fenugreek, Harpagophytum promotes appetite. It is therefore suitable for loss of appetite or asthenia (general fatigue accompanied by loss of appetite and weight loss).
It contains bitter compounds that stimulate the taste buds, promote the secretion of gastric juices, and support biliary function.
Moreover, by encouraging the stomach to produce gastric juices, it aids digestion and relieves dyspepsia (bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence…).
Further studies are still needed to understand its effect on appetite.
How to take it?
In capsules or tablets
Capsules and tablets are made from root powder. This form is convenient, easy to take, and has the advantage of being tasteless.
Indeed, pure harpagophytum powder is bitter. Its taste therefore doesn’t necessarily appeal to everyone.
For greater effectiveness, the capsules must be sufficiently dosed with harpagosides, the plant’s main active compounds.
Choose a supplement offering a high concentration of at least 30% harpagosides.
As a powder
The powder mixes easily with water, fruit juice, plant-based milk, or a health drink.
But it has a relatively pronounced and bitter taste.
Additionally, it does not offer the best concentration of harpagosides.
As a liquid solution
It is possible to find harpagophytum in liquid preparations, in the form of a mother tincture or drinkable ampoules.
These formats are rich in active compounds and are well suited for a multi-day course.
Warning: the mother tincture contains alcohol. It is not recommended for pregnant women, children, or people suffering from certain medical conditions.
As dried roots
Dried roots are prepared as an herbal tea or as a decoction.
Simply soak them in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
You can soften the bitterness of the drink by adding honey or powder of lucuma.
Choose organic harpagophytum
If you can, choose harpagophytum cultivated organically. This guarantees a product free from pesticide residues and cultivation that respects the environment.
There are also fair trade channels that support the work of small producers in Namibia, the main producer of harpagophytum.
Dosage
The average recommended dosage is 600 to 1200 mg per day.
Contraindications and side effects
Consumption has certain contraindications:
- As a precaution, Harpagophytum is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children ;
- People suffering from gallstones or ulcers should avoid consuming it ;
- Harpagophytum may interact with certain medications. Consult your doctor if you are taking any medication.
Consumption may cause some side effects:
- Digestive issues
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
If you experience side effects, stop taking it and consult a doctor.
Sources and scientific studies
Sibonokuhle F Ncube, Lyndy J McGaw, Emmanuel Mfotie Njoya, Hilton G T Ndagurwa, Peter J Mundy, Samson Sibanda, 2021. The benefit of combining curcumin, bromelain and harpagophytum to reduce inflammation in osteoarthritic synovial cells.
Mary Warnock, Douglas McBean, Andreas Suter, Jen Tan, Patricia Whittaker, 2007. Effectiveness and safety of Devil’s Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders.
Thomas Brendler, 2021. From Bush Medicine to Modern Phytopharmaceutical: A Bibliographic Review of Devil’s Claw ( Harpagophytum spp.).
Luigi Menghini, Lucia Recinella, Sheila Leone, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Carla Cicala, Luigi Brunetti, Sanda Vladimir-Knežević, Giustino Orlando, Claudio Ferrante, 2017. Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) and chronic inflammatory diseases: A concise overview on preclinical and clinical data.
