3 benefits of Harpagophytum , the plant that supports joint health

Published September 8, 2020

Have you heard of this African plant, commonly known as ‘devil’s claw’ ? Discover how Harpagophytum supports the health of your joints, amongst other benefits.

Lists Joint Health

Flower of the Harpagophytum plant, good for the joints

What exactly is Harpagophytum?

This somewhat complex-sounding plant is better known as ‘devil’s claw’ or ‘grapple plant’. Part of the Pedaliaceae or sesame family, Harpagophytum South Africa and Madagascar.

The proven benefits of the plant come from its deep roots which contain calcium, iron, copper, vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium along with many other active ingredients.

A plant recognised for maintaining good joint health

First and foremost, several clinical trials have shown that Harpagophytum supports healthy joint function (1). Remarkably, a comparative study of 122 subjects suggests that devil’s claw is almost as effective as a drug used to treat osteoarthritis (diacerein) (2-3).

Similarly, a two-month UK trial of 259 patients found that taking Harpagophytum resulted in a significant reduction in joint discomfort (4). Indeed, ESCOP, (the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) recommends taking devil’s claw to help maintain joint health and flexibility.

This plant is also believed to ease discomfort in the lower back (5-6).

Harpagophytum may help to stimulate both appetite… and the feeling of satiety

It has also been suggested that Harpagophytum helps to restore appetite… as well as increase the sensation of satiety. This may be due to its potential interaction with the hunger hormone (7).

One study showed that mice given powdered devil’s claw tended to eat less food than those given a placebo (8). Harpagophytum is thus sometimes used to support weight management and even to prevent obesity (9).

Devil’s claw may play a role in ensuring a healthy digestive system

Bid farewell to constipation, diarrhoea and flatulence! Clinical trials suggest that extracts of devil’s claw may significantly reduce - and even eliminate - digestive discomfort (10). It may thus help improve digestion and facilitate healthy elimination of waste products.

Harpagophytum may improve nutrient absorption in the gut, too. It is also traditionally used to help reduce cholesterol (11). Last but not least, devil’s claw may also have antioxidant properties, and may therefore contribute to delayed ageing of cells (12).

Some supplements formulated to support joint health

Is your quality of life adversely affected by joint or muscle pain? Are you keen to find effective, natural relief? Then try Super Harpagophytum. This natural dietary supplement will help to both maintain the health of your joints and combat oxidative stress.

In addition, you could combine it with Super Boswellia. This Boswellia serrata supplement, standardised to 20% AKBA (its most active ingredient), also plays an active part in maintaining joint health.

You can, of course, always opt for a joint-specific formulation such as Joint Support Formula, which combines chondroitin and marine-source glucosamine.

Note: there are, however, certain contraindications for this supplement. Those suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers or gallstones should not take Harpagophytum. The same applies to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

References

Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety. Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G. J AlternComplement Med. 2006 Dec;12(10):981-93. Review.
Chantre P, Cappelaere A, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine. 2000 Jun,7
Efficacy and Tolerance of Harpagophytum Procumbens Versus Diacerhein in Treatment of Osteoarthritis, P Chantre 1, A Cappelaere, D Leblan, D Guedon, J Vandermander, B Fournie, 2000 Jun 7
Effectiveness and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders Mary Warnock Douglas McBean Andreas Suter Jen Tan Patricia Whittaker 20 September 2007
https://www.lombalgie.fr/comprendre/quelques-chiffres/
Chrubasik S, Junck H, et al. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extract WS 1531 in the treatment of exacerbation of low back pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.Eur J Anaesthesiol 1999 Feb,16
Devil's Claw to Suppress Appetite—Ghrelin Receptor Modulation Potential of a Harpagophytum procumbens Root Extract, Cristina Torres-Fuentes, Wessel F. Theeuwes, Michael K. McMullen, Anna K. McMullen, Timothy G. Dinan, John F. Cryan, and Harriët Schellekens, 2014 Jul 28.
The Role of Leptin and Ghrelin in the Regulation of Food Intake and Body Weight in Humans: A Review, M D Klok, S Jakobsdottir, M L Drent, 2007 Jan,8
Devil's Claw to Suppress Appetite—Ghrelin Receptor Modulation Potential of a Harpagophytum procumbens Root Extract, Cristina Torres-Fuentes, Wessel F. Theeuwes, Michael K. McMullen , Anna K. McMullen, Timothy G. Dinan , John F. Cryan, and Harriët Schellekens, 2014 Jul 28.
European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (Ed). Harpagophyti radix, ESCOP Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plants Drugs, Centre for Complementary Health Studies, Université d'Exeter, Grande-Bretagne, 1996.
Sécurité des patients et protection des plantes médicinales : lignes directrices destinées à une industrie qui vaut 60 milliards de dollars, 10 FÉVRIER 2004
Antioxidant Activity and Bioactive Constituents of the Aerial Parts of Harpagophytum Procumbens Plants, 15 Apr 2014