FolkKB

Devil Claws

Harpagophytum

Harpagophytum, commonly known as Devil's Claw, is a traditional plant used primarily for pain management. It has been traditionally employed in various African and South American healing practices to alleviate musculoskeletal discomfort such as osteoarthritis and low back pain. Scientific evidence suggests that harpagoside, the primary active compound from Harpagophytum procumbens, exhibits broad therapeutic effects through multiple molecular targets, supporting its use for managing these conditions. A study found that combining physical therapy with Loxacon® capsules provided greater improvements in functionality compared to physical therapy alone or placebo; however, the exact components responsible were not definitively isolated. Additionally, several iridoid glycosides from Harpagophytum procumbens have shown potential in reducing stress and modulating immune responses. There are no major safety issues recorded for Harpagophytum, nor any known significant drug interactions reported.

At a glance
Traditionally for
pain
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
B
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • Both Physiorelax and Fisiocrem showed comparable application properties, but 90% of panelists preferred Physiorelax over Fisiocrem. B PMID
  • The study found that combining physical therapy with Loxacon® capsules provided greater improvements in functionality compared to physical therapy alone or placebo, though the exact components were not specified. B PMID
  • Harpagoside from Devil's Claw shows broad therapeutic effects through multiple molecular targets, with clinical evidence for managing osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. D PMID
  • The study found that several iridoid glycosides from Harpagophytum procumbens can reduce stress and modulate immune responses. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Devil Claws?

Devil Claws (Harpagophytum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Devil Claws traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Devil Claws for: pain. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Devil Claws?

Devil Claws appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Devil Claws?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Devil Claws; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Both Physiorelax and Fisiocrem showed comparable application properties, but 90% of panelists preferred Physiorelax over Fisiocrem.

How strong is the evidence for Devil Claws?

The strongest finding for Devil Claws carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Devil Claws safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Devil Claws in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Devil Claws interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Devil Claws in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Devil Claws?

Devil Claws is also known as: Гарпагофитум.

Is Devil Claws a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Investigating the Additive Effects of Loxacon® Food Supplement Capsules in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled, Crossover, Follow-Up, Three-Arm Study. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Deciphering the iridoids' boundaries: from soil ecology to anti-inflammatory medicines. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Cosmetic and Application Qualities of the Cream Physiorelax Compared to Another Topical Cream for Musculoskeletal Health Care: An Organoleptic Expert Panel Approach. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Decoding the mechanistic landscape of harpagoside: From molecular targets to translational pharmacology. literature abstract metadata
  5. T3 Harpagophytum CC BY-SA 4.0