Devil's claw
Harpagophytum procumbens
Herbs & Roots. African and Western & European.
Also called Grapple plant, Harpagophytum
Spanish: Garra del diablo
Not for ulcers or gallstonesA desert plant from southern Africa whose root is used for joint and back pain.
Did you know? Its fruit is covered in hooked spines that catch on animal fur, helping the seeds hitch a ride to new ground. That is where the name devil's claw comes from.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Joint pain & arthritis. Some trials in back pain found less pain than placebo, and one French trial in osteoarthritis matched a standard drug. Many studies are small, and results vary.Early proof
- Digestion & gut health. Traditional bitter root for indigestion. Little human research exists.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Peoples of southern Africa used the root for pain, fevers, and stomach upset. It later reached European herbal markets as a joint pain remedy.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Bitter. Energy: cooling.
How people take it
Trials used standardized root extracts for 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Doses vary by product, so follow the label and a doctor's advice.
Capsule, tablet and tincture.
Where to get it
Grows wild in the dry sands of the Kalahari and other parts of southern Africa, and is now farmed. Sold as root capsules, tablets, and tinctures.
Be careful
Common side effects are upset stomach, diarrhea, and skin rash. Root products can cause stomach ulcers and gut bleeding, so avoid them if you have ulcers. Avoid it in pregnancy. Few studies check drug interactions, so tell a doctor what else you take.
Avoid if: pregnancy; stomach ulcers; gallstones; bleeding disorders.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are used for joint and back pain in European and African folk practice.
- Works well together
Often combined in joint-support blends.
The honest take
Devil's claw has some reasonable trial evidence for osteoarthritis and back pain, but the studies are small and not always consistent. Its benefits are modest at best. Side effects and unknown drug interactions mean it should not be used casually.