Devil's claw

Afrikanische Teufelskralle · (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Sesame family (Pedaliaceae)

Description

Devil's claw is a prostrate, perennial plant from the semi-deserts and savannas of southern Africa, especially the Kalahari of Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Its name derives from the woody fruits bearing claw-like, hooked appendages that catch in the fur of passing animals to disperse the seeds. The medicinal part is not the fruit but the fleshy secondary storage tubers (lateral roots) that branch off the deep primary root. They contain the bitter iridoid glycoside harpagoside as their characteristic constituent. Indigenous San and Khoi peoples have used the tuber for centuries against pain and digestive complaints.

CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy

Do not use during pregnancy; safety is not established due to a lack of data and an oxytocin-like, labour-stimulating effect has been discussed.

TinctureRootInternalTraditional use
Traditional use for the relief of minor joint pain. The EMA classifies this indication as 'traditional use' - effectiveness rests on long-standing experience, not on confirmed clinical trials.
Preparation & dosage
Standardised dry extract of the secondary storage tuber, adjusted to harpagoside (typically about 50-100 mg harpagoside per day), divided into several single doses. The effect builds up over days to weeks. Consult a doctor if pain persists longer than 4 weeks or worsens. Alternatively an infusion/decoction of the comminuted tuber may be used.
Dry amount
1–3 g
Doses per day
3×
Max duration
4 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Per the EMA monograph, not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years due to a lack of data.
[#ema_monograph] [#wikipedia_de] [#cochrane_lbp]
TeaRootInternalTraditional use
Traditional use for loss of appetite and mild digestive disorders such as bloating and flatulence. Classified by the EMA as 'traditional use'.
Preparation & dosage
Steep about 1-2 g of comminuted, dried storage tuber in 250 ml of cold water or pour over boiling water, leave covered to infuse and strain. Drink before meals. The marked bitter taste stimulates saliva and gastric juice secretion.
Dry amount
1–2 g
Doses per day
3×
Max duration
2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years due to a lack of data.
[#ema_monograph] [#wikipedia_de]

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In your garden, this plant acts as:

Medicinal