Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
The botanical name Harpagophytum means "hook plant" in Greek after the appearance of its fruit.
Part used :
Secondary root
The botanical name Harpagophytum means "hook plant" in Greek after the appearance of its fruit.
Botany
The plant originated in South Africa and namibia and has spread throughout the savannas and the Kalahari. The plant is perennial and leafy.
Possible interactions
Herbs - None documented. Drugs - Possibly anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs antacids, H2 - blockers, proton pump inhibitors and antihypertensive drugs.
Comments
Approved by the German Commission E for rheumatism and loss of appetite. Devil's claw seems to be COX-2 selective and inhibits nitric oxide synthetase, a modulator of inflammation. Some evidence shows that the anti-inflammatory effect is due to increased release of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha by compounds other than harpagoside. Urinary elimination tume horses has been shown to be less than 24 hours.
Pharmacopoela and Other Monographs
ESCOP 2003, BD 2007, Ph Eur 2007, German commission E.
