Devil's Claw Extract
Also known as: Harpagophytum procumbens, harpagoside, grapple plant, wood spider
Devil's claw is a southern African plant whose secondary root tubers contain harpagoside and related iridoid glycosides. It is used in European phytotherapy for joint comfort and low-back discomfort. A systematic review of 12 trials found moderate to strong evidence for aqueous extracts delivering 50–100 mg harpagoside daily and weaker evidence for lower-harpagoside ethanolic extracts. Extracts are typically standardized to 5% or more harpagoside and dosed by harpagoside content.
Research summary
Harpagoside and related iridoids inhibit COX-2 and inflammatory cytokine expression in vitro.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 600–1,200 mg | — | — |
Dose by harpagoside: 50–100 mg per day, which is 600–1,200 mg of an 8.3% extract or 1,000–2,000 mg of a 5% extract. Take with food. Effects were assessed over 4–12 weeks in trials.
Standardization: ≥5% harpagoside (higher-strength extracts 8–9%)
Source material: secondary root tuber extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Very bitter; capsules and tablets standard. Traditional liquid extracts exist. Gram-level doses raise capsule counts.
Formulation notes
May increase stomach acid; traditionally cautioned with peptic ulcers and gallstones. Possible additive effect with anticoagulants and blood-pressure medications.
Sources
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