Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Devil's Claw is an African plant traditionally used for pain and inflammation. Active compound: harpagoside. Cochrane review for low back pain: Strong evidence for short-term pain improvement at 50-100mg harpagoside/day vs placebo. One trial showed equivalence to 12.5mg rofecoxib (Vioxx). RCT for hip/knee OA (n=122, 4 months): Equivalent to diacerhein with significantly fewer adverse events and reduced NSAID use. WOMAC study: 23.8% pain improvement, 22.2% stiffness improvement. European guideline recommendation for osteoarthritis. Generally well-tolerated with GI effects most common.
Quick Answer
What it is
Devil's Claw is an African plant traditionally used for pain and inflammation. Active compound: harpagoside.
Key findings
- Grade A: Low Back Pain Relief (Chronic Low Back Pain)
- Grade B: Osteoarthritis Symptoms (Chronic Low Back Pain)
- Grade B: Osteoarthritis Pain (vs NSAID) (Osteoarthritis (OA))
Safety
- RCT for hip/knee OA (n=122, 4 months): Equivalent to diacerhein with significantly fewer adverse events and reduced NSAID use.
- RCT vs diacerhein: Significantly lower adverse event rate.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Quick Facts: Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
- Best Evidence:Grade A
- Conditions Studied:3
- Research Outcomes:9
- Grade A Findings:1
- Grade B Findings:6
- Key Effect:Chronic Low Back Pain
Detailed Outcomes
Evidence by Condition
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
Research Citations (10)
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