Planta Med 2016; 82 - OA25
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1578595

What Devil Got Into Your Supplement? Devil's Claw (Harpagophyti Radix) For Joint Health

T Brendler 1, 2, 3
  • 1Plantaphile, 710 Park Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108
  • 2Traditional Medicinals Inc., 4015 Ross Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472
  • 3Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

This presentation reviews the tradition and science behind the use of devil's claw (Harpagophyti radix) for joint health and as an NSAID for the treatment of lower back pain and osteoarthritis. In view of recent action against manufacturers of devil's claw supplements in the US, particular emphasis is given to the history and legitimacy of the interchangeable use of Harpagophytum procumbens and H. zeyheri as sources of the active ingredient. More than 440 publications on the traditional use, taxonomy, ecology, economy, biochemistry, pharmacology, clinical efficacy, toxicology and safety have been assessed in order to compile a comprehensive evaluation of devil's claw. Specifically, evidence is presented for

  • pharmacopoeial standards,

  • efficacy,

  • safety, and

  • the long-term presence in the US market

for both source species. It is concluded from the available data that both source species are established and suitable for use in safe and efficacious devil's claw preparations.