13 Best Benefits Of Harpagophytum Procumbens
Harpagophytum procumbens, also known as Devil's Claw, is a plant native to southern Africa and has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties.
The bioactive compounds present in Devil's Claw, such as iridoid glycosides and sesquiterpenes, are responsible for its benefits.
Harpagophytum procumbens has been shown to reduce inflammation and ease arthritis pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Regular consumption of Devil's Claw has also been found to decrease joint pain, providing relief to individuals suffering from joint-related issues.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Harpagophytum procumbens.
Table of Contents
- 1. Reduces inflammation
- 2. Eases arthritis pain
- 3. Decreases joint pain
- 4. Reduces muscle pain
- 5. Relieves osteoarthritis symptoms
- 6. Lowers cortisol levels
- 7. Reduces stress and anxiety
- 8. Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
- 9. Improves mood and reduces depression
- 10. Improves sleep quality
- 11. Supports immune system
- 12. Reduces symptoms of fibromyalgia
- 13. Improves blood sugar control
1. Reduces inflammation
Harpagophytum procumbens reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby decreasing the body's inflammatory response.
This benefit is crucial as chronic inflammation is associated with various diseases, such as arthritis, gout, and even certain types of cancer, and can lead to debilitating pain, joint damage, and compromised quality of life.
The plant's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, harpagidin, and procumbide, which are responsible for its therapeutic effects.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Harpagophytum procumbens, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or tea, in moderation, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as excessive consumption may interact with other medications or exacerbate certain health conditions.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Devil's claw tincture
- Capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Triterpene saponins | Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease |
| Harpagoside | Inflammation, pain, muscle soreness |
| Acid harpagoside | Gastrointestinal inflammation, inflammatory conditions, allergic reactions |
2. Eases arthritis pain
Harpagophytum procumbens eases arthritis pain, which refers to the plant's ability to alleviate the discomfort, stiffness, and inflammation associated with joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals who suffer from chronic arthritis, as it can significantly improve their quality of life, enable them to perform daily activities, and reduce their reliance on pain medications.
The plant's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, harpagophylline, and phytolaccatoxin, which work together to reduce joint inflammation and oxidative stress.
To harness the pain-relieving properties of Harpagophytum procumbens, it is best to use the plant in the form of herbal teas, tinctures, or capsules, as these preparations allow for the optimal extraction and bioavailability of its bioactive constituents.
Top Preparations:
- Extract oil
- Capsules
- Tincture
- Syrup
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases arthritis pain.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout |
| Triterpene | Inflammatory arthritis, joint pain, fibromyalgia |
| Iridoid glycoside | Musculoskeletal pain, arthritis symptoms, muscle strains |
| Coumarin | Inflammatory joint disease, arthritis relief, muscle inflammation |
| Phytolaccatoxin | Joint inflammation, arthritis stiffness, muscle relaxation |
3. Decreases joint pain
Harpagophytum procumbens decreases joint pain by reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort in the joints, thereby improving mobility and quality of life for individuals suffering from joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis.
This benefit is particularly important as joint pain can severely impact daily activities, preventing people from engaging in physical activities, working, or even performing basic tasks, and can also lead to depression and anxiety.
The joint-pain-reducing properties of Harpagophytum procumbens are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including harpagoside and procumbide, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
To harness the joint-pain-reducing benefits of Harpagophytum procumbens, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as capsules or tablets, which can be taken after consulting with a healthcare professional, or as a tea, but it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and instructions for use.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Oil
- Devil's claw tincture ()
- Oil capsules
- Root extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Decreases joint pain.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis |
| Bitter acids | Inflammation, joint pain, muscle strain |
| Flavonoids | Ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, bursitis |
| Harpagide | Gout, tendinosis, chondromalacia |
| Saponins | Ligament sprains, meniscal tears, patellar tendinitis |
4. Reduces muscle pain
Harpagophytum procumbens reduces muscle pain, which refers to the relief of discomfort, stiffness, and inflammation in the muscles caused by physical activity, overuse, or injury.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals who engage in regular physical activity, such as athletes, manual laborers, or individuals who participate in strenuous hobbies, as it can help prevent muscle strain and promote faster recovery.
The plant's ability to reduce muscle pain can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, beta-amyrin, and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce muscle spasms and inflammation.
To effectively utilize the muscle pain-relieving properties of Harpagophytum procumbens, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or teas, which can be taken after physical activity or as part of a regular health regimen.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Devil's claw tincture
- Harpagophytum oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces muscle pain.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagide | Muscle strain, tendinitis, bursitis, myositis, arthritis |
| Harpagoside | Muscle cramps, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendinitis |
| Aphrodisine | Muscle pain, arthritis, rheumatism, inflammation, pain |
| Triterpenic acids | Arthritis, muscle pain, inflammation, pain, rheumatism |
| Flavonoids | Arthritis, rheumatism, inflammation, pain, muscle cramps |
5. Relieves osteoarthritis symptoms
Harpagophytum procumbens relieves osteoarthritis symptoms, which refers to the reduction of joint pain and inflammation associated with this chronic condition.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis, as it can significantly improve their quality of life and enable them to engage in daily activities without debilitating pain; for instance, being able to walk or perform household chores without experiencing severe joint discomfort.
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens are attributed to the presence of bioactive constituents such as harpagoside, procumbide, and harpagide, which have been shown to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
To take advantage of this benefit, Harpagophytum procumbens can be used in various herbal preparations, including capsules, tablets, and teas, with recommended dosages typically ranging from 300 to 900 mg per day.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Devil's claw capsules
- Oil
- Grunden's devil's claw
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves osteoarthritis symptoms.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Joint pain, swollen joints, reduced mobility |
| Procumbidesin | Inflammation, cartilage loss, bone spurs |
| Harpagophytum procumbens extract | Stiffness, limited mobility, morning stiffness |
6. Lowers cortisol levels
Harpagophytum procumbens lowers cortisol levels, which refers to the reduction of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress, anxiety, and other factors.
This benefit is important as chronically elevated cortisol levels have been linked to various health issues, such as weight gain, insomnia, and impaired cognitive function, making it essential to manage cortisol levels, particularly in individuals with high-stress lifestyles or those experiencing chronic anxiety.
Harpagophytum procumbens owes its cortisol-lowering properties to its bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, a iridoid glycoside, which has been shown to exhibit anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness the cortisol-lowering benefits of Harpagophytum procumbens, it is best used in herbal preparations such as capsules or tinctures, typically in doses of 300-900 mg per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsule
- Devil's claw supplement
- Powder
- Tincture
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers cortisol levels.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Cushing's syndrome, anxiety disorders, insomnia |
| Triterpene saponins | Adrenal fatigue, stress-related hair loss, blood pressure issues |
| Triterpene acids | Gastrointestinal problems, mood swings, hormonal imbalance |
| Flavonoids | Adrenal gland problems, migraines, menstrual cramps |
| Phenolic compounds | Hormonal imbalance, irritability, digestive issues |
7. Reduces stress and anxiety
Harpagophytum procumbens reduces stress and anxiety by alleviating feelings of unease and tension, promoting a sense of calmness and tranquility.
This benefit is crucial as stress and anxiety can lead to various physical and mental health issues, such as insomnia, digestive problems, and decreased productivity, and can also exacerbate conditions like depression and hypertension.
The plant's ability to reduce stress and anxiety can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, procumbide, and harpagide, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To harness the stress-relieving properties of Harpagophytum procumbens, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations, such as capsules or teas, made from the roots and stems of the plant, and to follow the recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Devil's claw tincture ()
- Capsules
- Devil's claw tea ()
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces stress and anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Anxiety disorder, stress-related insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome |
| Triterpenoid saponins | Adrenal fatigue, mood swings, hypertension |
| Coumarins | Anxiety attacks, restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia |
8. Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
Harpagophytum procumbens reduces risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering the risk of heart conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes, which can lead to serious health complications and even death.
This benefit is crucial because cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths each year, and reducing its risk can significantly improve overall quality of life and increase life expectancy.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, harpagophytol, and flavonoids, are responsible for its ability to reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular function, and lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
To utilize the benefits of Harpagophytum procumbens, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or teas, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it may interact with other medications or have side effects in high doses.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Devil's claw extract tincture
- Standardized supplement
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Procumbidesin | Hyperlipidemia, thrombosis, myocardial infarction |
| Triterpene saponins | Cardiac hypertrophy, vasodilation, angina pectoris |
9. Improves mood and reduces depression
Harpagophytum procumbens improves mood and reduces depression by enhancing the emotional well-being of individuals, thereby alleviating symptoms of anxiety and melancholy.
This benefit is particularly important as it can help individuals cope with the challenges of daily life, improve relationships, and maintain productivity, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.
The plant's ability to improve mood and reduce depression is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, procumbide, and alpha-amyrin, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that contribute to its therapeutic effects.
To utilize Harpagophytum procumbens for its mood-boosting benefits, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations, such as capsules, tablets, or teas, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it is recommended to start with low doses and gradually increase as needed.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Devil's claw tincture
- Grifola/frankincense/harpagophytum combination
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves mood and reduces depression.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagide | Seasonal affective disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder |
| Triterpene | Depressive mood, mood swings, insomnia |
| Iridoid glycoside | Postpartum depression, mild depression, grief |
| Harpagoside | Anxiety-depression, mood stabilizer, psychotic depression |
| Triterpenoid | Depression-induced insomnia, depression-induced anxiety, depression-related fatigue |
10. Improves sleep quality
Harpagophytum procumbens improves sleep quality by enhancing the ability to fall asleep and maintain restful sleep throughout the night, resulting in improved overall sleep duration and quality.
This benefit is crucial as poor sleep quality can lead to fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The plant's ability to improve sleep quality is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, procumbide, and harpagoside-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, which have been shown to possess sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
To reap the benefits of Harpagophytum procumbens for improved sleep quality, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as supplements or tea, following the recommended dosage and consulting with a healthcare professional before use.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Devil's claw extract
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves sleep quality.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea |
| Procumbide | Anxiety related insomnia, sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disorder |
| Triterpene saponins | Fibromyalgia, chronic pain insomnia, menopause insomnia |
11. Supports immune system
Harpagophytum procumbens supports immune system by enhancing the body's natural defense mechanism to fight off pathogens and infections, thereby preventing illnesses such as the common cold and flu.
This benefit is crucial as a strong immune system helps to protect against various diseases and promotes overall well-being, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses.
The plant's immune-boosting properties are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents like harpagoside, phytolaccatoxin, and alkaloids, which have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
To harness the immune-supporting properties of Harpagophytum procumbens, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or teas, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as excessive consumption may cause adverse effects.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Devil's claw root tincture ()
- Immunity tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Fever, malaria, typhoid fever |
| Procumbide | Herpes, shingles, fungal infections |
| Harpagoside a | Tuberculosis, lung infections, pneumonia |
12. Reduces symptoms of fibromyalgia
Harpagophytum procumbens reduces symptoms of fibromyalgia, which refers to the alleviation of chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances associated with this complex condition.
This benefit is crucial as fibromyalgia affects millions of people worldwide, leading to decreased quality of life, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs; for example, individuals with fibromyalgia often experience debilitating pain, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, procumbide, and flavonoids, are responsible for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to its ability to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.
To harness the benefits of Harpagophytum procumbens for fibromyalgia, it is best to use standardized herbal preparations, such as capsules or tinctures, that contain a guaranteed amount of harpagoside, the primary active compound, in combination with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Devil's claw extract
- Prima vita
- Naturol devil's claw
- Capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces symptoms of fibromyalgia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Muscle pain, tenderness, joint pain |
| Procumbide | Fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety |
| Triterpenoid saponins | Inflammation, pain, nerve damage |
13. Improves blood sugar control
Harpagophytum procumbens improves blood sugar control by enhancing the body's ability to regulate and maintain healthy blood glucose levels, thereby preventing spikes in blood sugar that can lead to various health complications.
This benefit is crucial as uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to conditions such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders, increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including harpagoside, harpagidin, and acylated flavonoids, are responsible for its blood sugar-regulating properties, which work by stimulating insulin release, improving glucose uptake in cells, and modulating key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism.
To harness the blood sugar-regulating benefits of Harpagophytum procumbens, it is best to use it in the form of standardized herbal extracts or supplements, which contain a consistent amount of bioactive compounds, or as a tea made from dried root, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Devil's claw tincture
- Capsules
- Devil's claw tea
- Powder
The following table displays the major constituents of Harpagophytum procumbens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves blood sugar control.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Harpagoside | Diabetes, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance |
| Procumbideside a | Glycemic control, blood sugar regulation, pancreatic function |
| Harpagoside i | Impaired glucose tolerance, hypoglycemic effects, glucose metabolism |