Loew, "Downregulation of iNOS expression in rat mesangial cells by special extracts of
Harpagophytum procumbens derives from harpagoside-dependent and independent effects," Phytomedicine, vol.
Robinson, "Devil's claw (
Harpagophytum procumbens): pharmacological and clinical studies," Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, vol.
The quality of clinical trials with
Harpagophytum procumbens. Phytomedicine.
Three commercial
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) preparations, onwards named DC1, DC2 and DC3, standardized on harpagoside content (2, 1.2 and 1%, respectively, with suggested daily dosage of harpagoside ranging from 7 to 20 mg), were obtained directly from pharmacies in Pisa, Italy.
The tuberous roots of Devil's claw (
Harpagophytum procumbens) have long been used in traditional African medicine for pain relief and gastrointestinal disorders.
Devil's Claw (
Harpagophytum procumbens) is apparently a South African desert shrub which Transvaal tribespeople have used to relieve back pain for centuries.
Effectiveness of
Harpagophytum procumbens in treatment of acute low back pain.
Three studies evaluating
Harpagophytum procumbens (HP) (devil's claw) against placebo and one against Vioxx[R] as the positive control were located.
Botanical Medicines as Natural Anti-Inflammatories and Analgesics: Devil's Claw (
Harpagophytum procumbens) has a long history of use in the alleviation of musculoskeletal pain, and recent clinical trials have substantiated its role as a moderately effective analgesic suitable for clinical utilization.
While sales for glucosamine/chondroitin products will most likely increase, look to Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Devil's Claw (
Harpagophytum procumbens) to become superstars in this area as well.
The following plant extracts have been tested: Gentiana lutea,
Harpagophytum procumbens, Boswellia serrata (dry extracts), Usnea barbata, Rosmarinus officinalis and Salvia officinalis (supercritical carbon dioxide C[O.sub.2] extracts).
Adequate doses of some preparations derived from
Harpagophytum procumbens may be sufficiently effective and safe to be useful for treating low back (Gagnier et al., 2006) or osteoarthritic pain (Chrubasik et al., 2003a).