Devil's Claw herb (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Harpagophytum procumbens
Avoid use with gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastric hyeracidity and GERD, acute diahrrea. Avoid long term use alongside powerful painkillers (seek advice if unsure). Use with professional supervision with neurological disease, kidney or liver disease, depression, psychosis, history of severe allergic reactions.
Family: Pedaliaceae
Part used: Secondary root tubers, but not the root which does not contain the active compounds.
Habitat: Devil's claw is a herbaceous perennial which grows in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana, Namia and across South-West Africa. The name describes the claw-like curved protective spines around the fruit capsule. Leaves are gregreen and flowers are violet with yellow throat.
Folklore and History: Traditionally used in medicine in many cultures in South-West Africa
Constituents: Iridoid glycosides (mainly harpagoside), isoharpagoside, harpagide, procumbide. Triterpenes, phytosterols, phenolic acids, phenolic glycosides, flavonoids.
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, analgeslic, anti-rheumatic, bitter tonic.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.
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