Last update: July 12, 2016

Harpagophytum procumbens

Low Risk for breastfeeding


Moderately safe. Probably compatible.
Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended.
Read the Comment.

The root of this herb that is native from Southern Africa is used.
It contains iridoids as harpagoside and phytosterols and flavonoids.
Traditional indications are not based on clinical evidence: relief of pain and joint inflammation, dyspepsia, flatulence and anorexia.

At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk was found.

Given the lack of therapeutic effectiveness and the likelihood of adverse gastrointestinal side effects, it seems prudent to avoid using this herb during lactation, otherwise do it on a moderate or occasional basis.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Harpagophytum procumbens is Devil’s Claw Root in Latin, botanical name.

Is written in other languages:

Harpagophytum procumbens is also known as

Group

Harpagophytum procumbens belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Harpagophytum procumbens in its composition:

References

  1. Douros A, Bronder E, Andersohn F, Klimpel A, Thomae M, Ockenga J, Kreutz R, Garbe E. Drug-induced acute pancreatitis: results from the hospital-based Berlin case-control surveillance study of 102 cases. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Abstract
  2. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Abstract
  3. [No authors listed] Devil's claw root: ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding? Prescrire Int. 2013 Abstract
  4. Cordier W, Steenkamp V. Drug interactions in African herbal remedies. Drug Metabol Drug Interact. 2011 Abstract
  5. Vlachojannis J, Roufogalis BD, Chrubasik S. Systematic review on the safety of Harpagophytum preparations for osteoarthritic and low back pain. Phytother Res. 2008 Abstract
  6. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 3. p 338-348. WHO monographs. 2007 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety. J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Abstract

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