Last update July 12, 2016

Harpagophytum procumbens

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

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 team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

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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:

List of 17 tradenames

References

  1. [No authors listed] Devil's claw root: ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding? Prescrire Int. 2013 Abstract
  2. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. 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
  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. 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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