HARPAGOPHYTUM: YOUR ALLY IN MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

Harpagophytum (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a herb that thrives in dry conditions and can be found in Southern Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. It wasn’t until the 20th century that it was brought to Europe by colonists, although they were unsuccessful in cultivating it on the continent.

This plant is a perennial, herbaceous, and creeping species, widely known as "Devil’s Claw" not due to any negative effects on health, but because of its thorny shape, which injures animals that come into contact with it while grazing.

In Africa, the plant has been used for centuries by the Bushmen tribe in the Kalahari Desert as an analgesic, antihistamine, and for treating indigestion.

When it reached Europe and its beneficial properties were studied, healers of the time (and later modern ones) used it as a calming agent, laxative, diuretic, but primarily for degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

The main active ingredients responsible for the herb's beneficial properties are found in the plant’s tubers, which contain glycosides called harpagosides and β-sitosterol.

Therapeutic Properties

Harpagophytum offers significant health benefits. Its actions are analgesic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and calming.

Various studies have shown the benefits of using it for pain in the neck, back, lower back, and hips—pain usually caused by myalgia or arthritis. Its strong anti-inflammatory effects have been proposed to be equivalent to those of corticosteroids and phenylbutazone, anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used for treating rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

It also seems to have fewer side effects compared to conventional medication, although further research is needed to confirm this.

Due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions, Harpagophytum can be used in autoimmune conditions (psoriasis, scleroderma, lupus erythematosus, etc.), as well as for various inflammations (inflammation of the liver, kidneys, tendons, ligaments, etc.).

Additionally, extracts from this herb have been shown to improve abnormal heart rhythms caused by certain heart medications or adrenaline.

Forms and Dosage

Harpagophytum is available in the market in dried form, which can be used to prepare an herbal decoction. It is also available in capsules (up to 3 capsules/day, 100 mg each), tincture (30 drops, 3 times a day), and in various forms for external use such as creams and gels.

To prepare a decoction of Harpagophytum, simply boil 1 teaspoon of dried root powder in 300 ml of water for 15 minutes. The recommended daily dose is 2-2.5 grams and should not be exceeded.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Harpagophytum does not contain any toxic substances, and there are no known side effects from its use. However, since it promotes the secretion of gastric acid, patients with gastritis, peptic ulcers, or gallstones may be negatively affected.

It is not recommended for consumption by children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers, as there is insufficient research on its safety for these groups.

People with unstable blood pressure (either high or low) should avoid using Harpagophytum products.

Finally, due to the herb's hypoglycemic properties, diabetic patients should consult their supervising doctor before using it.

Columnist for the informational blog of votanotherapeia.gr