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Do you know harpagophytum?
Gautier Lalevée
Harpagophytum is a medicinal plant. Its roots have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples to relieve pain and inflammation.
A little history...
Harpagophytum, also known as devil’s claw, is a plant native to South Africa. The indigenous tribes of this region have traditionally used the roots of this plant to treat ailments such as joint pain, headaches, menstrual pain and gastrointestinal disorders. Over time, this plant became popular in natural medicine in Europe and North America. In the 20th century, studies began to examine its potential health effects, particularly on joint pain and inflammation.
THIS PLANT IS NOT GENERALLY CONSUMED AS FOOD. HOWEVER, ITS ROOTS ARE OFTEN USED TO PREPARE FOOD SUPPLEMENTS, TEAS OR INFUSIONS.
What are its virtues?
This plant is mainly used to treat joint pain, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The plant’s active compounds, notably harpagosides, have WHO-recognized anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. That’s why Ledvard we’ve made it one of the 6 components of our joint supplement Synergy6.
Here are some of the potential benefits of harpagophytum*:
- Relieves joint pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves mobility by reducing pain and inflammation
- Relieves back pain caused by inflammation of muscles and joints
- Aids digestion as it can help stimulate the production of gastric juices
*A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2008 examined the effect of harpagophytum on pain and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The results showed that taking harpagophytum extract for eight weeks had beneficial effects on pain and physical function compared with a placebo.
Another study published in Phytomedicine in 2002 examined the effect of harpagophytum on low-back pain. Participants took an extract of harpagophytum for four weeks, and the results showed a significant reduction in pain compared with a placebo.
A study published in the journal Planta Medica in 1995 examined the effect of harpagophytum on inflammation in rats. The results showed that harpagophytum had significant anti-inflammatory effects.
A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2013 examined the effect of harpagophytum on pain and physical function in fibromyalgia patients. Participants took harpagophytum extract for 12 weeks, and the results showed a significant improvement in pain and physical function compared with a placebo.
