Botanical Profile
The HMPC context for Harpagophyti radix includes Harpagophytum procumbens and/or Harpagophytum zeyheri.
Harpagophytum procumbens is a southern African species of the Pedaliaceae with hook-shaped fruits. The dried secondary storage roots are important as raw material and are characterised by iridoid glycosides such as harpagoside.
Harpagophytum procumbens is a creeping perennial herbaceous plant of dry savanna and semi-desert regions of southern Africa. The plant has leaves, conspicuous tubular flowers and woody fruits with long curved hook-like projections. The raw material used does not consist of the fruits, but of secondary storage roots that are sliced and dried after harvesting. In sustainable harvesting, the primary taproot is retained wherever possible. Harpagophytum zeyheri is a related species that also occurs in certain raw-material contexts.
Phytochemistry
The storage roots contain iridoid glycosides, especially harpagoside, harpagide and procumbide, as well as phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sugars, oligosaccharides and other accompanying constituents. Harpagoside is regarded as an important analytical marker. Content and composition depend on species, origin, root type, harvest time, drying, storage and extraction solvent. The raw material has a distinctly bitter taste associated with iridoid-rich fractions.
Traditional Uses
Devil's claw is ethnobotanically documented in the dry regions of southern Africa. The storage roots were used regionally in bitter preparations. From the twentieth century onward, the raw material increasingly entered European medicinal-plant practice, where it was described primarily as dried root or standardised extract. The conspicuous hooked fruits gave the plant its name, but they are not the root raw material used.
Current Research
Modern research addresses iridoid glycosides, particularly harpagoside, inflammation-related models, joint and musculoskeletal contexts, clinical studies of defined extracts and the sustainability of wild collection. European monographs consider certain root preparations and extracts. The evidence depends on the preparation; harpagoside content, extraction solvent and dosage affect comparability.
Sources
- Plants of the World Online: Harpagophytum procumbens; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- EMA/HMPC documents on Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri, radix.
- Specialist literature on harpagoside and devil's claw extracts.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.