Remedy · herb

Devil's claw

Also: Harpagophytum procumbens

A southern-African root with short-term evidence for low back pain.

Active compounds Harpagoside

Evidence by condition

Each grade reflects the research for Devil's claw and that condition specifically.

These describe how the remedy was used in studies — not a dose or a recommendation.

Avoid in pregnancy

Interactions: anticoagulants
antidiabetic drugs
antiarrhythmics (theoretical)
Contraindications: peptic ulcer disease or active reflux
Side effects: GI upset

Safety data is not exhaustive. Always check with a clinician or pharmacist before combining remedies or medications.

Traditional use is context, not proof. Here is what older systems claim, and how modern research treats it.

Traditional useEvidence aligns
Used in southern African (Khoisan) traditional medicine for pain, fever and digestion.
Western herbalismEvidence aligns
Adopted into European herbalism for back and joint pain.