Harpagophytum procumbens

Harpagophytum procumbens, “Devil’s claw” in English and “Harpagophytum” or “Griffe du diable” in French, belongs to the Pedaliaceae botanical family. Native to the Kalahari region of southern Africa, it is a creeper that grows in deep and sandy soils.

Its secondary roots are commonly used for arthritis and pain, dyspepsia, fever, blood diseases, urinary tract infections, postpartum pain, sprains, sores, ulcers and boils.

Scientific studies revealed its analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-epileptic, antimicrobial and antimalarial activities.

Among its constituents, the iridoid glycosides are considered to be the predominant active constituents, mainly harpagoside but also procumbide, harpagide and 8-para-coumaroyl-harpagide; also flavonoids, kaempferol, luteolin, and phenylethanoids.

• English name Devil' s claw
• French name Griffe du diable