Harpogophytum procumbens
Harpogophytum procumbens belongs to Araliaceae family.
The English names for this herb are Devils Claw, Grapple Plant, Prickly Porcupine Ginseng, wood spider plant.
Description
Harpogophytum procumbens. From the flowers grow woody, sharply curved, sticky, barbed fruits, which give Devil’s Claw its name. The plant spreads about 18" and has tubular pinkish white flowers which may have purple or yellow spots. The leaves are large and heart-shaped. Although the name comes from the fruit, the part of the plant used for its medicinal value is the tuber.
Harpogophytum procumbens's Fruit. Devil's claw fruits are woody, sharply curved, sticky, barbed, which give Devil’s Claw its name,
Harpogophytum procumbens's Tuber. Devil's Claw tubers grow off its tap root and are shaped like elongated sweet potatoes.
Pharmacological Actions
The pharmacological actions of Harpogophytum procumbens are Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory.
Indications
The indications of Harpogophytum procumbens are Indigestion, Rheumatic Arthritis, Inflammation, Heart Burning.
The indications of Harpogophytum procumbens's Tuber are Degenerative Disorders, Indigestion, Arthritis, Loss of Appetite, Dyspepsia.
Contraindications
The contraindications of Harpogophytum procumbens are Gastric Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcer.
Temperament
None recorded.
Occurrence, Taste & Odor
Odor: The odor of Harpogophytum procumbens is Odourless.
Taste: Bitter.
Dosage
| Part | Dose | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Herb | 1.000 – 2.000 ml/day | In the form of tincture. |
| Herb (Powder) | 1.500 – 2.000 g/day | For use as a digestive stimulant, the dose is of the powdered secondary tuber. |
| Tuber | 4.500 – 10.000 g/day | Many People use this dose for the treatment of Arthritis. But recent studies do not support devil's claw as a treatment for arthritis. (It has been widely used in Europe as a treatment for arthritis.) |
Available Brands
None recorded.
Compound Preparations
No Compound Preparation information is available for Harpogophytum procumbens.
Substitutes
No information regarding Harpogophytum procumbens's substitute is currently available.
Active Constituents
The active constituents of Harpogophytum procumbens are Gum Resin, Iridoid glycoside, ß-Sitosterol, Sugars.
The active constituents of Harpogophytum procumbens's Tuber are Harpagide, Harpagoside, Procumbide.
Antidotes
No information regarding Harpogophytum procumbens's antidote is currently available.
Toxicity
Harpogophytum procumbens
Constituent: Iridoid glycoside
Iridoid glycosides found in devil's claw which stimulates the stomach to increase the production of acid, thereby, anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers should not use the herb.