Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Pedaliaceae (Sesame family)
  • Common Names: Devil’s Claw, Grapple Plant, Wood Spider
  • Parts Used: Tuberous root
  • Native Habitat: Indigenous to southern Africa, particularly the Kalahari Desert, Namibia, and Madagascar. Although not native to the UK or Isle of Man, it is widely used in Western herbal medicine for musculoskeletal health.

Devil’s Claw is highly valued for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, particularly for joint and mobility issues in humans, horses, and dogs.

Constituents & Their Actions

Devil’s Claw Root (Harpagophytum procumbens radix)

  • Constituents:

    • Harpagosides (iridoid glycosides) – Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
    • Flavonoids – Antioxidant and immune-supportive actions
    • Phytosterols – Hormonal balance and cholesterol regulation
    • Phenolic Acids – Antioxidant and circulatory support
    • Triterpenes – Contribute to anti-inflammatory effects

  • Primary Actions:

    • Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic – Reduces joint pain and stiffness
    • Musculoskeletal Support – Improves mobility in arthritis and degenerative joint conditions
    • Digestive Tonic – Mild bitter properties aid digestion

  • Uses:

    • Equine & Canine: Supports joint health, arthritis, and mobility.

Equine Use of Devil’s Claw

Benefits for Horses

Devil’s Claw is a widely used herb for equine joint health, particularly for:

  1. Arthritis & Joint Support – Helps manage osteoarthritis, stiffness, and inflammation.
  2. Tendon & Ligament Support – Aids recovery from strains and injuries.
  3. Muscle Pain Relief – Useful for performance horses or those with chronic soreness.
  4. Alternative to NSAIDs – Provides pain relief without the gastrointestinal risks of NSAIDs.
Precautions
  • Not for pregnant or lactating mares – May stimulate uterine contractions.
  • Avoid in horses with gastric ulcers – Its bitter properties can increase stomach acid production.
  • Not permitted in FEI competitions – Considered a controlled substance due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Canine Use of Devil’s Claw

Benefits for Dogs

Devil’s Claw is a natural alternative to pharmaceutical pain relievers for dogs with:

  1. Arthritis & Joint Pain – Reduces inflammation and stiffness in senior dogs.
  2. Hip & Elbow Dysplasia – Supports mobility in large breeds prone to joint issues.
  3. Post-Injury Recovery – Aids healing from sprains and soft tissue injuries.
  4. Digestive Support – Helps with mild indigestion due to its bitter properties.
Precautions
  • Avoid in pregnant or nursing dogs – Can stimulate the uterus.
  • Not for dogs with ulcers or digestive sensitivity – May increase stomach acid production.
  • Use cautiously in diabetic dogs – Can affect blood sugar levels.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Devil’s Claw

Folklore & Historical Use

Although not native to the UK or Isle of Man, Devil’s Claw has been compared to native herbal remedies used for joint pain and inflammation in these regions.

  • Comparable to Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) – Used in British and Manx folk medicine for pain relief.
  • Traditional Herbalists may have referred to imported Devil’s Claw as an "African arthritis cure" when it first entered European herbal practice.
Symbolism & Mythology
  • Protective Herb – Some believed its spiny appearance warded off evil spirits.
  • "Demon Claw" Superstitions – Early herbalists feared its name but later recognized its healing potential.

Conclusion

Devil’s Claw is a powerful natural remedy for musculoskeletal health, widely used for arthritis, joint pain, and mobility issues in horses and dogs. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties make it a valuable alternative to NSAIDs. While it lacks traditional UK and Isle of Man folklore, it holds strong parallels to British herbal pain relief remedies.

Digestion

Inflamation

Mobility

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)