Identity & plant part
The common name refers to the hooked fruit. Medicinal material comes from secondary tuberous roots, not the hooked fruit. The EMA also covers Harpagophytum zeyheri; botanical and extract identity should be visible in the supply record. [Sources]
Traditional knowledge
Devil’s claw has a traditional-use history for minor joint discomfort and certain digestive complaints. Traditional-use registration and proof from large, rigorous clinical trials are different standards of evidence. [Sources]
How the medicine is extracted
Dried secondary roots may be cut, powdered or extracted with water or ethanol-containing solvent. Filtration separates the liquid extract; further concentration can produce a dry extract. The EMA assessment distinguishes preparations by solvent and drug-to-extract ratio. Iridoid glycoside markers such as harpagoside help characterise material but do not by themselves guarantee an effect. [Sources]
Scientific evidence & limitations
The EMA notes limitations in clinical evidence and bases its conclusions on longstanding use for specified indications. Joint-pain studies must be read in light of preparation, comparison group, sample size and treatment duration. The evidence does not show that any root tea repairs a damaged joint. [Sources]
Safety & suitability
Check the monograph and product leaflet, especially with stomach or duodenal ulcers. Persistent, swollen or acutely painful joints need assessment. [Sources]
Conservation & knowledge holders
Sourcing should protect the primary root and allow regeneration; ask suppliers to document harvest practices. [Sources]
Sources & credits
Video resources
KTN News Kenya: KEMRI medicinal-plant research (23 March 2026). This is related research news, not a demonstration for this species.
Search YouTube for Harpagophytum procumbens. These search results are uncurated; check identity, credentials and evidence before relying on a video.