DEVIL’S CLAW

Digestion
Appetite
Joints

Devil’s claw root is native to the desert regions of southern Africa. It is renowned for its ability to relieve joint pain. This root has an organized supply chain to preserve this unique natural resource.

Read the detailed description

Our references

Plant

Racine

Plant extract

>1,5% harpagoside

Racine

Plant extract

>2,5% iridoides

Racine

Plant extract

>4,0% harpagoside

Racine

Plant extract

>1,5 % iridoides

Racine

Plant extract

6/1

Racine

Regulations
and analysis

Identification : TLC

Data on traditional use

Cahier de l’agence du médicament (France):

  • Used for painful joint symptoms

EMA monograph :

  • Used to relieve minor joint pain
  • Used to relieve minor digestive disorders such as bloating and flatulence.
  • Used for loss of appetite

WHO monograph :

  • Used for loss of appetite and indigestion.
  • Use for joint health and pain relief

Monographie Canada :

  • Used to help stimulate appetite
  • Used to help relieve digestive disorders such as indigestion.
  • Used to help relieve joint pain

German monograph :

  • Used for loss of appetite, indigestion
Plant bylaw file
fleur harpago

Detailed description

Devil’s claw root, known as Harpagophytum procumbens, is a perennial plant native to the desert regions of southern Africa, particularly Namibia. It is characterized by creeping stems, lobed leaves and purple tubular flowers. Its thorny, hook-shaped fruits have earned it the nickname “devil’s claw”. Historically, harpagophytum was used to treat a variety of ailments, including joint pain and digestive disorders.

It is mainly consumed as a dietary supplement, and its main active compound, harpagoside, is said to soothe and reduce joint pain.

Devil’s claw root also has antioxidant properties and can improve digestion.

Aware of the importance of preserving this natural resource, Namibia’s Ministry of the Environment and Tourism introduced a policy in 2010 to manage the collection, trade, transport and export of harpagophytum roots.

With this in mind, an awareness-raising campaign was launched and is still running to encourage the collection of secondary roots rather than tap roots from older plants. The aim is to guarantee sustainable wild harvesting, enabling natural regeneration without overexploitation.
In addition, industry players must be registered and licensed. This makes it possible to monitor the quantities available on the market and avoid smuggling. Although harpagophytum is not currently classified as a regulated species by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), it remains under close surveillance.