Harpagophytum (Devil's Claw)

What does the devil’s claw plant look like?

Inconspicuous above ground, the plant concentrates most of its mass underground:

Harpagophytum capsules, powder or gel?

The dried tubers are used as a powder, as an infusion (in which their bitterness is pronounced) or, most often, as a dry extract put into capsules. An extract is often presented with a ratio, for example 5:1, and standardised for harpagosides: the harpagoside content is then measured and stated on the label.

Devil’s claw is also found in gels or ointments, which fall under cosmetics. The plant is largely harvested from the wild, which raises the question of sustainable harvesting; organic supply chains exist.

Harpagophytum benefits: where does the science stand?

Researchers have been interested in harpagophytum for several decades, particularly in harpagoside and the other iridoids in its tubers, and in the standardisation of extracts.

To date, no health claim relating to harpagophytum is authorised in the European Union. This research therefore does not allow any particular effect to be attributed to devil’s claw or to a food supplement containing it.

How to choose a devil’s claw supplement?

Our devil’s claw products