We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we’ll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
A southern-African root with moderate (Cochrane-level) evidence for reducing osteoarthritis and low-back pain via its harpagoside content.
What the evidence says
Most Devil's Claw studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1999–2026 with a typical study size of 88 participants.
Based on 19 studies · 3 meta-analyses · 8 RCTs · 88 total participants
Confidence
High confidenceBy outcome
Cochrane and other systematic reviews find harpagoside-standardized devil's claw beats placebo for low-back and osteoarthritis pain, but the underlying trials are few, short, and rated low-to-moderate quality.
19 rigorous studies
8 randomized trials · 4 meta-analyses · 7 systematic reviews
Our evidence rating for Devil's Claw is accountable to this entire body of rigorous research indexed in PubMed — not a hand-picked subset.
PubMed · as of Jul 2026
No trials currently enrolling · 4 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
Registered trials show research momentum for Devil's Claw, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a southern-African plant whose tuber contains harpagoside, an anti-inflammatory iridoid glycoside.
It has moderate, Cochrane-reviewed evidence for reducing low-back pain and osteoarthritis pain, performing comparably to some conventional analgesics in short trials when standardized to ≥50mg harpagoside per day. It's generally well tolerated, with mild GI effects the most common issue.
Harpagoside inhibits inflammatory mediators (COX, cytokines, NF-κB) involved in joint and back pain.
Reduces pain signaling in musculoskeletal conditions.
How Devil's Claw works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Avoid — stimulates stomach acid.
Avoid — may stimulate the uterus.
Use with caution; monitor.
May affect clotting — possible additive bleeding risk; monitor.
Devil's claw stimulates gastric acid — caution with ulcers/reflux.
Devil's claw may influence heart rate/rhythm; caution and monitoring advised when combined with cardiac/antiarrhythmic drugs.
May have additive blood-glucose-lowering effect; monitor for hypoglycemia.
Tip: Take with food; reduce dose
Tip: Reduce dose
Devil's Claw has an evidence score of 5.5/10 — moderate evidence based on 18 indexed studies. A southern-African root with moderate (Cochrane-level) evidence for reducing osteoarthritis and low-back pain via its harpagoside content. Representative study: PMID 26630428.
The commonly studied dose of Devil's Claw is Standardized extract providing 50-100mg harpagoside daily (≈600-2400mg extract). Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Devil's Claw is with meals. Take it with food. Taken with food to reduce GI upset; harpagoside is acid-sensitive so enteric/standardized forms help.
Devil's Claw is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. Reported side effects are uncommon and include GI upset/diarrhea, headache. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Peptic ulcers / gastritis (stimulates stomach acid); Gallstones; Anticoagulant use.
Boswellia
Likely helpsPotent anti-inflammatory resin extract with strong evidence for joint pain, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions.
Curcumin
Likely helpsTurmeric's active compound that modulates NF-kB inflammatory pathways — supports mood, joint health, and post-exercise recovery.
Psyllium Husk
Likely helpsGel-forming soluble fiber that lowers LDL cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and promotes digestive regularity.
Aged Garlic Extract
Likely helpsOdorless garlic extract with strong evidence for cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and immune support.
Explore: Best supplements for Body HealthBest supplements for Vitality & Longevity
Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 19 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research