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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 studies published 2004–2016.
Based on 6 studies
Confidence
LowBy outcome
Devil's Claw has an evidence score of 6/10 — moderate evidence based on 6 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.
See full supplement plans that include Devil's Claw.
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Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 6 studies · how we score
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.
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.
Standardized extract providing 50-100mg harpagoside daily (≈600-2400mg extract)
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Harpagoside-standardized extract | Recommended |
| 💊Capsule | Alternative |
| 💧Tincture | Alternative |
Standardize to harpagoside content.
Minimum: 2 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: With food.
Dose-response data unavailable. The current published research for Devil's Claw does not provide sufficient dose-specific outcome data to generate reliable dose-response curves.
Refer to the Dosage & Timing section above for recommended dose ranges based on available evidence.
Eases osteoarthritis and low-back pain.
Reduces inflammatory mediators.
Mild stomach upset/diarrhea can occur.
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.
Theoretical effects on heart rate/rhythm — caution.
Tip: Take with food; reduce dose
Tip: Reduce dose
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. The most commonly reported side effects are GI upset/diarrhea, headache. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Peptic ulcers / gastritis (stimulates stomach acid); Gallstones; Anticoagulant use.
Potent anti-inflammatory resin extract with strong evidence for joint pain, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions.
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