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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
Devil's Claw doesn't have enough studies with structured effect-size data yet to pool a verdict. Browse the studies below for individual findings.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1999–2026.
Based on 19 studies · 3 meta-analyses · 8 RCTs
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.
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momentum for Devil's Claw, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed.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 Oct 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, mostly in short placebo-controlled trials when standardized to ≥50mg harpagoside per day.
Its only drug comparison is one 88-person trial showing rough equivalence to rofecoxib 12.5 mg (a painkiller since withdrawn), which the Cochrane review rated very low quality. 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 20 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.
Dosing for Devil's Claw: 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 has a safety rating of "moderate". That is a category, not a measure of individual risk, and there are precautions worth knowing. Reported side effects include GI upset/diarrhea, headache. How often they occur is not established for all of them. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Peptic ulcers / gastritis (stimulates stomach acid); Gallstones; Anticoagulant use.
Curcumin
Probably helpsTurmeric's active compound that modulates NF-kB inflammatory pathways — supports mood, joint health, and post-exercise recovery.
Aged Garlic Extract
Likely helpsOdorless garlic extract with evidence for blood pressure and cardiovascular markers, and one trial reporting milder colds and flu.
Boswellia
Probably helpsPotent anti-inflammatory resin extract with strong evidence for joint pain, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions.
Andrographis
Likely helpsStudied for comfort and symptom duration during upper-respiratory infections when taken at onset — also supports liver health.
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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.
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