Harpagophytum is a medicinal plant belonging to the Pedaliaceae family, which is often associated with arnica or arthrifit because they have similar properties. Its scientific name is Hapagophytum procumbens.
It grows in Madagascar and the Kalahari desert and is popularly known as the devil’s claw, because its fruit has small hooks that usually hook on the legs, hairs, or skin of those who touch it, hence the frantic agitation of animals when their hooves get caught in the harpoons of the fruits.
Properties and health benefits:
They stand out for their high content of molecules including iridoid glycosides. The iridoids inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are pain-causing hormones, as well as reduce cell permeability by allowing general inflammation to decrease
Harpagofite also contains polyphenols, flavonoids, harpagosides that contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties; and steroids, and it can be said that all these elements bring many health benefits, being one of the most prominent from harpagophite extract in the treatment of various chronic pains in the knees, hip, hands; caused by rheumatoid arthritis improving mobility and alleviating pains.
- It has a powerful anti-inflammatory power and is especially known for its effectiveness in the natural treatment of osteoarthritis
- Improves gastrointestinal problems due to increased production of gastric juices and bile production
- It is a natural relaxant and is very effective in the treatment of spasms as it intervenes in the peripheral nervous system
- It is very good to combat low back pain, especially when combined with other natural medicines such as arnica.
- It can be mixed with hyaluronic acid to treat rheumatism problems, atherosclerosis, and arthralgia.
- Reduces muscle aches, as well as headaches, even the strongest as migraines
- Reducing the level of uric acid in the blood is very beneficial for treating gout.
- It’s good for the kidneys, helping to release toxins, as well as combat constipation
- Reduces blood glucose levels and is highly recommended for people with diabetes
- It is also used in dogs, as it has been proven to help calm the pain in their bones.
All these healing properties of harpagofito make it a plant with high medicinal potential and widely used to treat various health problems.
In what formats can harpagofito be found?
Harpagofito can be achieved in a lot of formats such as:
– In capsules
– In pills
– In droplets in harpagofito extract format
– In infusion of dry or wet root
– In creams.
How should it be taken?
Although orally, is the most common way to consume it, there are other ways to use this medicinal plant.
– In infusions, it is recommended not to exceed 2 per day
– In dry extract, a maximum of 3 grams per day
– In the liquid extract, a maximum of 4 mg per day divided over 2 intakes of 2 mg each
– Mixed with different oils
– In capsules or tablets, instructions for use according to the product must be followed
Contraindications and Side Effects of Harpagofito:
Although it is a natural medicine does not make it exempt from having certain contraindications, and some people should be particularly careful in its use:
– Pregnant women as it contains a high absorption rate and could cause damage to the fetus
-In case of gastrointestinal ulcer, its use is not recommended, as harpagofite increases the production of gastric juices
– In case of heart or blood pressure problems
– If antiarrhythmic medications are being taken
– If you have an allergy to your active substance
– Children under 9 years of age
Harpagofito may also cause some side effects:
– Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea
– Stomach pains
– Stomach problems caused by acidity
– Reducing blood glucose levels
– Sense of tiredness or fatigue
What does science say about it?
The American College of Rheumatology published a study that the following conclusions about harpagofito were released
What is used: The part that is taken advantage of is the secondary tuberous roots, which are later dissected and cut (harpagophyti radix).
Drugs: Several experiments have been conducted with harpagofito extracts that have resulted in their anti-inflammatory action (especially in levels of subacute or chronic inflammation) and pain relievers. Also, thanks to its content in bitter principles, it is considered to be a good stimulant of appetite. Some in vitro research showed that its metabolic extract protects against induced arrhythmias.
Indications: Clinical studies demonstrate the effectiveness in the treatment of pains related to arthrosis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and other osteoarticular conditions of rheumatic or non-rheumatic origin.
In the original countries, harpagofito is used to facilitate digestion, reduce fever, and relieve birth pains.
Contraindications: Unless prescribed by a doctor, it should not be used during pregnancy and after breastfeeding. Likewise, it has been shown that harpagofito extracts could cause gastroduodenal ulcers.
Possible side effects: Mild digestive disorders such as diarrhea, nausea, and gastric discomfort may occur, especially at high doses.