Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a flowering plant native to southern Africa, where its tuberous roots have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Research suggests that compounds known as iridoid glycosides, particularly harpagoside, may contribute to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Studies indicate that Devil's Claw root extract may help support joint comfort and mobility, with some clinical trials showing promising results for individuals experiencing general musculoskeletal discomfort and lower back pain. There is also traditional and emerging evidence pointing to its use as a digestive bitter, potentially aiding appetite and mild stomach complaints. While the body of research continues to grow, Devil's Claw remains one of the more widely studied herbal supplements in the area of natural pain and inflammation support.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that Devil's Claw possesses anti-inflammatory properties, supported by a range of laboratory studie...
View studies →Research suggests that Devil's Claw may help reduce joint pain and improve mobility in conditions such as osteoarthri...
View studies →Research suggests a very limited and methodologically weak evidence base for devil's claw as a pain relief interventi...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 1,500–2,500 mg | Daily | Anti-inflammatory and general musculoskeletal pain | Based on RCTs using dried root powder equivalent doses |
| Extract | 600–800 mg | Three times daily | Joint pain relief and osteoarthritis | Common in clinical trials studying standardized harpagoside extract for knee and hip osteoarthritis |
| Extract | 50–100 mg | Three times daily | Joint pain relief, standardized to harpagoside content | Clinical trials using extracts standardized to 9–10 mg harpagoside per dose |
| Extract | 2,400–2,610 mg | Daily | Lower back pain relief | Doses used in RCTs for chronic low back pain, often as WS 1531 or Doloteffin standardized extracts |
| Tablet | 480–960 mg | Daily | Digestive health and appetite stimulation | Traditional and low-dose use for digestive complaints; supported by historical and pharmacopoeial references |