Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Iridoids are a class of secondary plant metabolites found in many medicinal plants, such as Harpagophytum procumbens (devil’s claw), Gentiana species, and Scrophularia species. Their use in supporting joint health is primarily based on their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which have been documented in several preclinical studies. For instance, harpagoside, a prominent iridoid glycoside in devil’s claw, has been shown in vitro and in animal models to inhibit inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and TNF-α, both of which play a role in joint inflammation and pain. A handful of small randomized controlled trials have evaluated devil’s claw extracts in osteoarthritis and low back pain, with modest improvements in pain and function compared to placebo. However, these studies often use whole plant extracts containing various compounds, not just iridoids, making it difficult to attribute the effects solely to iridoids.

Systematic reviews (e.g., Gagnier et al., 2004, Cochrane Database) conclude that there is some evidence for the benefit of devil’s claw (and thus possibly iridoids) in osteoarthritis, but the quality and size of available studies limit confidence in these findings. There is a lack of large, high-quality human trials specifically isolating iridoids as the active component. Therefore, while there is some scientific basis for their use in joint health, the evidence is limited and not robust, warranting a moderate-low rating.

More about iridoids
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borage oil
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bovine
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broccoli
bromelain
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cabbage leaf
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chondroitin
cissus quadrangularis
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turmeric
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cuspidatum root
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dog rose
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
gokhru
gooseberry
gotu kola
green lipped mussel
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horsetail
hyaluronic acid
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knotweed
krill oil
l-proline
mackerel
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marine lipid
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milk
moringa
mustard seed
n-acetyl-glucosamine
nettle
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
phellodendron amurense
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pineapple
plantain
protein
quercetin
rehmannia glutinosa
rhizome
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SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
silicon
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specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
vitamin C
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seaweed
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white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
red clover
boneset
chickweed
gastrodia
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algae
cayenne pepper
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gravel root
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Asteracea
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Animal protein
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Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
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Bidens pilosa
Balsam
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Boswellic Acid
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Bugbane
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
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Black Gram
Boswellia
Black Poplar
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bone Protein
Bee products
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bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
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Bee venom
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Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
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Clerodendrum phlomidis
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Carthamus
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Deer Velvet
Drynaria
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Elephant Vine
Egg
Elk antler
Emu Oil
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Other body systems supported by iridoids

Brain
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Liver
Skin

Products containing iridoids

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.