Evidence supporting the use of: Harpagoside
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Synopsis

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

Harpagoside is a primary iridoid glycoside found in the roots of Harpagophytum procumbens, commonly known as Devil’s Claw. This plant has a longstanding use in traditional African medicine for pain and inflammatory conditions, but its application in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is increasingly discussed in scientific literature. Several preclinical studies demonstrate that harpagoside possesses anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to inhibition of COX-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, as well as modulation of cytokine production. Some small clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest Devil’s Claw extracts may reduce pain and improve mobility in osteoarthritis and lower back pain, but evidence specifically for RA is limited and less robust.

A few randomized controlled trials have explored Devil’s Claw for general rheumatic conditions, reporting modest benefits in pain and function; however, these studies are often small, heterogeneous, or focus on osteoarthritis rather than RA. The European Medicines Agency recognizes Devil’s Claw as a traditional herbal remedy for relief of minor joint pain, not specifically for RA. Overall, while harpagoside shows anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies and Devil’s Claw is used traditionally for joint pain, high-quality evidence for efficacy in RA is limited. Thus, scientific support exists but is weak, meriting a score of 2 out of 5.

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Products containing Harpagoside

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