When every movement becomes a struggle, and joint pain becomes a part of your daily life, harpagophytum—also known as devil’s claw—offers a natural solution that is both gentle and powerful. At Soin-et-Nature, discover dietary supplements made from roots rich in active ingredients, known to relieve inflammation, soothe chronic pain, and restore joint mobility. Whether in capsules, ampoules, or extracts, there’s a natural solution for every need to help you regain comfort and freedom of movement without straining your body.
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“Harpagos,” which means “grappling hook” in Greek, gives harpagophytum its name because its fruits are equipped with curved hooks shaped like grappling hooks; they cling to the fur and hooves of animals that thrash frantically in all directions to shake them off—hence its other name, “Devil’s Claw.”
The indigenous Bushmen and Bantu peoples used the roots orally to treat indigestion, fever, and labor pains, and externally, in the form of an ointment, to treat minor wounds and skin conditions. In South Africa, it is also traditionally used to treat childhood convulsions.
It was a German farmer named Menhert who, at the beginning of the century, observed in South Africa the beneficial effects of a treatment administered by a traditional healer to a war wounded soldier. With the help of his hunting dogs—since the healer refused to reveal his secret—he discovered the location where the roots had been harvested and where the plant’s leaves had been hidden and buried, and succeeded in identifying the species. Later, the roots were introduced to Europe. They are recommended for migraines, allergic reactions, rheumatism, and as a bitter tonic.
Today, this plant is widely used in the formulation of joint supplements to support those seeking natural solutions for chronic pain.
Harpagophytum inhibits the biosynthesis of cysteinyl-leukotrienes and reduces the breakdown of thromboxane, two important mediators in inflammatory processes. These actions help limit inflammation, particularly in chronic conditions such as arthritis or joint pain.
The anti-inflammatory activity of harpagophytum results from a synergy among several compounds, includingharpagoside,harpagide, 8-coumaroylharpagide, and verbascoside. These molecules work synergistically to modulate inflammatory processes and reduce associated pain.
Harpagoside, one of the main active ingredients, indiscriminately inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. This leads to a significant decrease in the production of NO (nitric oxide), a key mediator in inflammatory and oxidative reactions.
The iridoids present in Harpagophytum, such asharpagoside,harpagide, and 8-O-p-coumaroylharpagide, undergo chemical, enzymatic, and microbiological transformations under the action of intestinal bacteria. These transformations produce active compounds such asaucubinin B, a monoterpene alkaloid with significant biological effects.
In addition, the iridoids can also be chemically converted into other alkaloids called Beatrine 1 and Beatrine 2, whose pharmacological properties could enhance the plant’s overall therapeutic effects.
This is why many people turn to harpagophytum-based dietary supplements to naturally relieve chronic joint pain, while benefiting from the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Harpagophytum is dispensed in pharmacies; the root is listed in the French Pharmacopoeia’s list of medicinal plants and has a monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia as well as an EMA Community monograph. It is an approved ingredient in dietary supplements in France.
Soin-et-Nature offers a complete range of dietary supplements dedicated to joint health, designed to preserve mobility, relieve pain, and support the joints on a daily basis. Here are the main categories available:
These joint supplements, available on Soin-et-Nature, help you maintain your mobility, relieve joint pain, and care for your bones and cartilage naturally and effectively.
