Abstract Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw) is a traditional African herbal
drug used by the natives of the Kalahari and Savannah desert regions to treat a variety
of ailments.
In Europe, the anti-inflammatory properties of Harpagophytum
procumbens extracts (Hp) have been the basis for its popular use in the treatment of
inflammatory disorders of the musculoskeletal system and of low back pain. This is
the subject of a draft monograph recently issued by the European drug authorities
(EMEA).
There is good clinical evidence for Hp’s use in treating painful osteoarthritis,
but more evidence (such as from phase-III trials) is needed before Hp can be
considered a standard treatment of osteoarthritis and other chronic inflammatory
diseases. Here, the published evidence is reviewed that reveal the anti-inflammatory
effects of Hp including inhibition of key mediators and promoters of inflammation.
The relevance of these effects for the therapeutic use of Hp in osteoarthritis is discussed.
The main constituents of Hp, glycosides of harpagoside and of acteoside,
have been shown to act on molecular pathways that have become recognised as targets
in the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. The pharmacological profile
of Hp is that of a modern anti-inflammatory agent. Today there is great interest
in new anti-inflammatory drugs as toxicological doubts have arisen concerning standard
drugs but also as it has become apparent that the therapeutic potential of novel
anti-inflammatory drugs goes well beyond the treatment of recognised chronic inflammatory
diseases.
Inflammation is now seen as a primary process in osteoarthritis
but also as a key pathophysiological factor in many common modern diseases (cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative diseases, dementia
and Alzheimer’s). The therapeutic potential of Hp, therefore, demands attention.
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