Scientists are often resourceful in naming plants.
Harpagophytum probably doesn't ring a bell, but you've probably heard of it by another name, Devil's Claw .
Its effects have been known to certain African traditions for ages, but Europe only relatively recently discovered the anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties of harpagophytum.
But as better late than never, let's see what this plant from Africa can bring us.
An old natural treatment for pain
Devil's claw is a plant native to South Africa that belongs to the sesame family. The full scientific name of the plant is harpagophytum procumbens. It is commonly found in southern and southeastern Namibia, southern Botswana, and the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape.
The word harpagophytum comes from the Greek and means "plant with hooks". This is explained by the fact that the plant has long and spiky protrusions which are relatively dangerous and which allow it to defend itself.
Secondary roots , called tubers, grow from the main roots. It is this part of the plant that is used as a medicinal plant by the indigenous people of South Africa. They have been using it since the dawn of time to relieve pain , especially arthritis and rheumatism, but also problems related to digestion .
However, its effectiveness in Europe has also been demonstrated, in particular via this double-blind study conducted in the 2000s, which concluded that devil's claw was at least as effective as the reference drug in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. and hip.
Multiple fields of application
The anti-inflammatory properties of harpagophytum make it a powerful ally against a very broad spectrum of inflammation, polyarthritis and other rheumatism .
This is because the plant contains a compound known as iridoid glycosides. These have been proven to act as natural anti-inflammatory agents . Other studies have suggested a correlation between the ingestion of devil's claw and its antioxidant effects on the body.
This potentially suggests that it can protect your cells against the damaging impacts of free radicals.
Inflammation
Inflammations are the body's natural responses to trauma in the form of injury or infection.
This is an immune system reaction that is needed to help protect your body. The iridoid glycosides mentioned above make Devil's Claw a particularly effective anti-inflammatory.
osteoarthritis
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of devil's claw on the quality of life of people with osteoarthritis.
Participants were asked to take devil's claw supplements for 8 to 12 weeks to monitor the effects.
They reported that pain levels decreased and physical functioning improved markedly .
Some studies suggest that devil's claw can also be used as a treatment for arthritis and gout .
Rheumatic pains
Rheumatic diseases are those that affect the joints, ligaments, tendons, bones and muscles.
They often go hand in hand with the body's natural aging , but they can occur at any age and have various causes.
This type of pain is usually caused by autoimmune diseases , where your body's immune system begins to attack itself.
Harpagophytum is known to promote joint flexibility and well-being . The benefits of the plant being concentrated in its roots, it is also thanks to the latter that Coxadol acts against joint pain .
Relieve pain without medication thanks to Coxadol®
We too often have the almost automatic reflex (and encouraged with great fanfare by the pharmaceutical conglomerates) to jump on chemical solutions when faced with rheumatic or inflammatory pain.
If the opinion of the attending physician still prevails, why not try to turn to light alternative medicine, offering natural solutions ?
Coxadol is a food supplement composed of a mixture of harpagophytum procumbens and vitamin C.
It will help relieve your chronic and persistent pain in a lasting way, without addiction and adverse effects.
