A phytotherapeutic approach to the treatment of osteoarthritis using Harpagophytum procumbens
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2009-3578.2025v11n2p7695-7713Keywords:
Harpagophytum procumbens, Devil's Claw, Osteoarthritis, PhytotherapyAbstract
Introduction: Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a widely used herbal medicine for treating rheumatic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, due to its harpagoside content. Despite its regulation, it lacks controlled clinical studies addressing safe dosages and a complete risk-benefit analysis. Objective: To analyze the efficacy of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a phytotherapeutic option in the treatment of osteoarthritis, considering its therapeutic effects, clinical applications, and limitations. Methods: This is a qualitative literature review, using the PRISMA methodology for screening. The research focused on articles and books published between 2020 and 2025 in the PubMed and SciELO databases. Descriptors such as "Harpagophytum procumbens", "Devil's Claw", "phytotherapy", and "therapeutic effects of Devil's Claw" were used. Results and Discussion: The review demonstrated the efficacy of *H. procumbens* in osteoarthritis, with harpagoside as the main active metabolite. Clinical and laboratory studies pointed to a significant reduction in pain and improvement in joint function (efficacy between 80% and 90%). The plant is recognized and included in the RENAME/SUS (Brazilian National List of Essential Medicines/Unified Health System). However, a gap in conclusive information on drug interactions with anticoagulants and antihypertensives was identified, highlighting the need for caution in its use. Conclusion: *H. procumbens* is a proven effective phytotherapeutic plant in the management of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, standing out in Brazilian public health. Its clinical application requires monitoring due to the lack of data on drug interactions, and future studies may optimize the use and safety of the phytotherapeutic.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Lucas Duarte Alencar, Weison Lima da Silva, Afonso Farias Valente, Daianne Vasconcelos Gadelha, Maria Solange Fernandes de Melo
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