Genus: Harpagophytum
Species: H. Procumbens
Family: Pedaliaceae
Common names: Devil's claw, grapple plant and wood spider

Description:
Harpagophytum procumbens are commonly known as Devil's claw. This plant is of the sesame family and is native to South Africa. The plant is also referred to as the grapple plant or wood spider. The name Devil's claw is derived from the peculiar appearance of its hooked fruit.

Medicinal Use:
Harpagophytum has two active ingredients: Harpagoside and Beta sitosterol.
Harpagophytum are used for:
- Reducing pain
- Reducing fever
- Stimulating digestion
- Treating arthritus
- It has antiflammatory, analgesice, sedative and diuretic properties
- Treatment of diseases of the bladder, kidneys, liver and gallbladder.
- Used for the vitality of the joints
- Menstrual difficulties
- Treatment of sores, ulcers, boils and skin lesions.
- Increas cholestrol and fatty acids in the blood.
- It has also been recommended for treating diabetes, hardening of the arteries, lumbago, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual difficulties, neuralgia, headache, heartburn and gout.

General Information:
Devil's claw are mainly found in the eastern and south eastern parts of Namibia, Southern Botswana and the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape, South Africa.