Common Kalahari Devilclaw
Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. procumbens · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Common Kalahari Devilclaw, scientifically known as Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. procumbens, is a perennial climbing herb native to southern Africa. Renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, this medicinal plant is widely utilized to alleviate joint pain, arthritis, and digestive issues, making it a cornerstone of traditional and modern herbal medicine.
- Family
- Pedaliaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Common Kalahari Devilclaw · Grapple Thorn · 4 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Uncaria Burchellii · Harpagophytum Burchellii
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- Common Kalahari Devilclaw
- Grapple Thorn
- Quick Thorn
- Sandbur
- Veld Spider
- Woolspider
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. procumbensSynonyms
- Uncaria burchellii
- Harpagophytum burchellii
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Pedaliaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Harpagophytum, with the subspecies being procumbens.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Pedaliaceae |
| Genus | Harpagophytum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant is native to the diverse landscapes of Southern Africa. Its natural range extends across the Cape Provinces, where it is commonly found in various habitats. It is also distributed throughout the regions of Botswana and Namibia. Additionally, the species can be located within the mountainous terrain of Lesotho. Finally, its geographical presence includes the coastal and inland areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Botswana |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces |
| Southern Africa | Lesotho |
| Southern Africa | Namibia |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Southern Africa | Free State |
| Southern Africa | Eswatini |
| Southern Africa | Northern Provinces |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. procumbens has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Inflammatory.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Inflammatory
- BMC complementary medicine and therapies
Conditions
Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. procumbens has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include arthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, rheumatism.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Arthritis | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Lower back pain | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuralgia | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rheumatism | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Arthritis
- BMC complementary medicine and therapies
Lower back pain
- BMC complementary medicine and therapies
Neuralgia
- BMC complementary medicine and therapies
Rheumatism
- BMC complementary medicine and therapies