Devil's Claw -

MHD: 11/2025 Bitterstoffe der afrikanischen Teufelskralle

How do joint problems arise?

"If you don't use it, you lose it," as the saying goes. And it's true: If you don't move enough, you damage your bones and joints. Regular exercise that challenges the joints but doesn't place one-sided strain or permanently overload them promotes the production of synovial fluid (synovia). This forms a protective lubricating film between the harder parts of the joints and prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. Synovial fluid also supplies the cartilage with oxygen and nutrients and transports waste products from the highly complex joint system. This is particularly crucial because healthy cartilage also functions as a shock absorber for the joints. If it degenerates, inflammation, chronic pain, and restricted mobility occur where bones collide. This also affects the muscles, as protective postures can cause the affected muscles to shorten over time.

Keep your joints fit

Unfortunately, we usually only realize how important smoothly functioning joints are when problems arise. Suddenly, our motor skills become less fluid, and we adopt protective postures to avoid pain during certain movements, thereby only exacerbating the problem. Joint care plays a particularly important role after a certain age. In younger years, the body is forgiving. Over time, however, the body's ability to adequately supply the joint cartilage with important nutrients diminishes. Overuse, obesity, lack of exercise, and an unbalanced diet also play a role in this process.

Poorly nourished cartilage "dries out," becomes cracked, and eventually degenerates. This diminishes the shock absorber between the bones. They rub against each other, leading to joint pain and ultimately to osteoarthritis. If the joints are to function smoothly, in addition to plenty of exercise, the supply of "joint nutrition" is helpful. These include, in particular, glucosamine or chondroitin.

Devil's claw – the special medicinal plant

The African devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) originates from the savannas of southern Africa. Originally used as a secret magic root by medicine men, the medicinal plant also found its way into Europe in the 20th century. The ingredients from the storage root of the African devil's claw serve as a supportive therapy for osteoarthritis and other mobility restrictions. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant benefits in the treatment of pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders.

Bitter substances from devil's claw

According to current scientific knowledge, the beneficial effects of devil's claw appear to be due to its components inhibiting the production of certain neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters include leukotrienes and cytokines, which promote cartilage damage during wear-related processes. The components of African devil's claw apparently work best when they are not isolated from one another.

African devil's claw is difficult to cultivate, especially in Europe, despite the fact that many people there buy products containing it. Teas made from African devil's claw extract have a bitter taste that takes some getting used to. This problem can be avoided by taking capsules containing high-quality devil's claw extract. These capsules allow you to easily take a precisely measured amount of the medicinal herb, allowing you to easily benefit from its positive effects every day.