Which plant's root is used to treat arthritis pain and is called 'devil's claw'?

Harpagophytum procumbens is the plant whose root is called devil’s claw and is used traditionally for arthritis pain.

Devil’s claw is a ground-hugging plant native to arid regions of southern Africa, especially areas of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Its name comes from the hooked, claw-like spines on its distinctive fruits. The medicinal material is usually the secondary storage roots, which are dried and prepared as extracts or capsules.

Traditional and modern herbal products use devil’s claw for joint pain, stiffness, and lower-back discomfort. Harpagoside is one of the plant’s best-known iridoid glycosides and is often used to standardize extracts. Research has suggested possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, though evidence is not uniformly strong.

Devil’s claw should not be confused with cat’s claw, another medicinal vine with a similar animal-based name. It may also interact with medicines or aggravate some conditions, so “used for arthritis” describes a traditional and complementary use, not a guaranteed cure.