Abstract
Objective: In this review, general information about Harpagophytum procumbens will be given and findings of in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies on analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities will be presented.
Result and Discussion: For many years, H. procumbens roots have been used to treat rheumatism and pain in traditional folk medicine in South Africa. Today, it is used within the scope of rational phytotherapy applications in osteoarthritis patients, since its standardized root extracts (containing 1% harpagozite) have anti-inflammatory effects. It has been found that harpagozite has an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B, providing inhibition on the expression of lipopolysaccharide-inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, standardized extracts show chondroprotective effects by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase and elastase enzymes, which play a key role in cartilage degredation. It is also stated that the extract, which should be used for a minimum of 2-3 months in patients with osteoarthritis, does not cause any serious drug interaction. In terms of evidence-based phytotherapy applications; there are clinical studies on the use of standardized H. procumbens root extracts in patients with osteoarthritis, and studies are ongoing.