Devil's claw for joint complaints (dog and horse)
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum) for joint complaints in dogs and horses: evidence, safety and legal framework.
Short & honest
Weak evidence (grade C): pharmacokinetic studies in horses confirm harpagoside absorption, but clinical efficacy studies in dogs and horses are largely lacking.
Safety assessment: Caution — conditions and risks
Veterinary review not yet completed
This page is awaiting review by a registered veterinary surgeon. Until then, treat the text as education based on the sources listed — not as a verified veterinary judgement.
What is devil's claw?
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a plant from the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. The dried secondary roots contain iridoid glycosides, of which harpagoside is considered the main active substance. In human medicine, devil's claw has been used for decades for osteoarthritis and lower back pain; its application in animals — particularly dogs and horses — is largely based on those human studies.
Claims and mechanism of action
Manufacturers and proponents state that devil's claw:
- has anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of COX and LOX enzymes
- has an analgesic effect in joint complaints and osteoarthritis
- improves joint mobility
Anti-inflammatory effects of harpagoside have been demonstrated in laboratory studies. Whether these effects are also clinically relevant in living animals — in the doses and formulations used in practice — remains unanswered.
What does the evidence say?
Pharmacokinetic research is available for horses. Axmann et al. (2019) showed that harpagoside is measurably absorbed into the bloodstream of horses after oral administration of a standardised extract [1][2]. This is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for efficacy: it means the substance reaches the body, not that it helps.
Clinical studies demonstrating that devil's claw actually reduces joint pain or improves mobility in dogs or horses are scarcely present in the peer-reviewed literature. No large, controlled clinical trials in these species have been published. Efficacy is therefore not proven, but also not refuted.
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Mechanistic (lab) | Indications for anti-inflammatory effect |
| Pharmacokinetics horse | Demonstrated: harpagoside is absorbed [1][2] |
| Clinical efficacy dog | No peer-reviewed clinical trials |
| Clinical efficacy horse | No peer-reviewed clinical trials |
Safety and adverse effects
Devil's claw is generally reasonably well tolerated in humans, but safety research in animals is limited. Known points of attention:
- Gastrointestinal complaints: nausea, diarrhoea or reduced appetite may occur, particularly when administered on an empty stomach
- Heart rhythm: effects on heart rhythm have been reported in laboratory studies at high doses; the clinical relevance for dog and horse is unclear
- Pregnant animals: use is discouraged due to a possible uterus-stimulating effect
- Liver disorders: extra caution is required with long-term use in cases of existing liver disorders
Never give devil's claw to a sick or medically treated animal without consulting a veterinary surgeon.
Species-specific considerations
Dog: Devil's claw is a frequently used supplement in older dogs with osteoarthritis complaints. Clinical data specific to dogs are scarce; most products refer to human studies or anecdotal evidence.
Horse: In addition to the limited efficacy evidence, there is a competition aspect that must not be overlooked: harpagoside is on the list of prohibited substances of the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale). Use in competition horses is therefore not permitted. Always consult the regulations of the relevant sports federation and the treating veterinary surgeon.
Dosage
There are no scientifically established dosages for dog or horse. The harpagoside content in commercial products varies greatly per brand and formulation. Consult your veterinary surgeon about whether devil's claw is suitable for your animal's situation and what quantity, if any, is responsible.
Why this verdict?
The available literature for dogs and horses is largely limited to pharmacokinetic research: Axmann et al. (2019) demonstrated that harpagoside is measurably absorbed into the bloodstream of horses after oral administration [1][2], but absorption does not prove clinical efficacy. Controlled clinical trials demonstrating that devil's claw actually improves joint pain or mobility in dogs or horses are scarcely present in the peer-reviewed literature. This yields evidence grade C: mechanistic indications and pharmacokinetic data, without robust clinical evidence of effectiveness.
Interactions with medication
- NSAIDs (e.g. meloxicam, carprofen): possible additive effect on gastrointestinal mucosa; combination only under veterinary supervision
- Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin): possible interaction with blood coagulation reported in humans; caution advised
- Blood glucose-lowering agents: devil's claw may affect blood glucose; extra monitoring in diabetic animals
Legal status (Netherlands)
Harpagoside is on the list of prohibited substances of the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale). Use of devil's claw in competition horses is therefore not permitted; consult the regulations of the relevant sports federation. For dogs, no general prohibitions apply, but treatment advice and dosing in the Netherlands are reserved for veterinary surgeons.
Sources
- [1] Pharmacokinetics of harpagoside in horses after intragastric administration of a Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) extract (Axmann et al.). Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2019. Pharmacokinetics doi:10.1111/jvp.12716
- [2] Pharmacokinetics of harpagoside in horses (PMC full text). PMC, 2019. Narrative review doi:10.1111/jvp.12716
Questions about this substance for your animal?
Stuck in the information, or unsure whether a remedy is right for your animal? Send us a message. We sell nothing and give no treatment advice, but we are happy to think along — for instance in finding reliable sources or preparing your question for the vet.