title: Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extracts and clinical efficacy.
abstract: Various preparations from Harpagophytum procumbens are used for the treatment of pain in the joints and lower back. Studies published in peer reviewed journals were examined for their clinical evidence. The studies offering preparations with 50-60 mg harpagoside in the daily dosage are of better quality and provide more reliable evidence on efficacy than a proprietary ethanol extract with half the amount of harpagoside per day. However, confirmatory studies are required for all extracts before they can gain a place in treatment guidelines.
authors.forename: Sigrun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chrubasik
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Conradt
authors.forename: Basil D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Roufogalis
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006027:Glycosides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D031684:Harpagophytum; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011714:Pyrans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D006027:Glycosides; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011714:Pyrans; C033249:harpagoside