Abstract
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) is often used in the supportive treatment of inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the skeletal system. Here we studied the anti-inflammatory properties of the
Harpagophytum extract SteiHap 69 (
Steiner
Harpagophytum
procumbens
extract
69) on primary human monocytes, a useful model of peripheral inflammation. After eliminating lipopolysaccharides of bacterial origin, SteiHap 69 prevented the LPS-induced synthesis of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in stimulated primary human monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Harpagide and harpagoside had no effect on LPS-induced TNFα-release. Our data provides evidence that the
Harpagophytum extract SteiHap 69 has anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies are required in order to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Devil's claw anti-inflammatory effects.