Synonyms: Grapple Plant, Wood Spider
Family: Pedaliaceae
Genus species: Harpagophytum procumbens
Type: Herbaceous trailing perennial
Part Used: Secondary tubers
Location: native to Kalahari Savannas of Southern Africa and Namibia
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antihypercholesterolemic, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, antiphlogistic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, appetite stimulant, blood purifier, cardioactive agent, choleretic, digestive, diuretic, hepatic, lowers uric acid levels, mild analgesic, oxytocic, purgative, sedative, uterine stimulant
Indications: Arteriosclerosis, arthritis, arthrosis, boil, diabetes mellitus, diverticulosis, dyspepsia, fibrositis, gout, hepatic cholestasis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipemia, hyperuricemia, inappetence, indigestion, lithiasis, lumbago, myalgia, neuralgia, osteoarthritis, pleurodynia, rheumatism, skin ulcer, sores, tendonitis, uricacidemia, wounds
Chemicals & Nutrients: Aluminum, Calcium, Cobalt, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Sodium, Tin
Preparation & Dosages: (3x/day)
Dried Tuber: 0.10-0.25 g
Infusion, Cold: 4-6 ounces
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohol, dose 0.10-0.25 ml
Tincture: 1:2 in 60% alcohol, dose; 1/2-1 teaspoons
Tincture: 1:5 in 25% alcohol, dose 0.5-1 ml
Contraindications: Lactation, pregnancy, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, with gallstones use only after consultation with doctor.
Drug Interactions: May potentiate antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs. Diabetic treatment, hypertensives, hypotensives. Cardioactives may potentiate cardiac glycosides, interfere or antagonize antiarrhythmic drugs, increase the risk of hypokalemia, antagonize beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs, interact with depolarizing muscle relaxants and increase the risk of arrhythmias, interfere with nitrates and calcium-channel blockers, and cardioactives may increase the arrhythmogenic potential of terfenadine. Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of antihypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with diuresis and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics.