Harpago (Harpagophytum)

The harpago is a native plant from the Kalahari Desert and surrounding regions. The natives of the place it has always been used by his fiery anti-inflammatory properties. It is a herbaceous, perennial that grows crawling on the floor, with alternate leaves and solitary flowers serrated edge tubular, red, lying in the leaf axils. The fruit, in capsule form, has many thorns. Its thick roots are looking at soil depth of this low humidity, and secondary roots have shaped tuber is the drug that we shall see.

FLOWERING

The flowering season of harpago varies widely depending on where you are. Harvesting for medicinal purposes concern the secondary roots, and these must be present in dried and fragmented irregular circular pieces. The suber has a reddish-brown, with longitudinal wrinkles. The British pharmacopoeia also requires that the root is presented without adulteration and other requirements in terms of form, color, uniformity and texture. Being an inaccessible floor, gathering almost always performed by qualified personnel.

APPLICATIONS

The harpago contains varying amounts of monoterpene glycosides of the iridoid group, among which include the harpagoside, the harpagoside and procúmbido. These are responsible for the bitter taste. As noted above, the most striking pharmacological property of this plant is its anti-inflammatory activity. This activity, along with the virtual absence of side effects (as only presents a certain laxative effect), make this plant is a great alternative to other anti-inflammatory treatment that have many adverse effects. It also has analgesic, sedative, spasmolytic, diuretic and antiateromatósica. As anti-inflammatory especially useful in treating rheumatic conditions, be it arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic back pain or rheumatic processes of different etiology. It is also indicated in liver disease and certain types of gastrointestinal disorders. However, in cases of trauma seems that its anti-inflammatory develops more slowly, so it is less recommended, although it is true that the absence of side effects may increase the dose in the amount deemed appropriate.

ADMINISTRATION

Powder. The powdered drug in the form of fine powder, capsule or tablet may be administered at a rate of 3-4 g. day.
Infusion. From 2 to 4 g. of the plant are added to a cup of boiling water can take up to three cups a day. It is best to do it in capsule form to avoid the bitter taste. When preparing the infusion can lose up to 25% of active-flavor besides that it is indeed disgusting.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Pedallaceas
HABITAT: Kalahari Desert
FLOWERING: None
PART USED: Secondary roots
CASTILIAN: Garra del diablo

USES

Strong anti-inflammatory, Moderate Hepatoprotector, Purifying Light.