Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Devil's Claw vs Bay Leaf
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Devil's Claw and Bay Leaf: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, headache, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Devil's Claw | Bay Leaf | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Devil's Claw |
| Back pain | 9/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Devil's Claw |
| Headache | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Devil's Claw |
| Inflammation (general) | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Devil's Claw |
| Pain (general) | 9/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Devil's Claw |
| Skin irritation | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Devil's Claw |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Harpagoside is the main marker compound and anti-inflammatory principle; effective extracts are standardised to it, with the better-quality clinical evidence using preparations delivering roughly 50-60 mg harpagoside per day.
Antioxidant supporting constituents.
Leaf essential oil dominated by 1,8-cineole and eugenol, giving the characteristic aroma and much of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Contribute to the plant's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic for osteoarthritis (hip and knee) pain; General joint pain and arthritis support
Effective at standardised doses (~50-60 mg harpagoside/day); an aqueous extract was non-inferior to rofecoxib for short-term chronic low back pain; Relief of chronic non-specific low back pain
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic for osteoarthritis (hip and knee) pain; Effective at standardised doses (~50-60 mg harpagoside/day); an aqueous extract was non-inferior to rofecoxib for short-term chronic low back pain; General joint pain and arthritis support; Relief of chronic non-specific low back pain
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from vulnerary action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Because it is a bitter that increases stomach-acid and bile secretion, it is contraindicated in active peptic ulcer, gastritis and (without medical supervision) gallstones.
May add to the effect of anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) and may influence blood sugar, blood pressure and heart rhythm; use caution with these medicines.
Avoid during pregnancy (oxytocic/uterine effect) and while breastfeeding.
Generally safe when used in food amounts. Not toxic to people and safe to cook with. Leaves are very rigid and leathery - should be removed before eating as they don't soften with cooking and edges can be sharp. Insufficient reliable information about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding - stick to food amounts. Large amounts of bay leaf tea may cause vomiting (emetic properties) and drowsiness (sedative properties). In high doses, bay laurel has cytotoxic activity. Some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis from bay laurel oil.
Duke (2002) notes antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities for bay laurel, primarily at the experimental level. The essential oil contains eugenol and 1,8-cineole as principal bioactive components. Traditional dosages in European phytotherapy include 1–3 g of dried leaf as a tea. Caution is advised as the essential oil may cause allergic contact dermatitis, and bay berries should not be confused with the less toxic leaves (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Low-growing, sprawling perennial herb with trailing stems and deeply lobed, greyish-green leaves arising from a large, fleshy primary taproot bearing smaller secondary storage tubers (the part used medicinally). Striking funnel-shaped, purplish-pink to violet flowers give way to a distinctive woody fruit covered in long, hooked spines - the origin of the common name.[13]
Evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green, glossy, aromatic leaves, smooth-edged and slightly wavy at the margin. Small, pale yellow-green flowers are borne in clusters in the leaf axils in spring, followed by small, dark purple-black berries on female trees.[11]
Habitat
Native to the dry savannas and semi-desert regions of southern Africa, particularly the Kalahari Desert region of Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.[13]
Native to the Mediterranean region; widely cultivated as a culinary herb and ornamental tree in warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide.[11]
Harvesting
The secondary root tubers are dug by hand, sliced and dried in the sun, traditionally by local harvesters in southern Africa; sustainable wild-harvesting practices are important given the plant's slow growth and habitat sensitivity.
Leaves are picked year-round from established plants and used fresh or dried; berries/seed are collected once ripe in autumn.
Traditional Uses
Devil's claw has a long southern African traditional-medicine history as a remedy for fever, pain and digestive complaints, and is now one of the most clinically studied herbal analgesics for osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain, with standardised extracts showing efficacy comparable to some conventional analgesics in trials.[13]
Bay leaf has an ancient Mediterranean culinary and medicinal history, used as a digestive carminative for indigestion and bloating, and topically and traditionally for muscle and joint pain and minor wounds; it remains one of the most widely used culinary herbs worldwide.[11]
Preparations
Dosage
Clinical trials for osteoarthritis and back pain commonly use extracts providing around 50-60 mg harpagoside daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Two clinical studies in healthy volunteers used an infusion prepared from 5 g of dried Laurus nobilis leaves in 100 mL of boiled water, taken once daily for 10 days. Traditional references suggest a smaller 1-3 g per cup up to three times daily; no EMA or WHO monograph exists for bay leaf. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Mncwangi, N., Chen, W., Vermaak, I., Viljoen, A.M. and Gericke, N (2012) 'Devil's Claw - a review of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological activity of Harpagophytum procumbens', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143(3), pp. 755-771. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.08.013 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.08.013 - Parenti, C., Arico, G., Pennisi, M., Venditti, A. and Scoto, G.M (2015) 'Harpagophytum procumbens extract potentiates morphine antinociception in neuropathic rats', Natural Product Research, 30(11), pp. 1248-1255. doi:10.1080/14786419.2015.1052069 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2015.1052069 - Mariano, A., Bigioni, I., Mattioli, R., Di Sotto, A., Leopizzi, M., Garzoli, S., Mariani, P.F., Dalla Vedova, P., Ammendola, S. and Scotto d'Abusco, A (2022) 'Harpagophytum procumbens Root Extract Mediates Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Osteoarthritis Synoviocytes through CB2 Activation', Pharmaceuticals, 15(4), pp. 457. doi:10.3390/ph15040457 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15040457 - Gxaba, N. and Manganyi, M.C (2022) 'The Fight against Infection and Pain: Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) a Rich Source of Anti-Inflammatory Activity: 2011-2022', Molecules, 27(11), pp. 3637. doi:10.3390/molecules27113637 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113637 - Menghini, L., Recinella, L., Leone, S., Chiavaroli, A., Cicala, C., Brunetti, L., Vladimir-Knezevic, S., Orlando, G. and Ferrante, C (2019) 'Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) and chronic inflammatory diseases: A concise overview on preclinical and clinical data', Phytotherapy Research, 33(9), pp. 2152-2162. doi:10.1002/ptr.6395 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6395 - Brien, S., Lewith, G.T. and McGregor, G (2006) 'Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 12(10), pp. 981-993. doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.981 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2006.12.981 - Ungerer, G., Cui, J., Ndam, T., Bekemeier, M., Song, H., Li, R., Siedhoff, H.R., Yang, B., Appenteng, M.K., Greenlief, C.M., Miller, D.K., Sun, G.Y., Folk, W.R. and Gu, Z (2020) 'Harpagophytum procumbens Extract Ameliorates Allodynia and Modulates Oxidative and Antioxidant Stress Pathways in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury', Neuromolecular Medicine, 22(2), pp. 278-292. doi:10.1007/s12017-019-08585-z Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12017-019-08585-z - Recinella, L., Chiavaroli, A., Ronci, M., Menghini, L., Brunetti, L., Leone, S., Tirillini, B., Angelini, P., Covino, S., Venanzoni, R., Zengin, G., Di Simone, S., Ciferri, M.C., di Giacomo, V., Cataldi, A., Rapino, M., Valerio, V.D., Orlando, G. and Ferrante, C (2020) 'Multidirectional Pharma-Toxicological Study on Harpagophytum procumbens DC. ex Meisn.: An IBD-Focused Investigation', Antioxidants, 9(2), pp. 168. doi:10.3390/antiox9020168 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9020168 - Baghdikian, B., Lanhers, M.C., Fleurentin, J., Ollivier, E., Maillard, C., Balansard, G. and Mortier, F (1997) 'An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri', Planta Medica, 63(2), pp. 171-176. doi:10.1055/s-2006-957638 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957638 - Lim, D.W., Kim, J.G., Han, D. and Kim, Y.T (2014) 'Analgesic effect of Harpagophytum procumbens on postoperative and neuropathic pain in rats', Molecules, 19(1), pp. 1060-1068. doi:10.3390/molecules19011060 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19011060 - Jang, M., Lim, S., Han, S., Park, H., Shin, I., Kim, J., Kim, N., Lee, J., Kim, K. and Kim, C (2003) 'Harpagophytum procumbens suppresses lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in fibroblast cell line L929', Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 93(3), pp. 367-371. doi:10.1254/jphs.93.367 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1254/jphs.93.367 - Chrubasik, S (2004) 'Devil's claw extract as an example of the effectiveness of herbal analgesics', Der Orthopade. doi:10.1007/s00132-004-0675-7 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00132-004-0675-7 - Brendler, T., Gruenwald, J., Ulbricht, C. and Basch, E (2006) 'Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy. doi:10.1080/j157v06n01_09 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/j157v06n01_09 - Chrubasik, S., Conradt, C. and Roufogalis, B.D (2004) 'Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extracts and clinical efficacy', Phytotherapy Research, 18(2), pp. 187--189. doi:10.1002/ptr.1416 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1416 - Gagnier, J.J., Chrubasik, S. and Manheimer, E (2004) 'Harpagophytum procumbens for osteoarthritis and low back pain: a systematic review', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-4-13 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-4-13
- Hammoodi, O.T., Alkhilani, M.A., Alhayani, W.A., Al-Nuaimy, W. and Tala'a, A.A (2024) 'Effects of Laurus nobilis Leaf Extract on Healing of Experimentally Induced Wounds in Rabbits', Veterinary Medicine International, 2024, pp. 2889480. doi:10.1155/2024/2889480 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2889480 - Caputo, L., Nazzaro, F., Souza, L.F., Aliberti, L., De Martino, L. and Fratianni, F (2017) 'Laurus nobilis: Composition of Essential Oil and Its Biological Activities', Molecules, 22(6), pp. 930. doi:10.3390/molecules22060930 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22060930 - Bourebaba, N., Kornicka-Garbowska, K., Marycz, K., Bourebaba, L. and Kowalczuk, A (2021) 'Laurus nobilis ethanolic extract attenuates hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cell line through the reduction of oxidative stress and improvement of mitochondrial biogenesis', Mitochondrion, 59, pp. 190-213. doi:10.1016/j.mito.2021.06.003 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2021.06.003 - Dobroslavic, E., Repajic, M., Dragovic-Uzelac, V. and Elez Garofulic, I (2022) 'Isolation of Laurus nobilis Leaf Polyphenols: A Review on Current Techniques and Future Perspectives', Foods, 11(2), pp. 235. doi:10.3390/foods11020235 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11020235 - Chbili, C., Maoua, M., Zaouali, M., Selmi, M., Kacem, I. and Mrizek, N (2022) 'Evaluation of daily Laurus nobilis tea consumption on anxiety and stress biomarkers in healthy volunteers', Archives Italiennes de Biologie, 160(3-4), pp. 136-146. doi:10.12871/000398292022343 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.12871/000398292022343 - Chbili, C., Maoua, M., Selmi, M., Mrad, S., Khairi, H. and Limem, K (2020) 'Evaluation of Daily Laurus nobilis Tea Consumption on Lipid Profile Biomarkers in Healthy Volunteers', Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 39(8), pp. 733-738. doi:10.1080/07315724.2020.1727787 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2020.1727787 - Bouadid, I., Amssayef, A. and Eddouks, M (2023) 'Study of the Antihypertensive Effect of Laurus nobilis in Rats', Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 21(1), pp. 42-54. doi:10.2174/1871525720666220512154041 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871525720666220512154041 - Mohammed, R.R., Omer, A.K., Yener, Z., Uyar, A. and Ahmed, A.K (2020) 'Biomedical effects of Laurus nobilis L. leaf extract on vital organs in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: Experimental research', Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 61, pp. 188-197. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2020.11.051 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2020.11.051 - Uchiyama, N., Matsunaga, K., Kiuchi, F., Honda, G., Tsubouchi, A. and Nakajima-Shimada, J (2002) 'Trypanocidal terpenoids from Laurus nobilis L', Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 50(11), pp. 1514-1516. doi:10.1248/cpb.50.1514 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.50.1514 - Saab, A.M., Guerrini, A., Zeino, M., Wiench, B., Rossi, D. and Gambari, R (2015) 'Laurus nobilis L. Seed Extract Reveals Collateral Sensitivity in Multidrug-Resistant P-Glycoprotein-Expressing Tumor Cells', Nutrition and Cancer, 67(4), pp. 664-675. doi:10.1080/01635581.2015.1019632 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2015.1019632 - Elansary HO, et al. Laurus nobilis: Composition of Essential Oil and Its Biological Activities. Biomolecules. 2018;8 (2018) ';8(3):98', 8(3). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152719/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152719/ - Fernandes F, et al. Laurus nobilis Leaves and Fruits: A Review of Metabolite Composition and Interest in Human Health. Applied Sciences. 2023;13 (2023) ';13(7):4606', 13(7). Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/7/4606 Traditional / reference
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/7/4606 - Ramos C, et al. Bay Leaf. In: Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements. Academic Press; 2019:269-276. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/ (2019) ':269-276'. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/ - Singletary KW. Bay Leaf: Potential Health Benefits. Nutrition Today. 2021;55 (2021) ';55(4):184-193', 55(4). Available at: https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2021/07000/bay_leaf__potential_health_benefits.8.aspx Traditional / reference
https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2021/07000/bay_leaf__potential_health_benefits.8.aspx - University of Arizona Campus Arboretum. Medicinal Plant Virtual Tour - Bay Laurel. https://arboretum.arizona.edu/medicinal-plant-virtual-tour-bay-laurel. Available at: https://arboretum.arizona.edu/medicinal-plant-virtual-tour-bay-laurel Traditional / reference
https://arboretum.arizona.edu/medicinal-plant-virtual-tour-bay-laurel - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Malaspina, P. and Betuzzi, F. and Ingegneri, M. and Smeriglio, A. and Cornara, L. and Trombetta, D (2022) 'Risk of Poisoning from Garden Plants: Misidentification between Laurel and Cherry Laurel', Toxins, 14(11), pp. 726. doi:10.3390/toxins14110726 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14110726 - Henriet, M. and Auquiere, J.P. and Moens, P (1974) 'Analysis and content of hydrocyanic acid by cutting, row and organographic zone of leaves of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L)', Journal de Pharmacie de Belgique, 29(5), pp. 437-43. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4377277/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4377277/
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.