Plant Comparison
Devil's Claw vs Mallow
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 Mallow: 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 | Mallow | 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 | 2/10 | Stronger for Devil's Claw |
| Pain (general) | 9/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Devil's Claw |
| Skin irritation | 8/10 | 2/10 | 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.
The high mucilage content gives the demulcent, soothing action.
The blue-purple pigments and antioxidant constituents.
Phenolic constituents associated with antioxidant and reported antiproliferative (anticancer) activity in cell studies.
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and wound-healing (preclinical)
Antibacterial / antimicrobial (methanolic leaf extracts; the naphthoquinone Malvone A)
Demulcent for irritation of the mouth or throat and associated dry cough (soothing mucilage); Mild laxative for occasional constipation (mucilage; traditional)
Mild laxative for occasional constipation (mucilage; traditional)
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 anticancer action
Mild laxative for occasional constipation (mucilage; traditional)
Demulcent for irritation of the mouth or throat and associated dry cough (soothing mucilage)
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
Soothes irritated and inflamed skin and mucous membranes
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 very well tolerated. Irritation of the mouth/throat or a cough that persists beyond about a week, or is accompanied by fever or breathlessness, needs medical assessment.
Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended in the absence of adequate data.
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]
Biennial or short-lived perennial herb, 30-120 cm tall, with erect or sprawling, branched, often reddish stems. Leaves are alternate, long-stalked and palmately lobed with 5-7 shallow rounded lobes and toothed margins. Flowers are pink-purple with darker veining, with five notch-tipped petals borne in small axillary clusters. The fruit is a flattened, disc-shaped schizocarp ('cheese') that splits into a ring of small single-seeded nutlets.[2]
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]
Common on roadsides, waste ground, hedgebanks and field margins across Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia, and widely naturalised elsewhere; tolerates a wide range of soils, favouring sunny, disturbed, nitrogen-rich sites.[2]
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 and flowers are gathered during the flowering period (summer) and dried quickly out of direct sun to preserve their mucilage content; fresh material can also be used directly for infusions or poultices.[11]
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]
Mallow leaf and flower have a long ethnobotanical history across Europe as a demulcent for irritated mucous membranes - soothing coughs, sore throat and mouth irritation - and for occasional constipation and skin irritation, reflecting the mucilage-rich leaf and flower. Modern phytochemical and pharmacological work confirms antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing activity of its extracts.[2, 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.
EMA herbal-monograph guidance suggests roughly 1.5-2 g of dried leaf or flower per cup, taken as an infusion up to 3 times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
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
- Mousavi, S.M., Hashemi, S.A., Behbudi, G., Mazraedoost, S. and others (2021) 'A Review on Health Benefits of Malva sylvestris L. Nutritional Compounds for Metabolites, Antioxidants, and Anti-Inflammatory, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Applications', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, pp. 5548404. doi:10.1155/2021/5548404 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5548404 - Gasparetto, J.C., Martins, C.A., Hayashi, S.S., Otuky, M.F. and others (2012) 'Ethnobotanical and scientific aspects of Malva sylvestris L.: a millennial herbal medicine', Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 64(2), pp. 172-189. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.2011.01383.x Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.2011.01383.x - Wu, Y., Qiu, A., Yang, Z., Wu, J. and others (2019) 'Malva sylvestris extract alleviates the astrogliosis and inflammatory stress in LPS-induced depression mice', Journal of Neuroimmunology, 336, pp. 577029. doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577029 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577029 - Ben Saad, A., Rjeibi, I., Brahmi, D., Smida, A. and others (2016) 'Malva sylvestris extract protects upon lithium carbonate-induced kidney damages in male rat', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 84, pp. 1099-1107. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.026 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.026 - Zuo, H., Li, Y., Cui, Y. and An, Y (2017) 'Cardioprotective effect of Malva sylvestris L. in myocardial ischemic/reperfused rats', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 95, pp. 679-684. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.111 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.111 - Benso, B., Rosalen, P.L., Alencar, S.M. and Murata, R.M (2015) 'Malva sylvestris Inhibits Inflammatory Response in Oral Human Cells. An In Vitro Infection Model', PLoS One, 10(10), pp. e0140331. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0140331 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0140331 - Prudente, A.S., Sponchiado, G., Mendes, D.A.G.B., Soley, B.S. and others (2017) 'Pre-clinical efficacy assessment of Malva sylvestris on chronic skin inflammation', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 93, pp. 852-860. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.083 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.083 - Mohaghegh, Z., Golfakhrabadi, F., Faal Siahkal, S., Dastoorpoor, M. and others (2022) 'The Effect of Malva sylvestris Cream on Episiotomy Pain and Healing: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial', International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery, 10(4), pp. 248-258. doi:10.30476/IJCBNM.2022.95772.2082 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.30476/IJCBNM.2022.95772.2082 - Areesanan, A., Nicolay, S., Keller, M., Zimmermann-Klemd, A.M. and others (2023) 'Potential benefits of Malva sylvestris in dry-eye disease pathology in vitro based on antioxidant, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 168, pp. 115782. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115782 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115782 - Martins, C.A., Weffort-Santos, A.M., Gasparetto, J.C., Trindade, A.C. and others (2014) 'Malva sylvestris L. extract suppresses desferrioxamine-induced PGE2 and PGD2 release in differentiated U937 cells', Biomedical Chromatography, 28(7), pp. 986-993. doi:10.1002/bmc.3106 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/bmc.3106 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Malva sylvestris L., folium and flos (Malvae folium / Malvae sylvestris flos)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/malvae-folium Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/malvae-folium - Paul, Z.A. and Malla, A.T. and Dar, M.A. and Masoodi, M.H (2024) 'Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity of Malva sylvestris L.: A Detailed Insight', Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening, 27(16), pp. 2309--2322. doi:10.2174/0113862073269336231009110313 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/0113862073269336231009110313 - Batiha, G.E. and Tene, S.T. and Teibo, J.O. and Shaheen, H.M. and Oluwatoba, O.S. and Teibo, T.K.A. and Al-Kuraishy, H.M. and Al-Garbee, A.I. and Alexiou, A. and Papadakis, M (2022) 'The phytochemical profiling, pharmacological activities, and safety of Malva sylvestris: a review', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 396(3), pp. 421--440. doi:10.1007/s00210-022-02329-w Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-022-02329-w
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.