Plant Comparison
Devil's Claw vs Common coltsfoot
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 Common coltsfoot: they share 3 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), skin irritation); 1 pharmacological action in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Devil's Claw | Common coltsfoot | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Devil's Claw |
| Inflammation (general) | 8/10 | 2/10 | 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.
Hepatotoxic constituents that are the central safety concern for this plant; regulatory limits and PA-controlled/PA-reduced products exist specifically because of these compounds.
Demulcent polysaccharide contributing to the traditional soothing action on irritated airways.
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 anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative 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.
Safety notes (contraindications, interactions, pregnancy/lactation notes, adverse effects, dose-duration cautions) Important: Coltsfoot naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)—plant chemicals that can damage the liver and may increase cancer risk with enough exposure (EMA, 2021; Kopp et al., 2020).
Because of this, European regulators set very strict limits for PA exposure from herbal products (EMA, 2021).
Many safety-focused herbal references recommend avoiding homemade/internal coltsfoot use, unless the product is specifically made to be PA-controlled / PA-reduced (EMA, 2021).
Avoid internal use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver disease, or for children—these groups are treated as “sensitive” in PA risk guidance (EMA, 2021).
Medication caution: if you take medicines that stress the liver (some prescription drugs can), it’s extra important to avoid unregulated PA exposure (general PA risk logic; consult a clinician) (EMA, 2021).
Topical use may still carry PA considerations; EMA discusses limits and recommends use only on intact skin for PA-containing products (EMA, 2021).
Duke (2002) provides clinical support (score 2) for coltsfoot's anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects, explaining its traditional use in bronchitis and coughs. However, the plant contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and Duke notes a carcinogenic score (1) — a critical safety concern. Commission E has placed restrictions on coltsfoot use, recommending maximum internal use of 4–6 weeks per year and avoiding use in pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12. Duke rates its overall safety as low (+) and emphasizes that preparations free of PAs are preferred (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]
Low perennial herb notable for flowering before its leaves appear: solitary, bright yellow, dandelion-like flower heads emerge on scaly pinkish stalks in very early spring, followed later by large, hoof-shaped (heart-shaped with angular teeth), white-woolly-backed leaves arising directly from the creeping rhizome.[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]
Grows on disturbed, damp or clay-rich waste ground, riverbanks, railway embankments and bare soil; native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia and naturalised in North America.[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.
Flowers are gathered in very early spring before the leaves appear; leaves are gathered later in the season once expanded. Given the plant's pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, harvesting from a positively confirmed patch (not a look-alike) and preferring PA-tested commercial material for internal use is strongly advised.[2]
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]
Coltsfoot has an ancient European and Chinese tradition, reflected in its Latin name (tussis = cough), as an expectorant and demulcent remedy for coughs, bronchitis and irritated airways; because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, contemporary use is restricted to short courses of PA-controlled preparations under regulatory limits (see contraindications).[1, 2, 12]
Preparations
Commercially prepared, pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-tested extract or syrup, the only form recommended for internal use given the plant's natural PA content.
Dried flower or leaf infused in hot water; traditional but subject to strict duration/PA-content limits under EU herbal regulation.
Dosage
Clinical trials for osteoarthritis and back pain commonly use extracts providing around 50-60 mg harpagoside daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
EU regulatory guidance restricts internal use to PA-controlled preparations. The EMA public statement on unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids records a maximum daily intake for internal use of 1 microgram of PAs for at most 6 weeks per year, or 0.1 microgram per day with no duration limit; for cutaneous use the limits are 100 micrograms for at most 6 weeks per year, or 10 micrograms without a duration limit. Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or children. Note that these are limits on PA intake, not a herb dose — no EMA monograph exists for Tussilago farfara, so there is no official posology for the herb itself. Educational reference only, not a prescription — consult a qualified practitioner and prefer tested commercial products.
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
- Ahmad, I., Kudaibergenova, B., Ahmad, M. and others (2025) 'Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.; Asteraceae): modern methods of extraction, phytochemistry, nanoparticles synthesis, ethnopharmacology, and biological activities', Natural Product Research, pp. 1-20. doi:10.1080/14786419.2025.2548616 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2025.2548616 - Chen, S., Dong, L., Quan, H., Zhou, X. and others (2020) 'A review of the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot)', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 267, pp. 113478. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113478 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113478 - Feng, J., Zhang, Y., Qin, X., Gao, T. and others (2022) 'Novel Quinic Acid Glycerates from Tussilago farfara Inhibit Polypeptide GalNAc-Transferase', ChemBioChem, 23(3), pp. e202100539. doi:10.1002/cbic.202100539 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.202100539 - Zhao, J., Evangelopoulos, D., Bhakta, S., Gray, A.I. and Seidel, V (2014) 'Antitubercular activity of Arctium lappa and Tussilago farfara extracts and constituents', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(1), pp. 796-800. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.034 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.034 - Avila, C., Breakspear, I., Hawrelak, J., Salmond, S. and Evans, S (2020) 'A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale)', Fitoterapia, 142, pp. 104519. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104519 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104519 - Lee, J., Park, S., Kim, M.J., Kwon, S.J. and others (2019) 'Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara Flower Bud Extract for the Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Possessing Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities', Nanomaterials (Basel), 9(6), pp. 819. doi:10.3390/nano9060819 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9060819 - Bota, V.B., Neamtu, A.A., Olah, N.K., Chiselita, O. and others (2022) 'A Comparative Analysis of the Anatomy, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tussilago farfara L. Vegetative Organs', Plants (Basel), 11(13), pp. 1663. doi:10.3390/plants11131663 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131663 - Boucher, M.A., Cote, H., Pichette, A., Ripoll, L. and Legault, J (2020) 'Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Tussilago farfara (L.) essential oil from Quebec, Canada', Natural Product Research, 34(4), pp. 545-548. doi:10.1080/14786419.2018.1489384 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2018.1489384 - Li, Z.Y., Zhang, J., Zhang, Y.B., Yang, X.W. and others (2022) 'Polyhydroxylated eudesmane sesquiterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid glucoside from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara', Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, 20(4), pp. 301-308. doi:10.1016/S1875-5364(21)60120-6 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1875-5364(21)60120-6 - Jang, H., Lee, J.W., Lee, C., Jin, Q. and others (2016) 'Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells', Archives of Pharmacal Research, 39(1), pp. 127-132. doi:10.1007/s12272-015-0667-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-015-0667-7 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Westendorf, J., Czok, G., Marquardt, R., Nausner, M., Krauer, B. and Paul, H.L (1988) 'Pyrrolizidine alkaloid content of Tussilago farfara plants from different regions and preparations', pp. 903--909. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Pyrrolizidine%20alkaloid%20content%20of%20Tussilago%20farfara%20plants%20from%20different%20regions%20and%20preparations - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2021) 'Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing toxic, unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), including recommendations regarding contamination of herbal medicinal products with PAs, Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/public-statement/public-statement-use-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-toxic-unsaturated-pyrrolizidine-alkaloids-pas-including-recommendations-regarding-contamination-herbal-medicinal-products-pyrrolizidine_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/public-statement/public-statement-use-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-toxic-unsaturated-pyrrolizidine-alkaloids-pas-including-recommendations-regarding-contamination-herbal-medicinal-products-pyrrolizidine_en.pdf - 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 - Sperl, W. and Stuppner, H. and Gassner, I. and Judmaier, W. and Dietze, O. and Vogel, W (1995) 'Reversible hepatic veno-occlusive disease in an infant after consumption of pyrrolizidine-containing herbal tea', European Journal of Pediatrics, 154(2), pp. 112-6. doi:10.1007/BF01991912 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01991912
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.