Benefits
Joint Pain and Mobility (Clinical Evidence)
Multiple RCTs of Devil's Claw extracts (including Flexigo-grade) show pain reduction and improved mobility in osteoarthritis. systematic review confirmed efficacy. Effect comparable to non-pharmaceutical alternatives.
Inflammation Marker Reduction
Devil's Claw extracts modulate inflammatory pathways; reduce inflammation markers in some trials. Mechanism: harpagoside and other iridoid compounds inhibit COX-2, lipoxygenase, NF-κB pathway.
EFSA Pending Claims
Two pending EFSA claims for Harpagophytum procumbens: (1) 'Helps to maintain joint health'; (2) 'Helps to maintain flexible joints and good mobility'. Pending status; reflects substantial evidence base for joint applications.
Athletic Application
Useful for active people and athletes with joint stress — supports recovery and ongoing joint comfort with intense use. Adjunct to comprehensive joint care.
Carrier-Free 100% Active Ingredient
Flexigo™ is 100% Devil's Claw (no carrier); allows precise dosing and high active concentration. Distinguishes from products diluted with maltodextrin or other fillers.
Mechanism of action
Harpagoside Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Harpagoside (and harpagide, procumbide) are iridoid glycosides — primary actives. Inhibit COX-2, lipoxygenase pathway, NF-κB activation. Mechanism similar in direction to NSAIDs but weaker effect; better tolerability.
Cytokine Modulation
Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6); contributes to joint inflammation reduction.
Cartilage Protection (Theoretical)
Some animal evidence for chondroprotective effects — protection of cartilage from inflammatory degradation. Clinical translation incomplete.
Sustainable Wild-Harvest Sourcing
Devil's Claw grows wild in Southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa); roots harvested sustainably with rotation systems. Nexira maintains long-term sustainable supply chain partnerships.
Clinical trials
Systematic review of Devil's Claw RCTs for arthritis pain.
Pooled across multiple osteoarthritis trials.
Significant evidence for pain reduction and mobility improvement vs placebo. Effect comparable to other natural anti-inflammatory approaches. Established Devil's Claw as evidence-based joint health intervention.
Studies comparing Devil's Claw extracts to NSAIDs for joint pain.
Osteoarthritis patients.
Devil's Claw less effective than NSAIDs but better tolerated; reasonable adjunct or alternative for those needing chronic joint support without NSAID GI/cardiovascular risks.