Devil's claw Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,169 found this helpful

Harpagophytum procumbens DC.

No published evidence of Devil's claw toxicity to humans, cats, dogs, or horses exists in available literature

Though presumed non-toxic, Devil's claw is not recommended for use as feed for any livestock or pets

Devil's claw carries a risk of being confused with toxic plants from the Asteraceae family, so confirm identification before use

FAQ

Is Devil's claw toxic to Humans?

No toxicity symptoms documented in available research (Non-toxic)

Is Devil's claw toxic to Cats?

No toxicity symptoms documented in available research (Non-toxic)

Is Devil's claw toxic to Dogs?

No toxicity symptoms documented in available research (Non-toxic)

Is Devil's claw toxic to Horses?

No toxicity symptoms documented in available research (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No toxicity symptoms documented in available research

Cats

Non-toxic

No toxicity symptoms documented in available research

Dogs

Non-toxic

No toxicity symptoms documented in available research

Horses

Non-toxic

No toxicity symptoms documented in available research

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified, as no reports of toxicity have been published, though the plant is not suitable for use as feed

Exposure RouteNo toxic exposure routes confirmed; standard handling and consumption of small amounts pose no known risk

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic compounds associated with this plant have been identified in published research

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water if large amounts of the plant are ingested
• Monitor for any mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or nausea
• Save any remaining plant material to confirm identification if symptoms develop

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or livestock shows persistent gastrointestinal distress after ingestion
• If you suspect the ingested plant may be a toxic Asteraceae lookalike rather than Devil's claw

Prevention

• Always verify plant identity before using it for medicinal purposes or giving it to animals
• Avoid using Devil's claw as a feed source for any animals
• Keep Devil's claw supplements out of reach of small children and unsupervised pets

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care for mild digestive symptoms if they arise
• Administer appropriate treatment for toxic Asteraceae exposure if misidentification is confirmed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameHarpagophytum procumbens DC.

AliasesGrapple plant、Wood spider、Afrikanische Teufelskralle、Teufelskralle、Trampelklette、Griffe du diable、Artiglio del diavolo

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are known to be negatively impacted by consumption of Devil's claw

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism has been described, as no toxicity of this plant has been documented

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

General livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs): Presumed non-toxic but explicitly not recommended or approved for use as a feed source

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Ragwort (Asteraceae family) Jacobaea vulgaris

Devil's claw is often confused with plants in the Asteraceae family. Devil's claw has unique claw-shaped seed pods, while Asteraceae plants produce characteristic composite flower heads.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Sesame

Sesamum indicum

Low (mild allergenic risk for sensitive humans and animals)

Louisiana Unicorn Plant

Proboscidea louisianica

Low (mild gastrointestinal irritation if consumed in large volumes)

Common Ragwort

Jacobaea vulgaris

High (hepatotoxic to all mammals, can cause fatal liver damage)

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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