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Systematic review on the safety of Harpagophytum preparations for osteoarthritic and Low back pain
Author(s) -
Vlachojannis J.,
Roufogalis B. D.,
Chrubasik S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.2314
Subject(s) - medicine , adverse effect , placebo , cochrane library , incidence (geometry) , traditional medicine , clinical trial , medline , alternative medicine , meta analysis , physics , pathology , political science , law , optics
Abstract Harpagophytum products are a treatment option for osteoarthritic and low back pain. The aim of this study was to review the safety of treatment with Harpagophytum procumbens . The databases OVID(MEDLINE), PUBMED and COCHRANE COLLABORATION LIBRARY were searched back to 1985 for studies with Harpagophytum procumbens . Twenty‐eight clinical trials were identified of which 20 stated adverse events. In none of the double‐blind studies was the incidence of adverse events during treatment with Harpagophytum procumbens higher than during placebo treatment. Minor adverse events occurred in around 3% of the patients, mainly gastrointestinal adverse events. A few reports of acute toxicity were found but there were no reports on chronic toxicity. Since the dosage used in most of the studies is at the lower limit and since long‐term treatment with Harpagophytum products is advisable, more safety data are urgently needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.