Common Name(s): Harpagoside,harpagoside,devil's claw iridoid glycoside,anti-inflammatory analgesic active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides triple cox-1/2 and 5-lox inhibition for the most comprehensive natural prostaglandin/leukotriene blockade — combining anti-prostaglandin and anti-leukotriene activity from one iridoid glycoside for superior anti-inflammatory skin care.
Why It's Used: Harpagoside's triple inflammatory pathway inhibition provides broader anti-inflammatory coverage than most pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs that target only one pathway — cox inhibition blocks prostaglandins and 5-lox inhibition blocks leukotrienes simultaneously.
How It Works: Harpagoside iridoid aglycone after skin glucosidase hydrolysis: harpagoside-a michael acceptor (alpha,beta-unsaturated lactone) competes at cox-1/2 active site via h-bond + hydrophobic contacts (ic50 cox-2 ~15 μm). simultaneously, catechol group of harpagide moiety chelates 5-lox fe²⁺ (ic50 ~20 μm). complete prostaglandin + leukotriene inhibition.
Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,scalp care,joint-mimetic skin care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Devil's claw clinical evidence: harpagoside at 50-100 mg/day oral provides nsaid-equivalent pain relief in randomised clinical trials for osteoarthritis — the documented anti-inflammatory potency at oral concentrations directly applicable to topical anti-inflammatory skin/scalp applications.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,harpagoside devil's claw iridoid anti-inflammatory review