Properties and actions: Herpago has anti-inflammatory, mild analgesic and anti-exudative effects. Herpago reduces swelling, relieves pain and improves mobility of the joints. Herpago- iridoid glycosides and harpagoside contents are cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors mainly COX2 and to lesser extent COX1, reducing synthesis of the prostaglandins that play a major role in the causation of inflammation and pain. Herpago reduces the synthesis of TNF alpha and the release of cartilage metabolism regulating cytokine, interleukin-6, thus inhibits the acute phase reaction and production of pyrogens. The cytokines interleukin-1 and leuko-treine B4 are not affected. Unlike NSAIDs, Herpago does not cause gastritis, it has a choleretic effect resulting in increased production of bile, and thereby it increases the yield of bicarbonate in the duodenum and neutralizes excessive acidity. Indications: Low back pain and sciatica Inflammatory and degenerative forms of rheumatic pain.