Key Constituents

Inulin-type fructans and caffeoylquinic acids^{[1, 2, 3]}

Burdock root is a rich source of prebiotic inulin-type fructans (fructooligosaccharides) along with chlorogenic and caffeic acids, the lignans arctiin and arctigenin, cynarine and quercetin, which underlie its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gut-supporting activity.

Chlorogenic acidCaffeic acidArctigenin / arctiinQuercetinPolysaccharidesLignansInulin

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory^{[1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}

Antioxidant^{[1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]}

Digestive aid^{[1, 2, 4, 5, 6]}

Emollient / skin-soothing^{[3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain^{[1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →

Bloating^{[1, 2, 4, 5, 6]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from digestive action

more plants for bloating →detailed sources →

Eczema^{[3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from emollient action

more plants for eczema →detailed sources →

Indigestion^{[1, 2, 4, 5, 6]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from digestive action

more plants for indigestion →detailed sources →

Inflammation (general)^{[1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →

Skin irritation^{[1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[4, 5, 6]}Caution

Generally safe as a food plant. Allergic reactions are possible in those sensitive to Asteraceae. Avoid in pregnancy due to uterine-stimulating effects reported in animal studies. The burs (seed heads) can cause mechanical irritation of skin and eyes on contact. Not recommended in biliary obstruction.

Safety note^{[4, 5, 6]}Serious

Duke (2002) rates burdock as +++ and notes antibacterial, antimutagenic, antitumor, choleretic, diuretic, and prebiotic (bifidogenic) activities at the experimental level (score 1). The root is rich in inulin (a prebiotic fructooligosaccharide), which promotes growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. Dose: 1–2 g dried root in tea three times daily, or 2–4 ml of tincture. Duke notes burdock's general safety, though it belongs to the Asteraceae family and can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. It should be distinguished from belladonna and similar plants, which resemble it in early growth (Duke, 2002).

References & Sources

Moro, T.M.A. and Clerici, M.T.P.S (2020) 'Burdock (Arctium lappa L) roots as a source of inulin-type fructans and other bioactive compounds: Current knowledge and future perspectives for food and non-food applications', Food Research International. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109889 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109889
Mondal, S.C. and Eun, J.B (2022) 'Mechanistic insights on burdock (Arctium lappa L.) extract effects on diabetes mellitus', Food Science and Biotechnology, 31(8), pp. 999--1008. doi:10.1007/s10068-022-01091-2 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-022-01091-2
Chan, Y.S., Cheng, L.N., Wu, J.H., Chan, E., Kwan, Y.W., Lee, S.M.Y., Leung, G.P.H., Yu, P.H.F. and Chan, S.W (2010) 'A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)', Inflammopharmacology, 19(5), pp. 245--254. doi:10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Health Organization (2002) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
Find this source
Xu, Z., Li, Y., Jiang, D. and Deng, L (2008) 'Arctium lappa L.: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology', 121(2), pp. 167--184. Traditional / reference
Find this source
de Souza, A.R.C., de Oliveira, T.L., Fontana, P.D., Carneiro, M.C., Corazza, M.L., de Messias Reason, I.J. and Bavia, L (2022) 'Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) Extracts: A Review', Chemistry and Biodiversity, 19(11). doi:10.1002/cbdv.202200615 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202200615
Romualdo, G.R., Silva, E.D.A., Da Silva, T.C., Aloia, T.P.A., Nogueira, M.S., De Castro, I.A. and others (2019) 'Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) root attenuates preneoplastic lesion development in a diet and thioacetamide-induced model of steatohepatitis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis', Environmental Toxicology, 35(4), pp. 518--527. doi:10.1002/tox.22887 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.22887

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