Everything You Need to Know About

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Botanical family: Asteraceae
Parts used: Roots
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
by Malek Murison
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Overview and Health Benefits

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a versatile herb widely used in traditional and modern herbal medicine. Renowned for its detoxifying, cleansing and mildly laxative properties, it has been employed for centuries to treat various ailments (McIntyre, 2019). It is typically its roots that are used medicinally, supported by both historical use and contemporary scientific research.

Key Benefits:

  • Detoxification
  • Digestive health
  • Skin health
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
  • Anti-cancer potential

Burdock root is famed for its cleansing qualities (McIntyre, 2019). It supports the body's detoxification processes by enhancing the function of the liver and kidney, promoting the elimination of toxins. Studies have shown that compounds in burdock, such as arctiin and lignans, have significant antioxidant properties, which help to protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals (Chan et al., 2011). Burdock stimulates lymphatic circulation, another way in which it supports toxin clearance (McIntyre, 2019). Burdock also acts as a mild diuretic, helping flush out toxins in this additional manner 

Burdock root is a mild bitter and cholagogue, which stimulates bile secretion, improves digestion and acts as a mild laxative (McIntyre, 2019). The presence of inulin, a prebiotic fibre, aids in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, enhancing overall digestive health (Milani et al., 2011). Studies have highlighted burdock’s effectiveness in improving appetite and digestion, thereby supporting general health and wellbeing (Li et al., 2008). Burdock may also help regulate blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes (Miele & Beguinot, 2012; McIntyre, 2019). It has been used to promote weight loss (Ha et al., 2021). 

Traditionally, burdock has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, acne, urticaria, abscesses and psoriasis. The herb’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it effective in promoting skin health (McIntyre, 2019). It also promotes blood circulation to the skin surface, helping to alleviate a range of skin conditions (Chan et al., 2010). A 2011 study has shown that butanol extract from burdock shows anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory benefits that make it beneficial in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other allergic inflammatory skin disorders (Sohn et al., 2011). Clinical studies have demonstrated that topical applications of burdock extract can significantly improve skin conditions – including improving clinical signs of ageing skin – by reducing inflammation and promoting healing (Knott et al., 2008).

Burdock has potent anti-inflammatory effects, due to its ability to inhibit inflammatory mediators (Tsai et al., 2011). Additionally, its antioxidant activities help to reduce oxidative stress, which is often associated with chronic inflammatory diseases (Chan et al., 2010). It is indicated for chronic inflammatory skin diseases, as mentioned above (McIntyre, 2019). 

Emerging research suggests that burdock may have anti-cancer properties. Compounds like arctigenin have been shown to exhibit cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and inhibit tumour growth in various studies. Although more clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans, initial research is promising (Susanti et al., 2012; Wang et al., 2014; Matsumoto et al., 2006;  Zick et al., 2006).

 

Safety Profile

Burdock is generally considered safe, as a food and medicinal herb, at daily doses of <250mg/kg (Bryson et al., 1978; Bok et al., 2017). There has been a reported case of atropine-like poisoning linked to a contaminated commercial burdock root tea, but this was due to contamination rather than burdock itself, as burdock does not contain atropine (Bryson et al., 1978). Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised against using burdock due to its reported uterine stimulant action and the lack of comprehensive safety data (Barnes et al., 2007). As with any herbal remedy, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any prescription medications. 

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Key Body Systems Burdock (Arctium lappa) relates to

Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Digestive System
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Skin
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Urinary system
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Immune System
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Endocrine and or Reproductive System

Energetics

Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Cooling
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Moistening

Key actions

  • Alterative
  • Digestive
  • Bitter tonic
  • Hepatic
  • Diuretic
Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Key uses

  • Skin conditions (including eczema and psoriasis)
  • Support liver function
  • Improve digestion

Where to Find Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a striking biennial herbaceous plant known for its robust stature and distinctive features. In its first year, burdock forms a basal rosette with large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 50 cm in length. These leaves are dark green on top and covered with a woolly, whitish layer underneath. The leaf stalks are solid and grooved, often tinged with a purplish hue. In the second year, burdock sends up a tall, sturdy flower stalk that can grow between 1.5 to 3 metres high. This stalk bears smaller, alternately arranged leaves and is crowned with spherical, thistle-like flower heads. The flowers are a vivid purple, encased in a spiny, burr-like structure that aids in seed dispersal by clinging to animals and clothing.

Burdock typically thrives in temperate regions across Europe and Asia, as well as North America. It favours nutrient-rich, well-drained soils and is commonly found in open fields, along roadsides, and at the edges of woodlands. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can often be spotted in disturbed soils and waste areas, flourishing in the mild to cool climates of these regions.

Foraging burdock requires careful identification to avoid confusion with similar-looking plants. When foraging, seek burdock in wild, unpolluted areas away from traffic and industrial pollution, as well as places that may have been treated with pesticides. The best time to harvest burdock root is in the autumn of its first year or early spring of its second year before the flower stalk emerges. When digging up the root, use a spade or digging fork to loosen the soil around the taproot, which can be quite large and deep. Always ensure you have correctly identified burdock by checking its distinctive leaf shape, size, and the characteristic spiny burrs of the flower heads. When foraging, remember to check local bylaws, avoid disturbing the ecosystem, and only take what you need to ensure sustainability and preserve the plant population for future foragers.

References

Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., & Phillipson, J. D. (2007). Herbal medicines (3rd ed.). Pharmaceutical Press. https://naturalingredient.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/HerbalMedicines,Thirdedition-JoanneBarnesJ.DavidPhillipsonLindaA.Anderson.pdf 

Bok, S.-H., Cho, S. S., & Park, K.-M. (2017). Safety of 8-weeks oral administration of Arctium lappa L. Laboratory Animal Research, 33, 251-255. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42826-017-0005-6

Bryson, P. D., et al. (1978). Burdock root tea poisoning. Case report involving a commercial preparation. JAMA, 239(22), 2157-2158. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/642161/ 

Chan, Y.-S., Cheng, L.-N., Wu, J.-H., Chan, E., Kwan, Y.-W., Lee, S.M.-Y., Leung, G.P.H., & Chan, S.-W. (2010). A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology, 19(5), 245-254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4

European Medicines Agency. (2010). Community herbal monograph on Arctium lappa L., radix. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-arctium-lappa-l-radix_en.pdf

Ha, M.S., Yook, J.S., Lee, M., Suwabe, K., Jeong, W.M., Kwak, J.J., & Soya, H. (2021). Exercise training and burdock root (Arctium lappa L.) extract independently improve abdominal obesity and sex hormones in elderly women with metabolic syndrome. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-84301-x

Knott, A., Reuschlein, K., Mielke, H., Wensorra, U., Mummert, C., Koop, U., & Gallinat, S. (2008). Natural Arctium lappa fruit extract improves the clinical signs of aging skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 7(4), 281-289. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00407.x

Li, D., Kim, J.M., Jin, Z., & Zhou, J. (2008). Prebiotic effectiveness of inulin extracted from edible burdock. Anaerobe, 14(1), 29-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2007.10.002

Matsumoto, T., Hosono-Nishiyama, K., & Yamada, H. (2006). Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of butyrolactone lignans from Arctium lappa on leukemic cells. Planta Medica, 72(3), 276-278. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-916174

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor: The definitive guide to the principles and practices of herbal medicine. Aeon.

Miele, C., & Beguinot, F. (2012). New expectations from the well-known medicinal properties of Arctium lappa. Diabetologia, 55(5), 1244-1246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-012-2503-7

Milani, E., Koocheki, A., & Golimovahhed, Q. A. (2011). Extraction of inulin from Burdock root (Arctium lappa) using high intensity ultrasound. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 46(8), 1699-1704. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2011.02673.x

Sohn, E.-H., Jang, S.-A., Joo, H., Park, S., Kang, S.-C., Lee, C.-H., & Kim, S.-Y. (2011). Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of butanol extract from Arctium lappa L. Clinical and Molecular Allergy, 9(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-7961-9-4

Susanti, S., Iwasaki, H., Itokazu, Y., Nago, M., Taira, N., Saitoh, S., & Oku, H. (2012). Tumor specific cytotoxicity of arctigenin isolated from herbal plant Arctium lappa L. Journal of Natural Medicines, 66(4), 614-621. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-012-0628-0

Tsai, W.-J., Chang, C.-T., Wang, G.-J., Lee, T.-H., Chang, S.-F., Lu, S.-C., & Kuo, Y.-C. (2011). Arctigenin from Arctium lappa inhibits interleukin-2 and interferon gene expression in primary human T lymphocytes. Chinese Medicine, 6(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-6-12 

Wang, H.Q., Jin, J.J., & Wang, J. (2014). Arctigenin enhances chemosensitivity to cisplatin in human nonsmall lung cancer H460 cells through downregulation of survivin expression. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology, 28(1), 39-45. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbt.21533

Zick, S. M., Sen, A., Feng, Y., Green, J., Olatunde, S., & Boon, H. (2006). Trial of Essiac to ascertain its effect in women with breast cancer (TEA-BC). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 12(10), 971-980. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2006.12.971