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: 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
- Digestive health: 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).
- Skin health: 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).
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: 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).
- Anti-cancer potential: 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.
