Arctium lappa · herb
Evidence tier: traditional
A blood purifying alterative, supports skin clarity, gut microbiome, and gentle detoxification through the lymphatic system.
Inulin (a prebiotic), lignans, and polyphenols support skin clarity via gut and liver pathways. Mild diuretic and lymph supportive action.
Modest traditional standing and NO clinical trials. The European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC monograph on Arctium lappa L., radix, EMA/HMPC/246763/2009, adopted 16 September 2010) registers three TRADITIONAL indications for the root, all exclusively based upon long standing use: to increase urine flow as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints, for temporary loss of appetite, and for seborrhoeic (oily, flaky) skin conditions. The EMA's own assessment report (EMA/HMPC/246764/2009) is candid that this is tradition and not proof: clinical efficacy data are absent and 'even open clinical observations are missing'; the indications are 'plausible on the basis of long standing, consistent use'. There is real preclinical chemistry (inulin as a prebiotic fibre, anti inflammatory suppression of NF-kappa-B by burdock lignans, antioxidant polyphenols) but it sits in cell and animal work only. The named safety fact is the Asteraceae (daisy family) allergy contraindication: the EMA contraindicates burdock in anyone hypersensitive to Asteraceae plants, cross reactive with ragweed, chamomile, daisy, marigold and echinacea, and records that anaphylactic shock has been reported (a 53 year old man went into anaphylaxis after eating boiled burdock root and recovered after epinephrine).
EMA traditional posology for the root, adults and elderly: comminuted herbal substance as a tea, 2 to 6 g infused, 3 times daily; powdered root, single dose 350 mg, 3 to 5 times daily; liquid extract (1:1, 25 percent ethanol), 2 to 8 ml, 3 times daily; tinctures (1:5 in 25 percent ethanol or 1:10 in 45 percent ethanol), 8 to 12 ml, 3 times daily. For the diuretic use, adequate fluid intake is required.
Decoction: 1 tbsp root simmered 15 min, 1 to 2 cups daily; or 1 to 2 g powdered root capsules with meals.
Generally very safe. Mild diuretic, caution with diuretic medications.
Pregnancy: avoid
Breastfeeding: avoid
Active compounds: inulin (prebiotic fibre), polyphenols, lignans (arctigenin, lappaol), mainly in the seed rather than the root
Remedies using Burdock Root · Browse by body system · Check it against what you take
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.