How It Works
Bottom Line: There is NO proof that burdock can treat cancer, infections, diabetes, or other medical conditions.
Burdock extract comes from the root or seeds of the plant. Scientists are not sure how this herb works. Certain components of burdock are able to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi in the test tube. In animal experiments, the root extract lowers blood sugar, stimulates uterine contractions, induces an immune response, and protects against DNA mutations. However, none of these effects have been shown to occur in the human body.
Purported Uses
To stimulate the appetite
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat arthritis
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat cancer
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To detoxify the body
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To lower blood sugar in diabetes
Although studies in animals show this effect, there is no proof from clinical trials that burdock can treat diabetes.
To treat eczema and psoriasis
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To maintain general health
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat HIV and AIDS
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat microbial infections
Although certain compounds in burdock are able to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi in the test tube, laboratory results are not always transferable to the human body. There is no proof from clinical trials that burdock can treat infections.
To promote urination
No scientific evidence supports this use.
Research Evidence
No clinical trials have examined whether burdock is effective for any of its proposed uses. More research needs to be performed to tell whether burdock is safe and effective.
Warnings
Some burdock teas are contaminated with alkaloids from the belladonna plant (i.e., atropine), which can cause undesired nervous system effects. Make sure that products are certified against contamination.
This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Do Not Take If
You are pregnant (Burdock may stimulate the uterus and increase the risk of premature delivery).
You are taking hypoglycemic medication for diabetes (Based on data from animal studies, large doses of burdock may lower your blood sugar even further.)
Side Effects
Although no side effects have been reported in humans, burdock induced low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in animal experiments.
Special Point
Burdock is one of the ingredients in the herbal tea
Essiac.
Scientific Name
Arctium majus
Common Name
Lappa, edible burdock, gobo, wild gobo, happy major
Clinical Summary
Derived from the root or seeds of the plant. Historically, burdock has been used as a diuretic and to lower blood sugar. It is used to treat anorexia, psoriasis, acne, gout, cancer and HIV, although no published clinical studies have evaluated these claims
(1) (2). Animal studies indicate possible hepatoprotective effects
(5) and hypoglycemic effects. Patients should be warned against combining with insulin and hypoglycemics.
Cases of burdock tea contaminated with belladonna alkaloids have been reported in United States
(4).
Purported uses
Anorexia
Arthritis
Cancer treatment
Detoxification
Diabetes
Eczema
Health maintenance
HIV and AIDS
Microbial infection
Promote urination
Psoriasis
Constituents
Acids: Acetic, butyric, caffeic, chlorogenic, trans-2-hexenoic, isovaleric, lauric, linoleic, propionic, stearic acid
Aldehydes: Acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, butyraldehyde, isovaleraldehyde, and valeraldehyde
Carbohydrates: Inulin, mucilage, pectin
Flavonols: Kaempferol, quercetin
Polyacetylenes
Other constituents: Volatile oils, sesquiterpene lactone (arctiopicrin), bitters (lappatin), phytosterols (sitosterol and stigmasterol), tannins
(1)
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action is unknown. In vitro studies have shown the polyacetylene component to have antibacterial and fungistatic properties. Animal studies have shown the root extract to induce hypoglycemia and increase carbohydrate tolerance, stimulant uterine smooth muscle, and have antimutagenic activity. The lignan and sesquiterpene extracts have been shown to inhibit platelet activating factor (PAF) in vitro. In mice, the tannin extract has induced macrophage response
(2) (3). Burdock has hepatoprotective effects in rats due to its antioxidative activity
(5).
Warnings
Burdock tea has been contaminated with belladonna alkaloids (atropine). Products should be certified against contamination.
Contraindications
Patients allergic to chrysanthemums may exhibit cross-sensitivity to burdock.
Burdock may cause uterine stimulation and should be avoided by pregnant women.
(4)
Herb-Drug Interactions
Hypoglycemics: Theoretically, large doses of burdock may have an additive effect.
References
