Burdock Root

Burdock Root Clinical Report Summary

Written Exclusively for MyNutritionStore.com by Rachel Parker

Research from animal studies show some support for the use of burdock root to cleanse and protect the liver from toxins (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). These studies show that the antioxidant activity in burdock may have a scavenging effect on liver cells (4, 6). Experts say this research is beneficial but encourage more long-term human studies to establish efficacy and dosage guidelines. Despite a lack of clinical studies, burdock has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Historical use of burdock is well documented for the treatment of cancer, colds, coughs, weak digestion and blood toxicity (1, 2, 3).

Burdock Root Overview

Burdock or Arctium lappa is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat various conditions since the Middle Ages. Burdock is traditionally known as a blood purifier, which means it helps cleanse toxins from the bloodstream (1). The plant is native to Europe and Asia and is now growing in the United States, usually as a weed (2). The root is most commonly used in treatments and is even eaten as a vegetable in Japan and parts of Europe. Burdock root is a natural diuretic that is rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, C and E. It also contains potassium, iron and a substance called inulin, which helps metabolize carbohydrates and maintain a healthy digestive tract (2). Burdock has been used to treat psoriasis, diabetes and respiratory conditions (2). In Canada, it is the primary ingredient in a tonic called Essiac, which is used in the treatment of cancer (3). And in Chinese medicine, burdock is used to cleanse the lymphatic system and detoxify the liver (1). Burdock preparations vary from tea, tincture and topical solutions to tablets. 

Safe Use of Burdock Root

Dosages of burdock are not universally established but years of human use show that the herb is considered generally safe (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Pregnant or nursing women should not take burdock, as it may not be safe for children (2).           

Clinical Reports of Burdock Root

Despite its long-term medicinal use, burdock has not been well studied in human clinical trials. Some early animal and human studies show that burdock may help lower blood sugar associated with diabetes. But this research is preliminary and needs more investigation (2). Recently, scientists have been researching the effects of burdock on the liver. A handful of animal studies have shown promising results for burdock root to help cleanse the liver and protect it from harmful toxins (4, 5, 6). Clinical studies in rats and mice show that burdock can help reverse liver damage induced by alcohol, the pain reliever acetaminophen and other lethal toxins (4, 5, 6). Scientists believe burdock does this by having an antioxidative or scavenging effect on liver cells (4, 6). One study found that treatment with burdock could improve chemical damage done to the liver in less than 7 days (5). Researchers are encouraged by these results but say more in-depth, long-term human studies need to be done in order to establish these results.

Burdock Root References

1. Treijs D. Traditional healing: burdock, the natural blood cleanser. Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition. 2006; 288: 40-41.
2. Erlich S. Complementary medicine review: Burdock. University of Maryland Medical Center website. 2007: www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/burdock-000227.htm
3. Cummings C. Essiac herbal remedy - the entire study. Positive Health. 2003; 94: 32-35.
4.  Lin CC et al. Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of Arctium lapa. Am J Chin Med. 1996; 24(2): 127-137.
5. Lin SC et al. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa Line on liver injuries induced by chronic ethanol consumption and potentiated by carbon tetrachloride. J Biomed Sci. 2002; 9(5): 401-409.
6. Lin SC et al. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver danage. Am J Chin Med. 2000; 28(2): 163-173.