Burdock
AsteraceaeArctium lappa
Also known as: Bardana, Gobo, Niubang
clinical_notes Clinical Summary
Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a foundational alterative herb in Western clinical herbalism and a respected seed medicine (Niu Bang Zi) in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The root is rich in inulin (up to 45%), arctigenin, and polyphenolic antioxidants, making it particularly valuable for chronic skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis), liver support, lymphatic congestion, and metabolic disorders.
The EMA supports its use as adjunct therapy for seborrheic skin conditions and urinary tract infections.
Clinical evidence is emerging for PCOS and metabolic syndrome, but dose should be titrated incrementally as its strong alterative action can transiently exacerbate symptoms in debilitated patients.
Pregnancy Safety
Uterine stimulant activity has been reported in vitro. Traditional texts caution against use in pregnancy. Medicinal-dose use should be avoided during pregnancy. Food-grade preparation (gobo root) is generally regarded as safe.
Lactation Safety
Insufficient human data on lactation safety. Theoretical concern over alkaloid and lignan transfer to breast milk. Conservative approach: avoid medicinal-dose preparations while breastfeeding.
warning Contraindications
- Known allergy to Asteraceae (daisy) family plants (contraindicated)Clinically Proven
- Pregnancy (avoid)Theoretical
- Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications (caution)Theoretical
- Diabetes medications (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas) (caution)Theoretical
- Diarrhoea or significant Qi deficiency (debility/weakness) (caution)Theoretical
vital_signs Clinical Profile
Primary Indications
- check_circle acne and blemish-prone skin
- check_circle eczema
- check_circle psoriasis
- check_circle seborrheic skin conditions
- check_circle urinary tract support
- check_circle liver support
- check_circle metabolic syndrome
- check_circle type 2 diabetes (adjunctive)
- check_circle inflammatory arthritis
- check_circle lymphatic congestion
- check_circle digestive debility
- check_circle dyspepsia
- check_circle polycystic ovary syndrome (adjunctive)
Therapeutic Actions
System Affinities
- check_circle hepatic
- check_circle lymphatic
- check_circle skin
- check_circle digestive
- check_circle urinary
- check_circle metabolic
labs Active Constituents
arctigenin
arctiin
neoarctin A and B
lappaol A, C, H
inulin
polyphenolic antioxidants
tannins
sesquiterpenes
bitter glycosides
mucilage
polysaccharides
caffeic acid derivatives
chlorogenic acid
history_edu Traditional Use
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
牛蒡子 (Niú Bàng Zǐ)
Nature: cool
- Wind-heat invasion with fever and sore throat
- Measles with incomplete eruption
- Boils, abscesses and toxic swellings
- Cough with yellow phlegm
- Constipation due to heat
Note: In TCM, the SEED (Niu Bang Zi) is the primary medicinal part, not the root. The root (Niu Bang Gen) is used less commonly in TCM but more prominently in Western and Ayurvedic traditions. Niu Bang Zi is classified as an acrid, cool herb that releases the exterior and clears heat toxicity.
Traditional Uses Across Healing Systems
While many herbs lack controlled clinical trials, centuries of traditional practice across cultures provide valuable insight into their therapeutic applications.
Niu Bang Zi (seed) used to release the exterior for Wind-Heat patterns; clears heat toxicity for sore throat, boils, and abscesses; promotes measles eruption; moistens the intestines
The seed is more commonly used in TCM than the root. Root use for toxin clearance and blood purification is documented in later TCM texts.
Alterative and lymphatic herb for chronic skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne); liver support and detoxification; diuretic and urinary tract support; digestive bitter tonic
One of four ingredients in the famous ESSIAC formula along with sheep sorrel, slippery elm, and rhubarb root. Central to the Western alterative tradition.
Used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and rasayana (rejuvenative) herb for skin and liver conditions; blood purifier
Less prominent in classical Ayurveda than in TCM or Western herbal, but used in folk Ayurvedic practice for blood purification and skin disorders.
Root eaten as a food (gobo); used medicinally for skin infections, wounds, and fever management; diuretic
Gobo (burdock root) is a traditional food in Japanese cuisine. In North America, some Indigenous nations used burdock poultices for skin conditions.
spa Parts Used
root
- skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis)
- liver support
- urinary tract support
- metabolic syndrome
- digestive debility
- prebiotic digestive support
Primary medicinal part in Western and Ayurvedic traditions. Root harvested in autumn of first year or early spring of second year when inulin content is highest. Prepared as decoctions, tinctures, or encapsulated powder. Start at low dose and titrate upward to avoid initiating excessive alterative response.
seed
- TCM: Wind-Heat invasion
- sore throat and tonsillitis
- boils and abscesses
- measles eruption support
- constipation from Heat
Seeds (Niu Bang Zi) are the primary TCM medicinal part, stir-fried (chao) before use. Used in decoction at 3-10g/day. Higher arctigenin content than root; seeds are preferred for anti-inflammatory and heat-clearing purposes in TCM practice.
leaf
- topical: skin conditions
- wounds
- anti-inflammatory (topical)
Leaves used topically as poultices for skin conditions and wounds. Less commonly used internally. Rich in polyphenolic antioxidants.
shield Safety
Contraindications — Evidence Basis
Known allergy to Asteraceae (daisy) family plants
Cross-reactivity possible with ragweed, chamomile, and other Asteraceae. Anaphylaxis from burdock has been reported in a case study.
Pregnancy
Burdock has demonstrated uterine stimulant activity in vitro and traditional use as an emmenagogue. Pregnant women or women trying to conceive should avoid medicinal doses. Food use (gobo vegetable) is generally considered safe.
Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications
Burdock may theoretically increase bleeding risk when taken with antiplatelet medications; however, this has not been confirmed in human clinical trials. Use with caution; monitor for signs of increased bleeding.
Diabetes medications (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas)
Burdock has documented hypoglycemic effects in animal models and clinical studies. Concurrent use with antidiabetic medications may cause additive hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose closely.
Diarrhoea or significant Qi deficiency (debility/weakness)
In TCM practice, burdock is contraindicated in diarrhoea or general weakness states due to its cold, moving nature. Titrate dose incrementally to avoid exacerbating eliminatory symptoms.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor during use, especially with prolonged or high-dose therapy.
Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c
Baseline and at 6–8 weeks if used alongside antidiabetic medicationsBurdock has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in both animal and preliminary human studies; additive effect with antidiabetic drugs may cause hypoglycemia
flagThreshold: Fasting glucose <3.9 mmol/L or symptoms of hypoglycemia: reduce antidiabetic medication dose or discontinue burdock
Toxicity
High doses of concentrated extracts; toxicity from adulteration of burdock root tea with atropine-containing plants (historical case reports)
Genuine burdock toxicity is rare. Adulterant-related: dry mouth, blurred vision, tachycardia, urinary retention, hallucinations (anticholinergic toxidrome)
Discontinue immediately. If anticholinergic poisoning suspected, refer to emergency services. Physostigmine may be considered in severe cases under medical supervision.
Adverse Effects
CYP Metabolism
Limited CYP450 data for burdock root. Arctigenin has shown in vitro inhibition of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 in cell studies. Clinical significance is not established but caution is warranted with narrow therapeutic index drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
swap_horiz Interactions
Antiplatelet Agents
Class: Antiplatelet
Burdock lignans including arctiin reduce rabbit platelet aggregation in vitro by inhibiting platelet activating factor. This antiplatelet mechanism is additive to aspirin, clopidogrel, and similar agents. Concomitant use increases bleeding risk.
Advise patients on antiplatelet medications to use burdock supplements cautiously. Monitor for unusual bleeding. Discontinue at least 2 weeks before elective surgery.
Antidiabetic agents (insulin, sulfonylureas, metformin)
Class: Antidiabetic
Burdock root extract and arctigenin activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) via inhibition of mitochondrial complex I and improve insulin sensitivity; animal and preliminary human data show dose-dependent reductions in fasting glucose. Combined with insulin or insulin secretagogues this may cause hypoglycemia.
Monitor fasting and post-prandial blood glucose more frequently, particularly in the first 2-4 weeks. Counsel patients on symptoms of hypoglycemia and to carry fast-acting glucose. Anticipate possible dose reduction of sulfonylureas or insulin.
Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone)
Class: Diuretic
Burdock acts as a natural diuretic, increasing urine output. Combined with loop, thiazide, or potassium-sparing diuretics this may cause dehydration, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, or worsening prerenal azotemia.
Avoid in patients with heart failure, cirrhosis, or chronic kidney disease on diuretic regimens. Monitor electrolytes, renal function, and body weight if combined. Counsel patients on signs of dehydration (thirst, dizziness, reduced urine concentration).
Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel)
Class: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet
Burdock contains platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists including arctigenin and other lignans that inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretical additive antiplatelet effect increases bleeding risk.
Discontinue burdock at least 2 weeks before surgery. Monitor for easy bruising, bleeding gums, epistaxis. In warfarin patients, check INR if initiating or stopping burdock. Avoid in patients with thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorders.
Cisplatin
Class: Platinum chemotherapy
Arctigenin, a major lignan from burdock, has been shown in preclinical models to enhance the cytotoxicity of cisplatin against cancer cells and also to mitigate some renal oxidative stress. A phase I trial of GBS-01 (arctigenin-rich burdock fruit extract) has explored activity in gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic cancer.
Only combine under oncology supervision. Unsupervised concurrent use may alter chemotherapy pharmacokinetics or toxicity profile. Discuss all supplements with the treating oncologist and pharmacist.
CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 substrates
Class: CYP450 substrate
In vitro studies suggest arctigenin inhibits CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 at micromolar concentrations. Clinical relevance has not been established but theoretical risk exists for narrow-therapeutic-index substrates (warfarin, phenytoin, cyclosporine, tacrolimus).
Use caution and consider therapeutic drug monitoring when burdock is combined with narrow-therapeutic-index CYP2C9/3A4 substrates. Counsel patients to report new adverse effects after starting burdock.
Anticholinergic medications (diphenhydramine, atropine, tricyclic antidepressants)
Class: Anticholinergic
Commercial burdock tea has been adulterated with belladonna (Atropa) on multiple occasions, producing acute atropine toxicity (mydriasis, tachycardia, confusion, urinary retention). While pure burdock itself is not anticholinergic, misidentified or contaminated product combined with anticholinergic medications could precipitate toxicity.
Purchase burdock only from reputable manufacturers with verified species identification (HPTLC or DNA barcoding). Avoid wild-harvested burdock tea. Counsel elderly patients and those on anticholinergics about delirium risk. Report any anticholinergic symptoms (dry mouth, tachycardia, confusion) promptly.
hub Combinations
Synergistic pairings can enhance therapeutic outcomes, while knowing suitable substitutes helps when specific herbs are unavailable or contraindicated.
No combination data available yet.
science Studies
Immunopharmacological potential of Arctium lappa L. in immune-mediated skin diseases: A critical review of experimental and clinical evidence
Systematic ReviewThis critical systematic review searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus through July 2025 to evaluate experimental and clinical evidence on Arctium lappa and its major lignans (arctiin, arctigenin) in immune-mediated skin diseases including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and alopecia. A. lappa extracts were found to modulate multiple immune pathways, suppressing Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-17. The review concludes that while the immunopharmacological evidence is promising, the clinical evidence remains preliminary with no large-scale RCTs, and standardised extract preparation and dosing are lacking.
Regulation of lipid metabolism in diabetic rats by Arctium lappa L. polysaccharide through the PKC/NF-κB pathway
In VivoThis in vivo study using a streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetes mouse model assessed the effect of Arctium lappa polysaccharide on lipid metabolism. Polysaccharide treatment significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, and improved the TC/HDL, TG/HDL, and HDL/LDL ratios toward normal values. Liver weight-to-body-weight ratio also normalised. Western blotting showed regulation occurred via the PKC-α, PKC-β, P-selectin, and NF-κB p65 pathway. The findings demonstrate a mechanistic basis for Arctium lappa polysaccharide in the adjunctive management of diabetic dyslipidaemia.
medication Dosing
decoction
3–9g dried root per day (traditional range up to 18g/day)
2–3x daily (BID to TID)
Simmer 1–2 tsp dried root pieces in 2 cups water for 20 minutes. Strain and drink. Start at low end of dose range (3g/day) and titrate upward incrementally to avoid excessive alterative response (temporary worsening of skin or elimination symptoms). EMA-supported dose for skin and urinary adjunct use.
tincture
1:5 (25% alcohol): 1–2ml
3x daily (TID)
Tincture of dried root (1:5, 25–40% ethanol). Can be used as long-term alterative at lower doses. May be combined with dandelion root and milk thistle for liver-skin synergy.
capsule
300–500 mg root extract
2–3x daily (BID to TID)
Standardized extract capsules. No universal standardization marker; look for products standardized to arctigenin content or inulin content. Take with meals. Clinical trial for PCOS: 1000 mg root powder twice daily for 12 weeks.
Disclaimer: This information is largely AI-generated and reviewed by human experts at Evara Health. It is intended for educational and clinical reference purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
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