SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Siberian cocklebur is a spring weed that grows in parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. The plant invades farmlands and can be poisonous to domestic animals and humans.

People use Siberian cocklebur for conditions such as long-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (chronic bronchitis), common cold, constipation, diabetes, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using Siberian cocklebur can also be unsafe.

How does it work ?

Siberian cocklebur contains many different chemicals. Atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside, which are found in the seed and seedling, can be poisonous.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

Long-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (chronic bronchitis).
Common cold.
Constipation.
Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis).
Stuffy nose.
Itching.
Hives (urticaria).
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Diabetes.
Headache.
Tuberculosis.
Kidney disease.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate Siberian cocklebur for these uses.

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Siberian cocklebur is LIKELY UNSAFE when the seeds and seedlings are taken by mouth. Deaths have been reported.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if Siberian cocklebur fruit is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Siberian cocklebur is LIKELY UNSAFE when the seeds and seedlings are taken by mouth. Deaths have been reported. Avoid using.

Children: Siberian cocklebur is LIKELY UNSAFE when the seeds and seedlings are taken by mouth. Deaths have been reported. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when the Siberian fruit is taken by mouth. There has been a report of a 20-month old child dying after taking Siberian cocklebur fruit by mouth for 2 months.

Diabetes: Siberian cocklebur lowers blood sugar levels. Do not use Siberian cocklebur if you have diabetes.

Liver disease: Siberian cocklebur causes liver toxicity and, in some cases, liver failure. Do not use Siberian cocklebur if you have liver disease or you are at risk of liver disease.

Kidney disease: Siberian cocklebur causes kidney toxicity. Do not use Siberian cocklebur if you have kidney disease or you are at risk of kidney disease.

Surgery: Siberian cocklebur interferes with blood sugar control. This is a problem during and after surgery. Stop taking Siberian cocklebur at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR
Siberian cocklebur decreases blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking Siberian cocklebur with diabetes medications can make blood sugar levels fall too low. Do not take Siberian cocklebur if you are using diabetes medications.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications that can harm the kidneys (Nephrotoxic Drugs) interacts with SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR
Siberian cocklebur can harm the kidneys. Some medications can also harm the kidneys. Do not take Siberian cocklebur if you are using medications that can harm the kidneys.

Some medications that can harm the kidneys include cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); aminoglycosides including amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin, Gentak, others), and tobramycin (Nebcin, others); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene); and numerous others.
Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR
Siberian cocklebur can harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Do not take Siberian cocklebur if you are using a medication that can harm the liver.

Some medications that can harm the liver include acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), amiodarone (Cordarone), carbamazepine (Tegretol), isoniazid (INH), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), methyldopa (Aldomet), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), erythromycin (Erythrocin, Ilosone, others), phenytoin (Dilantin), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), and many others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of Siberian cocklebur depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Siberian cocklebur (in children/in adults). Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

An, H. J., Jeong, H. J., Lee, E. H., et al. Xanthii fructus inhibits inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. Inflammation 2004;28(5):263-70. View abstract.

Chen B, Ma L, Wang X, Shen Y, Jia X. Simultaneous determination of 5 phenolic acids in fried Fructus xanthii from different production sites and its dispensing granules by using ultra-pressure liquid chromatography. Pharmacogn Mag 2013;9(34):103-8. View abstract.

Dai, Y. H., Cui, Z., Li, J. L., and Wang, D. A new thiaziedione from the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2008;10(3-4):343-7. View abstract.

Gurley ES, Rahman M, Hossain MJ, et al. Fatal outbreak from consuming Xanthium strumarium seedlings during time of food scarcity in northeastern Bangladesh. PLoS One 2010 Mar 18;5(3):e9756. View abstract.

Han, T., Li, H. L., Hu, Y., et al. Phenolic acids in Fructus Xanthii and determination of contents of total phenolic acids in different species and populations of Xanthium in China. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao 2006;4(2):194-8. View abstract.

Hong, S. H., Jeong, H. J., and Kim, H. M. Inhibitory effects of Xanthii fructus extract on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction in murine model. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;88(2-3):229-34. View abstract.

Hsu FL, Chen YC, Cheng JT. Caffeic acid as active principle from the fruit of Xanthium strumarium to lower plasma glucose in diabetic rats. Planta Med 2000;66(3):228-30. View abstract.

Li X, Li Z, Xue M, et al. Fructus xanthii attenuates hepatic steatosis in rats fed on high-fat diet. PLoS One 2013;8(4):e61499. View abstract.

Lin B, Zhao Y, Han P, et al. Anti-arthritic activity of Xanthium strumarium L. extract on complete Freund?s adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2014;155(1):248-55. View abstract.

Ramírez-Erosa I, Huang Y, Hickie RA, Sutherland RG, Barl B. Xanthatin and xanthinosin from the burs of Xanthium strumarium L. as potential anticancer agents. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2007;85(11):1160-72. View abstract.

Sato, Y., Oketani, H., Yamada, T., et al. A xanthanolide with potent antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Pharm Pharmacol 1997;49(10):1042-4. View abstract.

Song MY, Kim EK, Lee HJ, et al. Fructus xanthii extract protects against cytokine-induced damage in pancreatic beta-cells through suppression of NF-kappaB activation. In J Mol Med 2009;23(4):547-53. View abstract.

Stuart, B. P., Cole, R. J., and Gosser, H. S. Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium, L. var. strumarium) intoxication in swine: review and redefinition of the toxic principle. Vet Pathol 1981;18(3):368-83. View abstract.

Turgut M, Alhan CC, Gurgoze M, et al. Carboxyatractyloside poisoning in humans. Ann Trop Paediatr 2005;25(2):125-34. View abstract.

Wang L, Wang J, Li F, et al. Cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones from aerial parts of Xanthium sibiricum. Planta Med 2013;79(8):661-5. View abstract.

Witte, S. T., Osweiler, G. D., Stahr, H. M., and Mobley, G. Cocklebur toxicosis in cattle associated with the consumption of mature Xanthium strumarium. J Vet Diagn Invest 1990;2(4):263-7. View abstract.

Wu, M. L., Wang, C. P., and Deng, J. F. Fatal hepatic failure due to fructus xanthii in a child. Abstracts of the 2005 North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology Annual Meeting. Clin Toxicol 2005;43:639.

Yang L, Chen L, Xu S, et al. RRLC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of atractyloside in Fructus Xanthii (Xanthium sibiricum). Anal Methods 2013;5:2093-7.

Yoon HN, Lee MY, Kim JK, Suh HW, Lim SS. Aldose reductase inhibitory compounds from Xanthium strumarium. Arch Pharm Res 2013;36(9):1090-5. View abstract.

Zhang, X. Q., Ye, W. C., Jiang, R. W., et al. Two new eremophilanolides from Xanthium sibiricum. Nat Prod Res 2006;20(13):1265-70. View abstract.

Zhao, Y., Yang, H., Zheng, Y. B., Wong, Y. O., and Leung, P. C. The effects of Fructus Xanthii extract on cytokine release from human mast cell line (HMC-1) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2008;30(3):543-52. View abstract.

An, H. J., Jeong, H. J., Lee, E. H., et al. Xanthii fructus inhibits inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. Inflammation 2004;28(5):263-70. View abstract.

Dai, Y. H., Cui, Z., Li, J. L., and Wang, D. A new thiaziedione from the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2008;10(3-4):343-7. View abstract.

Hong, S. H., Jeong, H. J., and Kim, H. M. Inhibitory effects of Xanthii fructus extract on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction in murine model. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;88(2-3):229-34. View abstract.

Hossen MJ, Kim MY, Cho JY. MAPK/AP-1-targeted anti-inflammatory activities of Xanthium strumarium. Am J Chin Med. 2016;44(6):1111-1125. View abstract.

Hsu FL, Chen YC, Cheng JT. Caffeic acid as active principle from the fruit of Xanthium strumarium to lower plasma glucose in diabetic rats. Planta Med 2000;66(3):228-30. View abstract.

Hwang SH, Wang Z, Yoon HN, Lim SS. Xanthium strumarium as an inhibitor of α-glucosidase, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1β, protein glycation and ABTS? for diabetic and its complication. Molecules. 2016;21(9). pii: E1241. View abstract.

Karabiber H, Almis H, Selimoglu MA, Yakinci C, Yilmaz S. Xanthium strumarium poisoning requiring liver transplantation. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014;58(1):e6-9. View abstract.

Li X, Li Z, Xue M, et al. Fructus xanthii attenuates hepatic steatosis in rats fed on high-fat diet. PLoS One 2013;8(4):e61499. View abstract.

Lin B, Zhao Y, Han P, et al. Anti-arthritic activity of Xanthium strumarium L. extract on complete Freund?s adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2014;155(1):248-55. View abstract.

Turgut M, Alhan CC, Gurgoze M, et al. Carboxyatractyloside poisoning in humans. Ann Trop Paediatr 2005;25(2):125-34. View abstract.

Wang L, Wang J, Li F, et al. Cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones from aerial parts of Xanthium sibiricum. Planta Med 2013;79(8):661-5. View abstract.

Xue LM, Zhang QY, Han P, et al. Hepatotoxic constituents and toxicological mechanism of Xanthium strumarium L. fruits. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;152(2):272-82. View abstract.

Yang L, Chen L, Xu S, et al. RRLC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of atractyloside in Fructus Xanthii (Xanthium sibiricum). Anal Methods 2013;5:2093-7.

Yoon HN, Lee MY, Kim JK, Suh HW, Lim SS. Aldose reductase inhibitory compounds from Xanthium strumarium. Arch Pharm Res 2013;36(9):1090-5. View abstract.

Yu J, Song MZ, Wang J, et al. In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo acute and chronic toxicity of Xanthii Fructus and its processed product. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:403491. View abstract.

Zhang, X. Q., Ye, W. C., Jiang, R. W., et al. Two new eremophilanolides from Xanthium sibiricum. Nat Prod Res 2006;20(13):1265-70. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR

Medications that can harm the kidneys (Nephrotoxic Drugs) interacts with SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR

Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR

Dosing

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SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR

Medications that can harm the kidneys (Nephrotoxic Drugs) interacts with SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR

Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with SIBERIAN COCKLEBUR

Dosing