BURDOCK

OTHER NAME(S):

Arctium, Arctium lappa, Arctium minus, Arctium tomentosum, Bardana, Bardana-minor, Bardanae Radix, Bardane, Bardane Comestible, Bardane Géante, Bardane Majeure, Beggar's Buttons, Burdock Root Extract, Burr Seed, Clotbur, Cocklebur, Cockle Buttons, Edible Burdock, Fox's Clote, Gobo, Glouteron, Grande Bardane, Great Bur, Great Burdocks, Happy Major, Hardock, Harebur, Herbe aux Teigneux, Herbe du Teigneux, Lappa, Love Leaves, Niubang, Niu Bang Zi, Orelha-de-gigante, Personata, Philanthropium, Rhubarbe du Diable, Thorny Burr.

Overview

Overview Information

Burdock is a plant that is found all over the world. Burdock root is sometimes used as food. The root, leaf, and seed are used as medicine.

Burdock is used for skin problems, stomach problems, joint swelling, and other conditions, but there is no good evidence to support its use for any condition.

Burdock has been associated with poisonings because some products have been contaminated with root of belladonna. These poisonings do not appear to have been caused by burdock itself.

How does it work?

Burdock contains chemicals that might have activity against bacteria and inflammation

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of burdock for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Burdock is LIKELY SAFE when eaten in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if burdock is safe when taken in by mouth as a medicine or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Burdock is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin for up to 4 weeks. Burdock may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to certain flowers and herbs. When applied directly to the skin, it can cause a rash.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if burdock is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Burdock might slow blood clotting. Taking burdock might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Burdock may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking burdock.

Diabetes: Some evidence suggests that taking burdock might lower blood sugar levels. Taking burdock might lower blood sugar levels too much in people with diabetes who are already taking medications to lower blood sugar.

Surgery: Burdock might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Interactions?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

!

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BURDOCK

    Burdock might slow blood clotting. Taking burdock along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

    Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of burdock for use as treatment 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 burdock. 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.

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View References

REFERENCES:

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  • Breed, F. B. and Kuwabara, T. Burdock ophthalmia. Arch Ophthalmol 1966;75(1):16-20. View abstract.
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    View abstract.
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  • Xie LH, Ahn EM, Akao T, et al. Transformation of arctiin to estrogenic and antiestrogenic substances by human intestinal bacteria. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2003;51:378-84. View abstract.
  • Yang WS, Lee SR, Jeong YJ, et al. Antiallergic activity of ethanol extracts of Arctrium lappa L. undried roots and its active compound, oleamide, in regulating FceRI-mediated and MAPK signaling in RBL-2H3 cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2016;64(18):3564-73.View abstract.
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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.

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