A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anti-infective-agents #anti-inflammatory-agents #antineoplastic-agents #arctium #drugs-chinese-herbal

A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)

Chan et al., 2011 | Inflammopharmacology | Narrative Review

Citation

Chan Yuk-Shing, Cheng Long-Ni, ... Chan Shun-Wan. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology. 2011-Oct;19(5):245-54. doi:10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4

Abstract

Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock, is being promoted/recommended as a healthy and nutritive food in Chinese societies. Burdock has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years. The roots, seeds and leaves of burdock have been investigated in view of its popular uses in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this review, the reported therapeutic effects of the active compounds present in the different botanical parts of burdock are summarized. In the root, the active ingredients have been found to "detoxify" blood in terms of TCM and promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improving the skin quality/texture and curing skin diseases like eczema. Antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds have also been found in the root. In the seeds, some active compounds possess anti-inflammatory effects and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma. In the leaf extract, the active compounds isolated can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the oral cavity. The medicinal uses of burdock in treating chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes and AIDS have been reported. However, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects of burdock including contact dermatitis and other allergic/inflammatory responses that might be evoked by burdock.

Key Findings

However, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects of burdock including contact dermatitis and other allergic/inflammatory responses that might be evoked by burdock.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Arctium
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional
  • Neoplasms
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Narrative Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
  • Vertical: burdock

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-12