Burdock as a dietary supplement
Burdock, a natural plant commonly used as a dietary supplement, is derived from the root of the Arctium lappa plant. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine across various cultures, including ancient Chinese and Indian practices. Burdock root is often recognized for its potential health benefits, particularly in treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, it has been suggested for use in supporting liver health, digestive issues, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Despite its historical applications, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited, and more rigorous studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy. A typical dosage of burdock root is 1 to 2 grams of powdered dry root taken three times daily. While burdock is generally considered safe and is consumed as food in countries like Japan, caution is advised for specific populations, including children and pregnant or nursing women. Furthermore, individuals taking medications for blood sugar regulation should be aware that burdock may enhance their effects. Overall, while burdock root may offer some nutritional benefits, careful consideration and further research are recommended for those interested in using it as a dietary supplement.
Burdock as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Acne, eczema, psoriasis
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, liver health, digestive health, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Overview
The common burdock, a well-known source of annoying burrs matted in dogs' fur, is also a medicinal herb of considerable reputation. Called gobo in Japan, burdock root is said to be a type of food that provides deep strengthening to the immune system. In ancient China and India, herbalists used it to treat respiratory infections, abscesses, and joint pain. European physicians of the Middle Ages and later used it to treat cancerous tumors, skin conditions, sexually transmitted diseases, and bladder and kidney problems.
Burdock was a primary ingredient in the famous (or infamous) Hoxsey cancer treatment. Harry Hoxsey was a former coal miner who parlayed a traditional family remedy for cancer into the largest privately owned cancer treatment center in the world, with branches around the United States. The company was shut down in the 1950s by the US Food and Drug Administration. Hoxsey himself subsequently died of cancer. Other herbs in Hoxsey’s formula included red clover, poke, prickly ash, bloodroot, and barberry. Burdock is also found in the common herbal cancer remedy Essiac. Despite this historical enthusiasm, no significant evidence exists that burdock is an effective treatment for cancer or any other illness. Scientific evidence of burdock's ability to support various health conditions varies, and more study is needed.
Uses and Applications
Burdock is widely recommended to relieve dry, scaly skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is also used for treating acne. It can be taken orally and applied directly to the skin. Burdock is sometimes recommended for rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is no scientific evidence for any of these uses.
There are many other proposed uses of burdock. It is promoted as a liver detoxifier and to support overall liver health. Because burdock root is a good source of the fiber inulin, it is sometimes recommended for digestive issues such as constipation and bloating. Burdock is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that protect the body from free radicals and prevent chronic and long-term health conditions. Burdock may help regulate blood sugar in people with diabetes. In the twenty-first century, the only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on burdock investigate their efficacy in treating skin conditions and regulating blood sugar. Although both studies showed promise, larger, more rigorous human study is needed.
Dosage
A typical dosage of burdock is 1 to 2 grams of powdered dry root three times per day.
Safety Issues
Burdock root is a common food in Japan, often found in sukiyaki, for example. It is believed to be safe. However, in 1978, the Journal of the American Medical Association caused a brief scare by publishing a report of burdock poisoning. The subsequent investigation showed that the herbal product was contaminated with the poisonous chemical atropine from an unknown source. The safety of burdock use in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease is not established.
Important Interactions
Persons taking insulin or oral medications to reduce blood sugar should note that burdock may increase their effect.
Study on burdock root continues in the twenty-first century. In a 2023 article published by the Cleveland Clinic, burdock root was recommended as a food source rather than a supplement. Again, acknowledging that burdock root’s historical acclaim for medicinal purposes did not match actual evidence, the Cleveland Clinic noted that there were positive aspects to its dietary intake. Burdock Root was noted to contain a type of fiber called inulin, which can aid in digestion. This is the same type of fiber found in other food sources, such as asparagus, garlic, and soybeans. Burdock root is also thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory uses and can help counteract diabetes, arthritis, and various cancers. The Cleveland Clinic, nonetheless, warned against a blanket assumption that all herbal supplements are safe for consumption simply because they originate from natural sources. Supplements, such as those containing burdock root as an ingredient, are typically processed to various degrees, and the possibility remains that supplements can impact the body in unexpected and unwanted ways.
Bibliography
Bryson, P. D., et al. "Burdock Root Tea Poisoning: Case Report Involving a Commercial Preparation." Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 239, 1978, p. 2157.
"Burdock Information." Mount Sinai, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/burdock. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
Chan, Y. S., et al. "A Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Arctium Lappa (Burdock)." Inflammopharmacology, 28 Oct. 2010.
Ferracane, R., et al. "Metabolic Profile of the Bioactive Compounds of Burdock (Arctium Lappa) Seeds, Roots, and Leaves." Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, vol. 51, 2010, pp. 399-404.
Gotter, Ana. "What is Burdock Root." Healthline, 13 Mar. 2024, www.healthline.com/health/burdock-root. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
Juber, Mahammad. "Burdock Root: Health Benefits, Safety Information, Dosage, and More." WebMD, 29 Nov. 2022, www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-burdock-root. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
Lou, Z., et al. "Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Composition of the Fractions from Burdock Leaves." Journal of Food Science, vol. 75, 2010, pp. C413-C419.
"Why Burdock Root Is Better as a Food Than as a Supplement." Cleveland Clinic, 11 Aug 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/burdock-root. Accessed 18 Aug. 2023.