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Burdock Extract

Also known as: Arctium lappa L., Burdock, Greater burdock, Edible burdock root, Arctium lappa

Overview

Burdock extract is derived from the root of the Arctium lappa plant, a biennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The root contains bioactive compounds like inulin-type fructans, chlorogenic acid, lignans, flavonoids, and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. Traditionally, it's been used in folk medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic properties. Modern research explores its potential to modulate oxidative stress, improve metabolic parameters, and support stem cell proliferation. Evidence includes in vitro studies, animal models, and limited human trials, with some systematic reviews summarizing its antioxidant and metabolic effects. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in humans. Burdock root is available in various forms, including aqueous extracts, dried root powder, and tinctures.

Benefits

Burdock root extract exhibits several potential health benefits. It demonstrates antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and preventing depletion of antioxidant enzymes, supported by in vitro and animal studies. Extracts have shown hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in diabetic animal models, improving blood glucose and lipid profiles. In vitro, burdock root extract enhanced proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting regenerative potential. Some studies indicate it can reduce liver steatosis and improve liver enzyme profiles in metabolic syndrome models. Burdock leaf and seed extracts have been noted for skin-brightening and anti-aging effects, though these are less studied than root extracts. Clinical significance is difficult to quantify due to limited human trials.

How it works

Burdock extract's antioxidant properties stem from polyphenols like chlorogenic acid and lignans, which neutralize reactive oxygen species and upregulate antioxidant enzymes. It influences glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, potentially by inhibiting α-glucosidase and modulating insulin signaling pathways. The extract promotes mesenchymal stem cell viability and differentiation, possibly through signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and morphology changes. Key compounds like caffeoylquinic acids have moderate bioavailability, and processing methods affect the concentration of active constituents.

Side effects

Burdock root extract is generally considered safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts or as standardized supplements. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been occasionally reported, and allergic reactions are rare. Potential interactions with diuretics and hypoglycemic agents should be considered due to burdock’s diuretic and blood sugar-lowering effects. Caution is advised in pregnancy, lactation, and individuals with allergies to Asteraceae family plants. Limited data exists for use in children and those with chronic diseases, so supervision is recommended. It is important to monitor for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if they occur.

Dosage

Clinical studies vary, but human dosing often ranges from 300 to 1000 mg/day of standardized extract in supplements. Extracts can be aqueous, dried root powder, or tinctures; bioactive content varies by preparation. There is no specific timing established; usually taken with meals to reduce GI discomfort. No essential cofactors have been identified, but antioxidant synergy with vitamin C or E is plausible. Due to limited data, it is best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as tolerated, while monitoring for any adverse effects.

FAQs

Is burdock extract effective for diabetes?

Preclinical evidence supports blood sugar lowering, but robust human RCTs are lacking. More research is needed to confirm its efficacy in managing diabetes.

Can it be used for liver health?

Preliminary data suggest hepatoprotective effects, but clinical confirmation is needed. It may help reduce liver fat accumulation, but human trials are necessary.

Are there safety concerns?

Generally safe with a low incidence of side effects; caution is advised in certain populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with allergies.

How long before effects appear?

The timeline for noticeable effects is unknown; most benefits observed in animal studies occurred over weeks to months. Human studies are needed to determine the onset of action.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7686739/ – This in vitro study demonstrated that aqueous burdock root extract at 100 μg/mL enhanced proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells with statistical significance (p<0.05). The study used ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test for analysis, confirming morphological and viability improvements over controls. However, the in vitro design and lack of clinical correlation limit the findings.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11335715/ – This systematic review summarized multiple studies showing burdock root extract’s antioxidant capacity, anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects in animal models and some human data. It highlighted bioactive compounds like chlorogenic acid and lignans as key contributors. The review noted the need for more high-quality RCTs to establish clinical efficacy.
https://www.mdpi.com/1661-3821/2/4/26 – This study investigated Arctium lappa extracts and lignans in diabetic models, showing improvements in blood glucose and lipid profiles. The study supports the extract’s potential in managing metabolic syndrome components but is limited by small sample sizes and preclinical focus. Further research is needed to validate these findings in human populations.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf500926v – This study identified caffeoylquinic acid derivatives as major bioactives in dried burdock root extract, linking them to antihyperglycemic effects. The study emphasized the influence of drying methods on bioactive content and potential efficacy. The findings suggest that processing methods can significantly impact the therapeutic potential of burdock root extract.
http://ej-biomed.org/index.php/ejbiomed/article/view/67 – This study demonstrated a reduction in liver fat accumulation and improvement in serum biochemical markers in metabolic syndrome models treated with burdock root extract. The study supports hepatoprotective claims but lacks large-scale human trials. More research is needed to confirm these effects in human subjects.