Burdock Fruit Extract
Also known as: Burdock, Burdock root, Burdock fruit extract, Arctium lappa
Overview
Burdock fruit extract is derived from the fruit or seed of *Arctium lappa*, a plant with a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. This extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as arctigenin, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic properties. It is primarily investigated for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and metabolic health benefits. While research on burdock extract is ongoing, it includes a mix of in vitro, animal, and human studies, including some randomized controlled trials. The available evidence suggests potential applications in managing metabolic syndrome parameters, enhancing antioxidant activity, and exhibiting anti-cancer properties. However, comprehensive systematic reviews specifically focusing on burdock fruit extract are currently limited, indicating a need for further high-quality clinical research to fully establish its efficacy and optimal usage.
Benefits
Burdock fruit extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and some human studies. For metabolic syndrome and body composition, a 16-week randomized controlled trial in elderly women showed that burdock root extract increased serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S, a precursor to sex hormones), and helped maintain lean body mass. This suggests a role in hormonal balance and body composition, although no synergistic effect with exercise was observed. In terms of tissue repair, in vitro studies indicate that aqueous burdock root extract promotes the proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting potential for cartilage regeneration. Animal studies have demonstrated antidiabetic effects, with oral administration of burdock root ethanolic extract significantly decreasing blood glucose and increasing insulin levels in diabetic rats, pointing to improved glycemic control. Furthermore, burdock root extract exhibits significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress markers, enhancing antioxidant enzymes (like superoxide dismutase and catalase), and alleviating liver damage in animal models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, potentially lowering the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Its compounds, such as arctigenin, also show anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting iNOS pathways and may inhibit tumor growth in vitro, indicating anticancer potential.
How it works
Burdock extract exerts its effects through its rich array of bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and arctigenin. These compounds act as potent antioxidants by directly scavenging free radicals and by upregulating the body's endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems. The extract also modulates inflammatory pathways, notably by inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which plays a key role in inflammation. Furthermore, burdock extract appears to influence metabolic hormones, such as sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), potentially contributing to improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. It also promotes the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, which is relevant for tissue repair processes. The bioavailability and efficacy of these compounds can vary depending on the extraction method, with both aqueous and ethanolic extracts showing biological activity.
Side effects
Overall, burdock root extract appears to be safe when used at studied doses, with no major adverse effects reported in human clinical trials. Specific common side effects are not well-documented in the scientific literature, though based on traditional use, mild gastrointestinal discomfort might occur. There have been no significant drug interactions or contraindications identified in the reviewed research. However, individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) should exercise caution, as burdock is a member of this family and may trigger allergic reactions. Due to limited long-term human studies, the safety profile for extended periods of use beyond 16 weeks is not fully established. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, should consult a healthcare professional before using burdock fruit extract.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for burdock fruit extract is not yet definitively established, as research has used varying forms and concentrations. A human randomized controlled trial investigating metabolic benefits used a 16-week intervention, but the exact dosage was not specified in the abstract. Animal studies have utilized oral ethanolic extracts at doses effective in reducing blood glucose, but these dosages do not directly translate to human recommendations. The efficacy and bioavailability of burdock extract can be influenced by its formulation (e.g., aqueous vs. ethanolic extracts) and the standardization of its active compounds. Therefore, further research is needed to determine precise dosing guidelines for specific health conditions. Users should follow product-specific recommendations or consult with a healthcare professional, especially given the lack of established upper limits or safety thresholds from comprehensive human trials.
FAQs
Is burdock fruit extract effective for diabetes?
Animal studies suggest that burdock extract may have antidiabetic effects by reducing blood glucose and increasing insulin levels. However, human data are currently limited, and more research is needed to confirm these benefits in people.
Can it help with liver health?
Yes, preclinical evidence strongly supports burdock extract's hepatoprotective effects. It has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant enzymes, which can help alleviate liver damage in animal models.
Is burdock fruit extract safe for long-term use?
Limited human data indicate safety over a 16-week period. However, comprehensive long-term safety studies are still needed to fully establish its safety profile for extended use.
Are there any known drug interactions?
Based on the reviewed literature, no significant drug interactions have been reported. However, it's always advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you are taking other medications.
Research Sources
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-84301-x – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of burdock root extract in elderly women with metabolic syndrome. It found that the extract increased serum SHBG, estradiol, and DHEA-S, and helped maintain lean body mass over 16 weeks, though it did not synergize with exercise.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7686739/ – This in vitro study demonstrated that aqueous burdock root extract promotes the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. The findings suggest potential applications for cartilage repair and regeneration, though further clinical research is needed.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Antidiabetic-effect-of-burdock-(Arctium-lappa-L.)-Cao-Li/2e0eb308fbce66100a0a2100f95f1a0ed729a6d3 – This animal study investigated the antidiabetic effects of burdock root ethanolic extract in diabetic rats. It reported that oral administration significantly decreased blood glucose levels and increased insulin, indicating improved glycemic control in the animal model.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11335715/ – This review, including animal data, highlights the hepatoprotective effects of burdock root extract. It summarizes findings on its ability to reduce oxidative stress markers, enhance antioxidant enzymes, and alleviate liver damage in animal models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
- https://www.medicinacomplementar.com.br/biblioteca/pdfs/Fitoterapia/fi-0384.pdf – This review discusses the various pharmacological activities of burdock, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer effects. It also touches upon its hepatoprotective properties, primarily based on preclinical and in vitro studies.
