Phytotherapy · Depurative & Skin Support · Asteraceae

Burdock

Arctium lappa L. (Asteraceae) — the tall biennial whose hooked burrs inspired Velcro®. Its inulin-rich root is a traditional depurative for the skin, and its lignan arctigenin and bitter compounds are now studied for inflammatory, metabolic and hepatic effects.

31 Primary Refs
12 Properties
Root Parts Used
✦ Researched
Last Updated October 27, 2026
Primary Source Wikiphyto · NCBI PubMed · Pharmacology Review
Family Asteraceae
Robust Biennial · Europe

Botanical Overview

Burdock is a sturdy biennial reaching about 1.5 m, with large heart-shaped leaves up to 50 × 30 cm. Its flower heads carry red-purple tubular flowers and hooked bracts that disperse the burrs. It grows on waste ground, often calcareous, and along roadsides across Europe except the Mediterranean regions.

HabitBiennial, ~1.5 m
LeavesHeart-shaped, to 50 cm
FlowersRed-purple heads
HabitatWaste ground
Taxonomic Classification

Taxonomy & Identification

Latin Name
Arctium lappa L. (synonyms Arctium majus Bernh., Lappa major Gaertn.)
Family
Asteraceae
Common Names
Burdock, Greater Burdock, Bardane, Grateron
Parts Used
Root (fresh plant preferred)
Regulatory Status
French Pharmacopoeia, list A (leaf, root)
Ethnobotany & Traditional Use

History & Tradition

Burdock was once used to stimulate hair growth, following the doctrine of signatures. Older sources describe it as a depurative, diuretic, sudorific and antirheumatic, and even as a remedy for syphilis. 1

The hooked flower head inspired Velcro®, invented in 1948 by Georges de Mestral. Chinese pharmacopoeia uses the fruit to “dissipate wind and heat”.

Modern research has centered on arctigenin, on the metabolic and hepatic effects of the root, and on early clinical work in acne and knee osteoarthritis. 2528

⚠ Fresh Root Preferred

Drying causes a large loss of the oxidation-sensitive polyunsaturated compounds of the root, so the fresh plant is recommended over dried material.

Timeline

Doctrine of Signatures

Traditional Use

The burr-bearing plant is used to stimulate hair growth.

Cazin's Herbal Treatise

1868

Records the depurative, diuretic and sudorific uses.

Velcro® Invented

1948

Georges de Mestral copies the hooked burr.

Early Clinical Studies

2014 – 2020

Observational work in acne, a root-tea study in knee osteoarthritis and a topical peptide pilot. 29

The Key Compounds

Inulin & Arctigenin — Deep Dive

The fructan of the root, the lignan of the fruit, and the polyacetylenes that make fresh root preferable.

🧪

Inulin (27–45%)

A fructan that acts as an osmotic diuretic, and a root fructan from a burdock variety showed immunostimulant activity. 24

🧬

Arctigenin

A lignan of the fruits and seeds. It reduced inflammation in vitro by inhibiting the iNOS pathway, and butyrolactone lignans were antiproliferative on leukemic cells. 626

🌀

Polyacetylenes & Lappaphenes

Linear and cyclic polyenes and polyynes (arctinones, arctinols, arctinal, arctic acid) are oxidation-sensitive and are lost in drying; lappaphenes form when arctinal adds to dehydrocostuslactone.

🍃

Phenolic Acids (1.9–3.6%)

Caffeic, chlorogenic, isochlorogenic and caffeoylquinic acids, with flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, underlie the antioxidant activity. 17

Pharmaceutical Preparations

Parts Used & Available Forms

The root is the main part used, with three documented extracts of the underground part.

Root

The main part used; the fresh plant is preferred because drying destroys oxidation-sensitive compounds.

Root

Leaf

Listed with the root in the French Pharmacopoeia (list A).

Leaf

Fruit

Used in Chinese pharmacopoeia to dissipate wind and heat; the source of the lignan arctigenin.

Fruit

Mother Tincture

Teinture-mère of the underground part.

Liquid Extract

EPS Extract

Standardized fresh-plant extract of the underground part.

Standardized Extract

Fluid Extract

Extrait fluide of the root.

Liquid Extract

Clinical Dosimetry

Dosages

No standardized usual dosage has been established for burdock; dosing should be guided by a qualified practitioner.

Phytochemistry

Composition

Constituents of the root and whole plant; no gemmotherapy (bud) or essential-oil data are documented beyond a trace oil.

Root & Whole Plant — Primary Constituents

CarbohydratesInulin 27–45% and bitter mucilages (xyloglucans, xylans), about 69% carbohydrates in all
Major
Phenolic Acids (1.9–3.6%)Caffeic, chlorogenic, isochlorogenic and caffeoylquinic acids
Present
Flavonoids & VitaminsRutin and quercetin, with B and C vitamins 17
Present
Essential Oil0.06–0.18%
Present
Sterols & TriterpenesSterols, triterpenes and guanidinobutyric acid
Present

Polyacetylenes, Lignans & Lactones

Polyenes & PolyynesArctinones, arctinols, arctinal, arctic (arectic) acid and costic acid
Present
LappaphenesAdducts of arctinal with the guaianolide dehydrocostuslactone
Present
LignansArctigenin, found in fruits and seeds
Present
Sesquiterpene LactonesArctiopicrin in the leaves and a germacranolide
Present
PeptidesPeptides isolated from the root with anti-acne activity 29
Present

Plant Properties — Pharmacodynamics

Twelve pharmacodynamic properties are documented for burdock, mostly from animal and laboratory studies.

12 Properties Depurative Anti-Inflammatory Preclinical
🧴

Depurative & Skin Detox

The root is a depurative and cutaneous detoxifier, with diaphoretic, diuretic and sudorific effects; a review covers its antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic and organ-protective activities. 27

🌿

Bitter Plant & Metabolic Syndrome

Bitter Asteraceae may slow the progression of metabolic syndrome, and an Asteraceae-based infusion prevented it in a fructose rat model. 34

🔥

Anti-Inflammatory

Arctigenin acts on nitric oxide and the cytokines TNF-α and IL-6; burdock root tea was tested in knee osteoarthritis. 5620

✨

Antioxidant

Rutin, quercetin and vitamins B and C contribute; the aqueous extract is stronger. 171819

🧽

Detoxifying & Choleretic

Described as detoxifying, with choleretic action attributed to sesquiterpene lactones; burdock fiber may speed fecal PCB elimination. 89

🫀

Lipid-Lowering

Antiatheromatous in quails on a high-fat diet, with better endothelial function in rats. 1011

📉

Antidiabetic

Fruit lignans were antidiabetic in rodents, alpha-glucosidase is inhibited, and stronger clinical studies are needed. 131415

🛡️

Liver & Kidney Protection

Protected the liver against carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol and alcohol, and the kidney against cadmium toxicity. 212212

🦠

Antibacterial

Extracts were bacteriostatic in vitro against E. coli and Salmonella abony, but not Staphylococcus aureus. 16

🩸

Immunostimulant & Antiplatelet

Polysaccharides stimulate immunity; weak antiplatelet action and PAF antagonism. 2425

🎯

Antiproliferative

Arctigenin-type lignans were antiproliferative and apoptotic on leukemic cells, and root extracts showed antiproliferative activity in vitro. 2618

💪

Fertility & Sexual Behavior

Improved sperm quality in mice and sexual behavior in male rats. 2327

Clinical Applications

Clinical Indications

Burdock is used chiefly for the skin and as a depurative; most indications are traditional and the clinical evidence is early.

🧴
Acne & Skin Conditions
Primary Indication
  • Acne: an observational study examined Arctium lappa in acne vulgaris, and root peptides were active against Propionibacterium in preliminary studies. 2829
  • Skin Infections: furunculosis, abscesses, anthrax, whitlow and pilosebaceous infections.
  • Dermatoses: eczema, psoriasis, hyperseborrhea and varicose wounds.
🧽
Toxic Overload & Lipids
Traditional Indication
  • Toxic Overload: a traditional depurative indication of the root.
  • Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemia & Atherosclerosis: supported by animal studies of lipid-lowering and endothelial protection. 1011
🦴
Joints, Gout & Stones
Traditional Indication
  • Knee Osteoarthritis: burdock root tea was studied for its effect on inflammatory status and oxidative stress. 5
  • Folk Medicine: biliary and kidney stones, gout and rheumatism.
💇
Scalp & Hair
Traditional Indication
  • Dry Seborrhea of the Scalp: a traditional indication.
  • Hair Growth: used according to the doctrine of signatures.
Pharmacodynamics

Mode of Action

Known or presumed mechanisms of burdock's main constituents.

💧

Osmotic Diuresis

Inulin is filtered by the glomerulus and raises the osmotic pressure of the tubular fluid, which acts as an osmotic diuretic.

🧬

Detoxification via Sesquiterpene Lactones

The detoxifying effect is attributed to the sesquiterpene lactones of the plant. 8

🔥

Arctigenin & Inflammatory Mediators

Arctigenin inhibits the iNOS pathway and lowers TNF-α and IL-6. 65

🩸

PAF Antagonism & Phosphodiesterase

Lignans and sesquiterpenes antagonize platelet-activating factor, and arctigenin may inhibit cAMP phosphodiesterase. 2526

📉

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibition

Compounds of burdock inhibit alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme of carbohydrate digestion, and lignans lowered glucose in rodents. 1413

Clinical Safety

Safety & Interactions

Burdock is generally well tolerated; the main cautions are pregnancy and a theoretical effect on blood clotting.

⚠️

Adverse Effects & Precautions

  • Allergy: possible but very rare, as for all Asteraceae.
  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Arctium lappa may stimulate the uterus, so avoid use. 30
🚫

Contraindications & Interactions

  • Anticoagulants: a theoretical interaction exists, from the weak antiplatelet and PAF-antagonist action. 25
  • Other Interactions: none described in another source. 31
  • Regulatory Status: French Pharmacopoeia, list A (leaf, root).
Clinical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using burdock, particularly in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or alongside anticoagulant medication.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is burdock root used for?
Burdock (Arctium lappa) root is traditionally used as a depurative for skin conditions such as acne, boils, eczema and psoriasis, for toxic overload, hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, and in folk medicine for gout, rheumatism and stones.
Does burdock help with acne?
An observational study examined Arctium lappa in acne vulgaris, and peptides isolated from burdock root showed activity against Propionibacterium in preliminary studies and a pilot test as a topical anti-acne ingredient. The evidence is early.
Does burdock lower blood sugar?
Total lignans from the fruit were antidiabetic in alloxan-diabetic mice and rats, and burdock compounds inhibit alpha-glucosidase in vitro. A recent comparison of dandelion and burdock root extracts concluded that stronger clinical studies are needed.
Does burdock detox the body?
Burdock is traditionally a depurative and diaphoretic, and its detoxifying effect is attributed to sesquiterpene lactones. Burdock fiber may speed fecal elimination of PCBs in animals, but this is not clinical proof of detoxification in humans.
What is the usual burdock dosage?
No standardized usual dosage has been established for burdock; dosing should be guided by a qualified practitioner.
Is burdock safe in pregnancy?
Burdock may stimulate the uterus, and its use is to be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Allergic reactions are possible but very rare, because burdock belongs to the Asteraceae family.
Can burdock interact with medications?
A theoretical interaction with anticoagulants exists because burdock compounds act as weak antiplatelet agents and PAF antagonists. Other sources describe no interactions.
Is fresh or dried burdock root better?
Fresh root is preferred, because drying causes a large loss of oxidation-sensitive polyunsaturated compounds such as the polyacetylenes.
Does burdock have anti-inflammatory effects?
Arctigenin, a lignan of burdock, reduced inflammation in vitro by inhibiting the iNOS pathway, and in a study of knee osteoarthritis patients, burdock root tea was assessed for its effect on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress.
Sources

Bibliography

↑1. Cazin FJ. Traité pratique et raisonné des plantes médicinales indigènes. Éditions de l'Envol, Mane. 1997. Facsimile reprint of the 1868 original.
↑2. Chan YS, Cheng LN, Wu JH, et al. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology. 2011;19(5):245–254.
PubMed: PMID 20981575 →
↑3. Awwad A, Poucheret P, Idres AY, Bidel L, Tousch D. The bitter Asteraceae: an interesting approach to delay the metabolic syndrome progression. NFS J. 2020;18:29–38.
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↑4. Idres AY, Tousch D, Dhuyque-Mayer C, et al. An original Asteraceae based infused drink prevents metabolic syndrome in fructose-rat model. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12(2):340.
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↑5. Maghsoumi-Norouzabad L, Alipoor B, Abed R, Eftekhar Sadat B, Mesgari-Abbasi M, Asghari Jafarabadi M. Effects of Arctium lappa L. (burdock) root tea on inflammatory status and oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Int J Rheum Dis. 2016;19(3):255–261.
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PubMed: PMID 19429312 →
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↑10. Wang Z, Li P, Wang C, et al. Protective effects of Arctium lappa L. root extracts (AREs) on high fat diet induced quail atherosclerosis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16:6.
Abstract →
↑11. Lee YJ, Choi DH, Cho GH, Kim JS, Kang DG, Lee HS. Arctium lappa ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in rats fed with high fat/cholesterol diets. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:116.
PubMed: PMID 22866890 →
↑12. Al-Gebaly AS. Ameliorative effect of Arctium lappa against cadmium genotoxicity and histopathology in kidney of Wistar rat. Pak J Biol Sci. 2017;20(6):314–319.
PubMed: PMID 29023056 →
↑13. Xu Z, Wang X, Zhou M, et al. The antidiabetic activity of total lignan from Fructus Arctii against alloxan-induced diabetes in mice and rats. Phytother Res. 2008;22(1):97–101.
PubMed: PMID 17724763 →
↑14. Miyazawa M, Yagi N, Taguchi K. Inhibitory compounds of α-glucosidase activity from Arctium lappa L. J Oleo Sci. 2005;54:589–594.
DOI: 10.5650/jos.54.589 →
↑15. Zolotova D, Teterovska R, Bandere D, Lauberte L, Niedra S. Antidiabetic properties of the root extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and burdock (Arctium lappa). Plants (Basel). 2024;13(7):1021.
PubMed: PMID 38611548 →
↑16. Ionescu D, Predan GM, Rizea GD, Mihele D, Dune A, Ivopol G, Ionita C. Antimicrobial activity of some hydroalcoholic extracts of artichoke (Cynara scolymus), burdock (Arctium lappa) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). 2013.
↑17. Frolova AS, Fokina AD, Milentyeva IS, Asyakina LK, Proskuryakova LA, Prosekov AY. The biological active substances of Taraxacum officinale and Arctium lappa from the Siberian Federal District. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(6):3263.
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↑18. Predes FS, Ruiz AL, Carvalho JE, Foglio MA, Dolder H. Antioxidative and in vitro antiproliferative activity of Arctium lappa root extracts. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:25.
Abstract →
↑19. Duh PD. Antioxidant activity of burdock (Arctium lappa Linné): its scavenging effect on free-radical and active oxygen. J Am Oil Chem Soc. 1998;75(4):455–461.
Full Text (PDF) →
↑20. Lin CC, Lin JM, Yang JJ, Chuang SC, Ujiie T. Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of Arctium lappa. Am J Chin Med. 1996;24(2):127–137.
↑21. Lin SC. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage. Am J Chin Med. 2000;28(2):163–173.
↑22. Lin SC, Lin CH, Lin CC, Lin YH, Chen CF, Chen IC, Wang LY. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa Linne on liver injuries induced by chronic ethanol consumption and potentiated by carbon tetrachloride. J Biomed Sci. 2002;9(5):401–409.
PubMed: PMID 12218354 →
↑23. Ahangarpour A, Oroojan AA, Heidari H, Ghaedi E, Taherkhani R. Effects of hydro-alcoholic extract from Arctium lappa L. (burdock) root on gonadotropins, testosterone, and sperm count and viability in male mice with nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes. Malays J Med Sci. 2015;22(2):25–32.
PubMed: PMID 26023292 →
↑24. Kardošová A, Ebringerová A, Alföldi J, Nosáľová G, Fraňová S, Hříbalová V. A biologically active fructan from the roots of Arctium lappa L., var. Herkules. Int J Biol Macromol. 2003;33(1–3):135–140.
Full Text →
↑25. Iwakami S, Wu JB, Ebizuka Y, Sankawa U. Platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists contained in medicinal plants: lignans and sesquiterpenes. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1992;40(5):1196–1198.
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↑26. Matsumoto T, Hosono-Nishiyama K, Yamada H. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of butyrolactone lignans from Arctium lappa on leukemic cells. Planta Med. 2006;72(3):276–278.
PubMed: PMID 16534737 →
↑27. Cao J, Zhang P, Xu C, Huang T, Bai Y, Chen K. Effect of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. (burdock) roots on the sexual behavior of male rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:8.
Abstract →
↑28. Miglani A, Manchanda RK. Observational study of Arctium lappa in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Homeopathy. 2014;103(3):203–207.
PubMed: PMID 24931753 →
↑29. Miazga-Karska M, Michalak K, Ginalska G. Anti-acne action of peptides isolated from burdock root — preliminary studies and pilot testing. Molecules. 2020;25(9):2027.
PubMed: PMID 32349230 →
↑30. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Assessment report on Arctium lappa L., radix. EMA/HMPC/246764/2009. 16 September 2010.
Full Text (PDF) →
↑31. Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. Pharmaceutical Press, London. 2007.

Additional Sources

Bruneton J. Pharmacognosie, Phytochimie, Plantes médicinales. Éditions Tec & Doc. 1997; p. 150.
Wichtl M, Anton R. Plantes thérapeutiques: Tradition, pratique officinale, science et thérapeutique. Éditions Tec & Doc, Cachan. 1999; p. 67.