Introduction:
Burdock is a traditional Chinese herb which grows worldwide which has been used for the treatment of many ailments. A few of the uses of burdock include diuretic, blood purifier, poor appetite, psoriasis, eczema, and acne. There has been inadequate formal research done on the majority of uses described for burdock. There have been reports of belladonna previously found in burdock preparations and therefore the herb should not be taken orally for this reason and due to lack of research evidence on belladonna content. The herb has some promising uses applied topically for reducing aging of the skin and potentially for skin diseases, but there is more research needed to routinely recommend this agent.
Burdock extract and skin benefits:
One study found burdock extract to possess anti-aging skin properties. A study by Knott et al evaluated Arctium lappa (A. lappa), a fruit extract used in the treatment of various skin conditions. The herb was assessed in the study for its anti-aging skin properties. Human participants applied the A. lappa fruit extract formulation to their skin (topically) for 12 weeks and then were examined for synthesis of procollagen and hyaluronan (beneficial compounds found in skin and connective tissue cells). When compared to areas not treated with A. lappa, the areas treated with the fruit extract formulation showed stimulated procollagen synthesis and increased hyaluronan levels. Additionally, a study of A. lappa fruit extract formulation on wrinkle volume within the outer corner of the eye for a 4-week period revealed that wrinkle volume was reduced in the areas treated with topical application of the fruit extract formulation compared to non-treated areas. (1)
Burdock adverse reactions:
A case report explained that a women developed toxicity after ingestion of burdock tea which was found contaminated with belladonna. Belladonna is known to stimulate smooth muscle and can result in uterine contraction (2). Anaphylaxis has been reported with oral use (3).
Summary and Conclusion: Burdock
- Burdock was studied as a topical preparation applied to treat aging of the skin and it may also be potentially beneficial for skin diseases, but there is more research needed to routinely recommend this herbal agent.
- Allergy to this herb may cause severe skin reactions and avoid this herb if there is history of allergy to this herb or allergy to the same family of plants.
- Research evidence is inadequate to support oral intake of burdock for any health condition, and pregnant women should avoid this herb. Anaphylaxis has been reported with oral use.
References:
1.Knott A, Reuschlein K, Mielke H, Wensorra U, Mummert C, Koop U, Kausch M, Kolbe L, Peters N, Stäb F, Wenck H, Gallinat S. Natural Arctium lappa fruit extract improves the clinical signs of aging skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Dec;7(4):281-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19146605
2.Bryson PD, Watanabe AS, Rumack BH, Murphy RC. Burdock root tea poisoning. Case report involving a commercial preparation. JAMA. 1978 May 19;239(20):2157. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/642161
3.Sasaki Y, Kimura Y, Tsunoda T, Tagami H. Anaphylaxis due to burdock. Int J Dermatol. 2003 Jun;42(6):472-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12786879