Supplements Dietary Supplements What Is Burdock? This herbal detox shows promise for managing diabetes By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 13, 2022 Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND Facebook LinkedIn Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles. She helped co-author the first integrative geriatrics textbook, "Integrative Geriatric Medicine." Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Native to Europe and Asia and now naturalized in North America, burdock (Arctium lappais) is a plant that—along with daisies and sunflowers—belongs to the Asteraceae family. It's well-named, as the fruit of the plant, a round ball of seed material covered in hooks or teeth, resembles a bur that sticks to anything. Burdock may be considered a weed (due to its ability to spread), but the herb has been employed for centuries as a remedy for a wide range of ailments. In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock fruits, seeds, roots, and leaves have been used as decoctions or teas for colds, gout, rheumatism, stomach ailments, and cancer, as well as used to promote urination, increase sweating, and facilitate bowel movements. It's also been promoted as an aphrodisiac. How Is Burdock Used? Though all aspects of the plant are used, it's the carrot-shaped white root—which can grow to two feet and contains the greatest amount of nutrients—that seems to possess most of the purported healing power of burdock. The root contains numerous phytochemicals, including lignans, triterpenoids, and polyacetylenes, some of which have been shown to promote blood circulation (hence its reputation as a detoxifying agent) and are linked to antidiabetic properties. Other components include flavonoids that have exhibited cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, which may explain its use both internally and externally for some skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. Research shows that burdock root, which is commonly eaten in Japan, some parts of Europe, as well as increasingly in the U.S., is also a source of inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in the large intestine to improve digestion. What Is Burdock Used For? Few scientific studies have explored burdock's health effects, and though some of the research is promising, it should be considered preliminary, and much of the research is done on animals. Here's a rundown on what is known. Diabetes In a 2017 study, diabetic mice pretreated with 200 milligrams and 300 milligrams of burdock root extract for a month had increased insulin levels, and it also helped control body weight. Researchers also reported favorable changes in blood lipid profiles, including decreased levels of triglycerides and LDL "bad" cholesterol and increased levels of HDL "good" cholesterol. High Cholesterol In a study to identify potential genes that may be involved in lipid metabolism, burdock root extract reduced body weight and cholesterol levels in rats, possibly by modulating the expression of genes. Liver Support A 2002 study found the herb helped reverse liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption in rats, though a direct correlation to results in humans cannot necessarily be made. In another animal study, burdock helped to protect against liver damage caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and carbon tetrachloride, a chemical solvent. Cancer Burdock is one of the key ingredients of Essiac and Flor-Essence, herbal formulas marketed as wonder remedies for people coping with cancer. While advocates claim that Essiac and Flor-Essence can shrink tumors, prolong survival, provide pain relief, and boost immunity, there's no evidence supporting such claims, according to a report from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In addition to burdock, Essiac contains slippery elm inner bark, sheep sorrel, and Indian rhubarb root. Flor-Essence includes the same ingredients, as well as watercress, blessed thistle, red clover, and kelp. Skin Health One study from 2017 that investigated the effects of an extract from burdock leaves on skin aging found that the antioxidants it contained were able to inhibit enzymes that led to wrinkling and excess pigmentation. One small study from 2014 that used a homeopathic preparation of burdock found significant improvements in the number and types of pimples and quality of life scores. However, a study from 2014 that examined the effects of a burdock leaf dressing on burns found that it was toxic to skin cells and didn't demonstrate any antimicrobial (infection prevention) activity. Sexual Desire An experiment in rats found that an extract of burdock root enhanced sexual behavior, though not to the same degree as Viagara (sildenafil), a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. It also increased serum testosterone levels, compared with the control. According to the researchers, the results support the traditional use of burdock root for treating impotence and sterility. Pain Relief A 2014 study found drinking burdock root tea lowers certain inflammatory markers in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Selection, Preparation, & Storage Fresh burdock root (aka gobo) can be purchased at natural food stores and farmers' markets. It has an earthy, mildly bitter taste and can be eaten raw like a carrot once the brown outer layer is peeled away. It is most often sliced and added to a stir-fry. To store, refrigerate it in water in a shallow dish for up to four days. Many health food stores offer burdock supplements, as well as dried root powder, tinctures, and liquid extracts. There is limited clinical evidence to guide burdock dosing. It's important to keep in mind that supplements usually haven't been tested for safety, and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb or may be contaminated with other substances such as metals. Also, the safety of supplements for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. Possible Side Effects Burdock root is generally regarded as safe, however, some people should avoid it. Special precautions: People with diabetes who take blood-sugar-lowering medicines should not use burdock root because it may cause hypoglycemia.Burdock has been used traditionally as a diuretic to increase urine output and taking additional diuretics while using it isn't recommended, as it may cause dehydration.Burdock may also trigger an allergy in people sensitive to daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed. Discontinue use and see your healthcare provider if you suspect an allergic reaction.If you have a sensitivity to foods high in inulin (such as artichokes, asparagus, or leeks), you may experience temporary gas or bloating after eating burdock root.Avoid use if you're pregnant, as the herb has been reported to stimulate the uterus and possibly cause premature labor. 12 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lin CC, Lu JM, Yang JJ, Chuang SC, Ujiie T. Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of Arctium Lappa. American Journal of Chinese Medicine; 24(2):127-37 Li D, Kim JM, Jin Z, Zhou J. Prebiotic effectiveness of inulin extracted from edible burdock. Anaerobe 14(1):29-34 Ahangarpour Akram, et al. Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa root’s hydro-alcoholic extract on nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced type 2 model of diabetes in male mice. Avicenna J Phytomed. 7(2): 169–179 Hou Bo, et al. Effects of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots on serum lipid metabolism. Journal of International Medical Research. Volume: 46 issue: 1, page(s): 158-167 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. Journal of Biomedical Science 9(5):401-9 Lin SC, et al. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage. Am J Chin Med. ; 28(2):163-73 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Burdock Horng Chi-Ting, et al. Inhibitory effect of burdock leaves on elastase and tyrosinase activity. Exp Ther Med. 14(4): 3247–3252 Miglani A, Manchanda RK. Observational study of Arctium lappa in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Homeopathy. 103(3):203-207.24931753 Rieman MT, et al. Amish burn ointment and burdock leaf dressings: assessments of antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. J Burn Care Res. 35(4):e217-23 JianFeng C, et al. Effect of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. (burdock) roots on the sexual behavior of male rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. ;12:8 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 Mar;19(3):255-61. doi:10.1111/1756-185X.12477 Additional Reading American Botanical Council. Food as Medicine: Burdock. Food & Veggies—More Matters. Burdock Root. By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit