Editor’s Note: Each month, HerbalEGram highlights a conventional food and
briefly explores its history, traditional uses, nutritional profile, and modern
medicinal research. We also feature a nutritious recipe for an easy-to-prepare
dish with each article to encourage readers to experience the extensive
benefits of these whole foods. With this series, we hope our readers will gain
a new appreciation for the foods they see at the supermarket and frequently
include in their diets.
The basic materials for this series were compiled
by dietetic interns from Texas State University in San Marcos and the
University of Texas at Austin through the American Botanical Council’s (ABC’s)
Dietetic Internship Program, led by ABC Education Coordinator Jenny Perez. We would like to acknowledge Perez, ABC Special
Projects Director Gayle Engels, and ABC Chief Science Officer Stefan Gafner,
PhD, for their contributions to this project.
By Hannah
Baumana and Bethany Diazb
a HerbalGram Associate Editor
b ABC Dietetics
Intern (Texas State University, 2017)
Overview
Burdock (Arctium
lappa, Asteraceae), also known as great burdock, is a biennial plant in the
sunflower family that grows well in full or partial sun and flourishes in
undisturbed areas.1 Wild burdock can be found in forests, along roadsides
or streams, farmlands, and waste areas. Native to Eurasia, burdock has been
naturalized across the world and has a wide history of use in many countries as
food and/or medicine.2 This weed-like
plant grows well from coast to coast across the northern part of the United
States and southern Canada.1
One of the distinct features of burdock is its
sturdy stalk that can grow from two to six feet in height and its large,
coarse, heart-shaped green leaves that extend out from alternating stems.3
Burdock blooms from mid-summer to early fall starting in its second year of
maturity, and produces purple-pink flowers atop the globular bristle heads that
are often called burrs.2 The root can reach a depth of approximately
two feet and contains the greatest amount of nutrients during the plant’s first
year. The root is long, hard, and slender with a carrot-like shape. When the
brown outer layer is peeled away, the inside of the root is white and has an
earthy, mildly bitter taste.
Phytochemicals and Constituents
Burdock
root is a nutrient-dense food that is low in calories and fat. The root is a
good source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and folate.4,5
Each of these nutrients plays an important part in human metabolism, growth,
and development. Potassium is necessary for electrolyte and pH balance, while
folate is involved in amino acid metabolism, red blood cell formation, and DNA
synthesis.6 In addition, burdock root is also a great source of
fiber in the form of prebiotic inulin, which supports gastrointestinal health.
Inulin has also been associated with the anti-diabetic properties of burdock
root.
Like
most root vegetables, burdock is predominantly composed of complex
carbohydrates. However, in burdock root, fructose is the dominant monosaccharide
in the plant and contains repeating units of fructose and glucose, which
contribute to the high oligosaccharide and polysaccharide content known as fructo-oligosaccharides
(FOSs).7,8
Inulin
is a water-soluble form of fiber that has been studied for its physiological
effects on the gut microbiome. Inulin acts as a prebiotic, which allows the beneficial
microorganisms to flourish in the gut and generate useful short-chain fatty
acids. It also lowers the pH of the intestines, which helps prevent the establishment
and growth of pathogenic bacteria.8 Research suggests that the
diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and the ratio of beneficial microorganisms
to pathogenic microorganisms significantly contribute to healthy weight
management, support the immune system through the regulation and enhancement of
white blood cell activity, and reduce blood triglyceride and cholesterol
levels.
Burdock
root contains numerous phytochemicals, such as lignans, triterpenoids, and
polyacetylenes.3,9 A variety of these
constituents have been shown to promote blood circulation and are linked to
antidiabetic medicinal properties, such as increasing insulin uptake, which
improves glucose tolerance.10 Burdock root also contains caffeic
acid and its derivatives chlorogenic acid and cynarin, as well as the
flavonoids quercetin, luteolin, and the lignans arctiin and arctigenin, which
have demonstrated cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and free radical scavenging
properties.11-13
Arctigenin
is one of the most-studied bioactive compounds in burdock root and has been
investigated both in vitro and in animals for its anti-inflammatory benefits
and potential anti-tumor properties. Arctigenin has been shown to decrease
inflammation in humans by inhibiting the gene expression of proteins that
regulate white blood cell activity and T-lymphocytes.14 A 2017 mouse
study examined arctigenin’s effects on prostate cancer and reported that when
given 50 mg/kg of arctigenin daily prior to tumor implantation, the mice
experienced anti-tumor effects including a reduction in tumor growth factors,
which suppressed overall tumor growth. This suggests that arctigenin, and thus
the use of burdock root, may have a place in preventive medicine and dietary
therapy.15
Historical and Commercial Uses
When burdock became naturalized in North America,
it became a dietary and medicinal ingredient for indigenous tribes.16
Numerous tribes, including the Iroquois, Cherokee, and Delaware, used burdock
root to treat rheumatism and as a blood cleanser.17 Some tribes also
used burdock root to treat skin disturbances. Another common use of burdock
root among tribes was for the treatment of venereal diseases. The Iroquois ate
burdock root as a vegetable, drying and storing the root for colder months.
Burdock has been used for its medicinal properties
for thousands of years in many parts of Europe, China, and Japan. In Japan,
burdock root (called gobo) is a
common food and is used as a remedy in a traditional herbal medicine practice
known as Kampo.2 As a
traditional medicine, burdock is used as a diuretic and also as a so-called “blood
purifier,” or alterative.2,18,19 As a diuretic, burdock root can
increase urination and is used to flush out the urinary tract system and
decrease the occurrence of minor liver- and kidney-related complications.17
As an alterative, burdock root is used to enhance the body’s natural
detoxification processes and has a 100-year history of use in folk and
indigenous medicine as a cancer treatment. In the 1920s, burdock root was an
important herbal component of two folk medicine cancer treatment formulas known
as the Hoxsey and Essiac formulas.18
In modern times, burdock is used by Western
herbalists as a nutritive prebiotic that supports healthy skin, moves lymph,
and enhances detoxification and elimination functions.18 Burdock
root is indicated for skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, atopic
dermatitis, and cystitis. The root is preferred for chronic skin conditions,
while the seed is preferred for treating acute skin eruptions such as boils and
sties.2,18 Other therapeutic conditions for burdock include gout,
rheumatoid arthritis, and anorexia nervosa.9 In addition, burdock
root’s bittersweet flavor can stimulate appetite and improve bowel function.20
As an herbal medicine, burdock root is most often prepared as a tea, but can
also be made into extracts and tinctures, or powdered and encapsulated.
The first-year root of burdock is the most commonly
consumed plant part, though the young leaves are often eaten in salads or
lightly steamed.3,21 Similar
to carrots, a biennial plant grown as an annual root crop, burdock is
cultivated in Japan as an annual root vegetable and is frequently included in
soups, stews, salads, and pickles. Although it is a common vegetable in Japan,
and occasionally used in some culinary practices in parts of Europe, burdock is
little known outside these cultures.2,3 However, it is growing in
popularity as both a food and medicine.
Modern Research
While
clinical evidence on the use of burdock root is limited, much of the research
focuses on inflammatory markers and response pathways.
Chronic
skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, gastrointestinal diseases,
rheumatoid arthritis, and gout can be linked to persistent inflammation in the
body. A placebo-controlled clinical study demonstrated a significant reduction
in osteoarthritis pain in participants who consumed burdock root tea three
times daily for six weeks.22 In addition, those in the treatment
group also experienced significantly increased Knee Injury & Osteoarthritis
Outcome scores and decreased Timed Up and Go scores compared to control. These
results indicate that those in the burdock tea group had reduced arthritis
symptoms, pain, and fall risk and increased mobility and quality of life.
Another
clinical study on burdock root and osteoarthritis reported anti-inflammatory
and antioxidative results. Patients with osteoarthritis were given six grams of
burdock root, delivered as a tea, daily for 42 days. At the end of the
experiment, blood samples and biochemical analyses showed a significant
reductions in the clinical inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL6) and C-reactive
protein (CRP) compared to baseline.23 It is important to note that
all patients in this study were given acetaminophen and glucosamine as part of
their “drug” regimen (glucosamine is technically not a drug, but a dietary
supplement, i.e., depending on the regulatory regime in which it is sold and
used).
Other
clinical studies provide evidence that burdock can significantly improve dry
skin and wrinkles.24,25 However, these studies used the fruit rather
than the root or did not disclose which part of the plant was used.
Rat
studies have demonstrated the gastroprotective properties of burdock root,
seed, and leaf extracts, including healing gastric ulcers, a dose-dependent
response for the healing of gastric mucosa,26 inhibiting gastric
ulcer formation,27 and decreasing the inflammatory response
associated with colitis.28
An in vitro study on the
anti-inflammatory response related to atopic dermatitis found that burdock root
extract had stimulatory effects on immune cells and
inhibited the antigen-induced mRNA expression and production of cytokines
related to allergic and atopic reactions.29 Extracts of burdock root
with concentrations of 10 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL
enhanced proliferation of splenocyte cells that were induced with T-cell
immunogenicity. A down-regulation of IL-4 and IL-5 was exhibited with the 100 µg/mL
extract, supporting the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of burdock
root.
Burdock
root extracts have also exhibited antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. One study
that experimented with eight different burdock root extracts reported that the
hydroethanolic mixture (594 grams of fresh milled burdock root, 1:5 ratio with
70% ethanol) had high amounts of phenolic compounds and the greatest free
radical scavenging activity. The study also reported that the dichloromethane extract
(276 grams of fresh milled roots, 1:5 ratio) showed cytotoxic properties
against specific cancer cell lines.13
Preliminary
studies also suggest that burdock root has the ability to benefit patients with
type 2 diabetes. In an animal study, daily supplementation with burdock root
extract not only increased the levels of insulin produced, but also helped
control body weight and facilitated favorable changes in blood lipid profiles
such as reducing triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol
levels and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.30
In addition, when compared to the control group, the treatment group exhibited
an increase in liver enzymes and a decrease in leptin levels. This study also
had two groups of healthy rats that were not induced with diabetes but were
given the same amount of burdock root extract as their diabetic counterparts.
These two groups of rats also saw significant changes in lipid profiles and insulin
levels, which suggest that burdock root may also be beneficial to patients who
are pre-diabetic or have metabolic syndrome.
A
two-part study reported that burdock root extract in vitro caused an increase
in glucose uptake with insulin present and decreased liver glucose production
by inhibiting the liver enzyme glucose-6 phosphatase. The in vivo phase,
conducted with rats, demonstrated a decrease in blood glucose as well as a decrease
in the amount of insulin secreted for the animals that were given 50 or 100 µg
/mL of dried burdock root extract.10 This indicates that burdock
root extract may be a promising natural remedy for patients with uncomplicated
type 2 diabetes.
Obesity
is a risk factor for many disease states including type 2 diabetes and heart
disease. A rat study found that daily supplementation with burdock root for four
weeks lead to a reduction in body weight.31 Rats that were fed 500 mg/kg
or 1,000 mg/kg of burdock root a day weighed less than the rats in the control
group that did not consume any burdock. This study also investigated the
mechanisms behind the weight management properties and reported that lipid
synthesis was suppressed by downregulating or inhibiting various enzymes that
are part of lipid metabolism and decreased overall cellular lipid content. This
study provides introductory evidence for an alternative method to weight
management in humans.
Burdock
root may also prevent liver damage from environmental toxicity. Rats with liver
injuries ingested 900 mg/kg of burdock root for one day or consumed 300 mg/kg
of burdock three times a day for seven days. Both experimental groups showed a
decrease in serum levels of the liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT and an increase in
glutathione levels.32 Furthermore, additional reviews have found
that the root of burdock helps to decrease lipid deposits into the liver caused
by alcohol or high-fat diets as well as initiate hepatoprotective mechanisms
that increase antioxidant activity.2,8
Consumer Considerations
Burdock
root is well-tolerated by most individuals, though those with a sensitivity to
foods high in the prebiotic inulin, such as Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus, Asteraceae),
artichokes (Cynara scolymus,
Asteraceae), asparagus (Asparagus
officinalis, Asparagaceae), or leeks (Allium
ampeloprasum, Amaryllidaceae), may experience temporary gas or bloating
post-consumption.18 No significant adverse effects have been
reported with burdock root apart from rare cases of anaphylactic shock;
however, patients should discontinue use and notify their health care provider
if they suspect an allergic reaction.20
Burdock
root has not been reported to have any negative interactions with other herbs
or medications. However, since burdock root has been used traditionally to
increase urine output, taking additional diuretics while using burdock is not
recommended.33 Patients should ensure adequate hydration while
taking burdock medicinally due to its diuretic effect.
Nutrient Profile5
Macronutrient Profile: (Per 1 cup of
peeled root [approx. 118 grams])
85 calories
1.8 g
protein
20.5
g carbohydrate
0.2 g
fat
Secondary Metabolites: (Per 1 cup of
peeled root [approx. 118 grams])
Very good source of:
Vitamin
B6: 0.3 mg (17.6% DV)
Dietary
Fiber: 3.9 g (13% DV)
Manganese:
0.3 mg (13% DV)
Magnesium:
45 mg (10.7% DV)
Good source of:
Potassium:
363 mg (7.7% DV)
Folate:
27 mcg (6.8% DV)
Iron:
0.9 mg (5% DV)
Also provides:
Phosphorus:
60 mg (4.8% DV)
Vitamin
C: 3.5 mg (3.9% DV)
Calcium:
48 mg (3.7% DV)
Vitamin
E: 0.5 mg (3.3% DV)
Riboflavin:
0.04 mg (3.1% DV)
Niacin:
0.4 mg (2.5% DV)
Vitamin
K: 1.9 mcg (1.6% DV)
Trace amounts:
Thiamin:
0.01 mg (0.9% DV)
DV =
Daily Value as established by the US Food and Drug Administration, based on a
2,000-calorie diet.
Recipe: Burdock Kinpira
Courtesy of Chichi
Wang34
When shopping for burdock, choose plump,
crisp roots, gently scrub to remove dirt, and briefly soak in acidulated water
(one teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar to one liter water) to prevent browning or
oxidation. To store, wrap in a damp paper towel, refrigerate, and use within a
week.
Ingredients:
- 2
burdock roots approximately one foot in length
- 1
tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2
tablespoons soy sauce
- 1
tablespoon sake or mirin
- 2
tablespoons sugar
Directions:
- Wash
and peel burdock root. Cut the root into four-inch segments, the quarter lengthwise.
Place the prepared root in acidulated water to prevent discoloration.
- Place
a sauté pan over medium heat and add the oil. Sauté root for four to six
minutes until lightly browned.
- Add
soy sauce, sake, and sugar to pan. Simmer for five minutes, until the root is
cooked through but still crunchy. Serve at room temperature or cold.
|
References
- Doll
J, Doll J. Common Burdock. University of Wisconsin Weed Science Cooperative
Extension website. November 2, 1997. Available at: https://fyi.uwex.edu/weedsci/1997/11/02/common-burdock/.
Accessed December 20, 2017.
- El-Darier
SM, Salama SG. Arctium lappa L.
(Asteraceae); a new invasive highly specific medicinal plant growing in Egypt. Pyrex J Plant Agric Res.
2016;2(2):44-53.
- van
Wyk B. Food Plants of the World. Portland, OR: Timber Press; 2006.
- Wood
R. The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia.
New York, NY: Penguin Books; 1999.
- Basic
Report: 11104, Burdock root, raw. US Department of Agriculture Agricultural
Research Service website. Available at: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2883.
Accessed December 20, 2017.
- Gropper
SAS, Smith JL, Carr TP. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism.
Australia: Cengage Learning; 2018.
- Liu
W, Wang J, Zhang Z, et al. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of a
fructan from the roots of Arctium lappa
L. Int J Biol Macromol. 2014;65:446-453.
doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.01.062.
- Wang
H, Wu W. Studies on the physiological functions of burdock inulin. Medicinal
Plant. 2013;4(11/12):58-60.
- Barnes
J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal
Medicines. 3rd ed. London, UK: Pharmaceutical Press; 2007.
- Tousch
D, Bidel LPR, Cazals G, et al. Chemical analysis and antihyperglycemic activity
of an original extract from burdock root (Arctium
lappa). J Agric Food Chem.
2014;62(31):7738-7745.
- Ferracane
R, Graziani G, Gallo M, Fogliano V, Ritieni A. Metabolic profile of the
bioactive compounds of burdock (Arctium
lappa) seeds, roots and leaves. J Pharm Biomed Anal.
2010;51(2):399-404. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2009.03.018.
- Liu
J, Cai YZ, Wong RN, et al. Comparative analysis of caffeoylquinic acids and
lignans in roots and seeds among various burdock (Arctium lappa) genotypes with high antioxidant activity. J Agric Food Chem.
2012;60(16):4067-4075.
- Predes
FS, Ruiz ALTG, Carvalho JE, Foglio MA, Dolder H. Antioxidative and in vitro
antiproliferative activity of Arctium
lappa root extracts. BMC Complem Alt
Med. 2011;11(25):1-5.
- Tsai W,
Chang C, Wang G, Lee T, Chang S, Lu S. Arctigenin from Arctium lappa inhibits interleukin-2 and interferon gene expression
in primary human T lymphocytes. Chinese
Medicine. 2011;6(12):1-8.
- Wang
P, Solorzano W, Diaz T, Magyar CE, Henning SM, Vadgama JV. Arctigenin inhibits
prostate tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Clin Nutr Exp.
2017;13:1-11. doi:10.1016/j.yclnex.2017.04.001.
- Duke
JA, Duke P. Common burdock: Arctium minus
(Hill) Bernh; Family Asteraceae. HerbalGram.
1997;39:87.
- Moerman
D. Native American Ethnobotany. Portland, OR: Timber Press; 1998.
- de la
Forêt, R. Burdock benefits. Herbs with Rosalee website.
2017. Available at: www.herbalremediesadvice.org/burdock-benefits.html.
Accessed December 21, 2017.
- Bebeau
GD. Lesser (Common) Burdock, Great Burdock: Arctium
minus Bernh., Arctium lappa L.
Friends of the Wildflower Garden, Inc. website. 2014. Available at: www.friendsofthewildflowergarden.org/pages/plants/burdock.html. Accessed
December 20, 2017.
- Community
herbal monograph on Arctium lappa L., radix. European Medicines Agency. 2010;44(September 2010):2-7.
- Arctium lappa. NDHealthFacts
website. March 18, 2014. Available at: www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Arctium_lappa.
Accessed December 20, 2017.
- Alipoor
B, Norouzabad LM, Abed R, Oskouei MAE, Sadat BE, Jafarabadi MA. Effect of Arctium lappa L. (Burdock) root tea on
clinical signs and symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Curr Top
Nutraceutical Res. 2014;12(4):149-154.
- Maghsoumi-Norouzabad
L, Alipoor B, Abed R, Eftekhar B. Effects of Arctium lappa L. (Burdock) root tea on inflammatory status and
oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. 2016;19(3):255-261.
- Lee
DH, Seo ES, Hong JT, et al. The efficacy and safety of a proposed herbal
moisturising cream for dry skin and itch relief: a randomised, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial- study protocol. BMC Complement Altern Med.
2013;13(1):330. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-330.
- Knott
A, Reuschlein K, Mielke H, et al. Natural Arctium
lappa fruit extract improves the clinical signs of aging skin. J Cosmet
Dermatol. 2008;7(4):281-289. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00407.x.
- da
Silva LM, Allemand A, Mendes DAGB, et al. Ethanolic extract of roots from Arctium lappa L. accelerates the healing
of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats: Involvement of the antioxidant
system. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013;51:179-187.
doi:10.1016/j.fct.2012.09.026.
- Li
XM, Miao Y, Su QY, Yao JC, Li HH, Zhang GM. Gastroprotective effects of
arctigenin of Arctium lappa L . on a
rat model of gastric ulcers. Biomedical
Reports. 2016;5:589-594. doi:10.3892/br.2016.770.
- de
Almeida ABA, Sánchez-Hidalgo M, Martín AR, et al. Anti-inflammatory intestinal
activity of Arctium lappa L.
(Asteraceae) in TNBS colitis model. J Ethnopharmacol.
2013;146(1):300-310. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.048.
- Sohn
E, Jang S, Joo H, et al. Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of butanol
extract from Arctium lappa L. Clinical and Molecular Allergy.
2011:9(4)1-12.
- Ahangarpour
A, Heidari H, Oroojan AA, Mirzavandi F, Nasr Esfehani K, Dehghan Mohammadi Z.
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 Phytomedicine. 2017;7(2):169-179.
- Kuo
D, Hung M, Hung C, et al. Body weight management effect of burdock (Arctium lappa L.) root is associated
with the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in human HepG2 cells. Food
Chem. 2012;134(3):1320-1326. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.03.023.
- Lin
S-C, Lin C-H, Lin C-C, et al. 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. doi:10.1007/BF02256533.
- Burdock.
University of Maryland Medical Center website. June 22, 2015. Available at: www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/burdock.
Accessed September 1, 2017.
- Wang
C. Seriously Asian: Burdock Root Recipe. Serious Eats website. May 2010.
Available at: www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/05/seriously-asian-stir-fried-burdock-root-kinpira-pickled-burdock-recipe.html.
Accessed January 3, 2018.
|