Burdock Root Powder

Burdock Root Powder

Burdock, also known as Arctium lappa, is a vegetable that is native to Asia, Europe, and the United States. The deep roots of the burdock plant have been used for centuries in Western folk herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine to treat a broad range of medical maladies. The medicinal properties of burdock root are primarily attributed to its rich antioxidant content. You can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of this ancient medicinal plant by consuming it in the form of tea or supplement.

Benefits of Burdock Root

Now, researchers have discovered a wide array of potential uses and health benefits of burdock root, making it as a complementary treatment for certain conditions. The following are among its extensive therapeutic benefits:

Anti-Aging

Scientific studies have shown that burdock extract can help slow the clinical signs of skin aging. For instance, a 2008 study showed that topical treatment with a natural burdock extract significantly stimulated collagen synthesis and led to a visible wrinkle reduction in human skin cell samples.[1]

Cancer Prevention

Burdock root shows promise for naturally fighting cancer because it contains a potent anti-cancer agent known as arctigenin. According to one study, arctigenin combats cancer cells by selectively stopping their growth and reproduction.[2] Another study found that arctigenin killed various types of human cancer cells including prostate, lung, liver and stomach cancer.[3]

Relief from Arthritis

Burdock root is known to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in patients with arthritis. According to a 2012 study published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, burdock root tea may help improve inflammatory status and symptoms of patients with knee osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.[4] The study participants were given three cups of burdock root tea per day for 42 days and were then assessed for blood levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein. After the treatment period, the study participants had lower levels of inflammatory markers and reported significant improvement in symptoms.

Improved Wound Healing

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of burdock root can help accelerate wound healing when it’s applied to the skin. A 2014 study even found evidence that burdock root may help treat burns by preventing infection and accelerating the wound repair process.[5]

Prevents Baldness

South Korean scientists found that the arctiin found in burdock root can help prevent free radical-induced death of human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs).[6] This finding is highly significant since these cells help regulate hair follicle growth. This in turn can help increase hair growth, thereby preventing baldness in men.[7]

Improved Blood Pressure

One study reported that the mechanism by which arctigenin in burdock root seems to elicit its antihypertensive effects involves increased production of nitric oxide (NO), which helps widen blood vessels.[8] This in turn helps lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation.

Improved Sexual Function

The aphrodisiac effects of burdock root may be related to the presence of flavonoids, saponins, and other plant compounds.[9] Specifically, the arctigenin in burdock root may help improve sexual function by boosting the levels of nitric oxide, thereby improving blood flow within the penis. This in turn results in harder and longer erections sufficient for sexual intercourse.

Liver Protection

Accumulation of free radicals in the liver is associated with various liver diseases including liver cancer, hepatitis and scarring. Interestingly, a 2011 study published in Complementary & Alternative Medicine reported that burdock root extract exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging activity in human liver cells compared to other herbal medicines, suggesting that it can help protect and detoxify the liver.[10]

References:

1. Knott A, Reuschlein K, Mielke H. Natural Arctium lappa fruit extract improves the clinical signs of aging skin. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2008; 7(4):281-9.
2. Susanti S, Iwasaki H, Inafuku M, Taira N, Oku H. Mechanism of arctigenin-mediated specific cytotoxicity against human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Phytomedicine: international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2013; 21(1):39-46.
3. Susanti S, Iwasaki H, Itokazu Y. Tumor specific cytotoxicity of arctigenin isolated from herbal plant Arctium lappa L. Journal of natural medicines. 2012; 66(4):614-21.
4. 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. International journal of rheumatic diseases. 2016; 19(3):255-61.
5. Rieman MT, Neely AN, Boyce ST. Amish burn ointment and burdock leaf dressings: assessments of antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Journal of burn care & research: official publication of the American Burn Association. 2014; 35(4):e217-23.
6. Bae S, Lim KM, Cha HJ, et al. Arctiin blocks hydrogen peroxide-induced senescence and cell death though microRNA expression changes in human dermal papilla cells. Biological Research. 2014;47(1):50. doi:10.1186/0717-6287-47-50.
7. Driskell RR, Clavel C, Rendl M, Watt FM. Hair follicle dermal papilla cells at a glance. Journal of Cell Science. 2011;124(8):1179-1182. doi:10.1242/jcs.082446.
8. Anwar MA, Al Disi SS, Eid AH. Anti-Hypertensive Herbs and Their Mechanisms of Action: Part II. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2016;7:50. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00050.
9. JianFeng C, PengYing Z, ChengWei X, TaoTao H, YunGui B, KaoShan C.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12(1):1.
10. Predes FS, Ruiz AL, Carvalho JE, Foglio MA, Dolder H. Antioxidative and in vitro antiproliferative activity of Arctium lappa root extracts. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011;11:25. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-25.