Arctium lappa, called burdock and thorny burr, is a common weed known for its prickly burrs that detach from the plant and stick to clothing, fur and hair. Burdock root can be eaten as a vegetable, and burdock root and seeds are traditionally believed to have a positive impact on many health conditions.
Reducing Blood Sugar
Animal research and preliminary studies with humans indicate that burdock root or fruit may be effective for reducing blood sugar, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Burdock also appears to increase carbohydrate tolerance in animals, another possible benefit for diabetics, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). If you take medication to regulate blood sugar, you may need to be cautious about taking burdock supplements.
Potential Benefits
Burdock may have a positive impact on other health conditions. Burdock may have anti-cancer benefits and increase the quality of life in cancer patients, according to the NIH. Burdock is a main active ingredient in the combination herbal remedies Essiac and Hoxsey formula--the NIH cautions that more research is necessary on these. Laboratory studies show that burdock has antibacterial and fungus-inhibiting properties, according to the MSKCC, and animal research indicates that burdock has protective effects on the liver.
Warning
You should only purchase burdock root products from reputable manufacturers to avoid contamination with toxic substances, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Burdock root looks similar to the poisonous roots of Atropa belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade. Some serious negative effects reported with burdock root supplements are likely due to contamination with belladonna, according to the NIH.
Side Effects
Burdock is generally not associated with side effects. It may have a diuretic effect with increased urination. Some people have reported blurred vision, dry mouth and increased heart rate when taking burdock, but the NIH notes these effects may be due to contamination with belladonna. The UMMC cautions that people allergic to daisies, chrysanthemums or ragweed may also be allergic to burdock root.
Interactions and Contraindications
Burdock may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that have blood-thinning effects, such as aspirin and ibuprofen; anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin; and anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel. You shouldn't take burdock root if you are dehydrated, because the diuretic effects can worsen dehydration. Pregnant women should not take burdock, cautions the MSKCC, because the herb may cause uterine stimulation. The UMMC recommends not taking large amounts of burdock root as a supplement, since research on its safety is lacking.
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