Burdock Root/Niú Bàng Gēn 牛蒡根

A 2023 review surveyed burdock's traditional uses, chemical constituents and clinical studies. It noted that laboratory and animal research has explored antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and liver-protective activities, while emphasizing that more well-designed human trials are still needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

In a randomized, double-blind trial, 60 women with PCOS took 460 mg/day burdock root powder or placebo for 12 weeks. Research suggests the burdock group showed higher antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, catalase) and lower malondialdehyde and C-reactive protein than placebo, with modest reductions in ovarian volume. A single small study; replication is needed.

A 2011 review summarized research on different parts of the burdock plant. It noted that root extracts contain antioxidant and anti-diabetic compounds, seeds have shown anti-inflammatory activity in experimental models, and leaf extracts have antimicrobial activity in vitro. The authors also cautioned that contact dermatitis and allergic reactions have been reported.

In a mouse model of acute lung inflammation, pretreatment with arctigenin, a lignan found in burdock, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and oxidative stress markers while increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. The authors proposed that arctigenin acts through MAPK and iNOS signaling. Findings in animal models do not necessarily translate to humans.