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01-10-2011 | Review

A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)

Authors: Yuk-Shing Chan, Long-Ni Cheng, Jian-Hong Wu, Enoch Chan, Yiu-Wa Kwan, Simon Ming-Yuen Lee, George Pak-Heng Leung, Peter Hoi-Fu Yu, Shun-Wan Chan

Published in: Inflammopharmacology | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock, is being promoted/recommended as a healthy and nutritive food in Chinese societies. Burdock has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years. The roots, seeds and leaves of burdock have been investigated in view of its popular uses in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this review, the reported therapeutic effects of the active compounds present in the different botanical parts of burdock are summarized. In the root, the active ingredients have been found to “detoxify” blood in terms of TCM and promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improving the skin quality/texture and curing skin diseases like eczema. Antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds have also been found in the root. In the seeds, some active compounds possess anti-inflammatory effects and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma. In the leaf extract, the active compounds isolated can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the oral cavity. The medicinal uses of burdock in treating chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes and AIDS have been reported. However, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects of burdock including contact dermatitis and other allergic/inflammatory responses that might be evoked by burdock.

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Title: A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)
Authors: Yuk-Shing Chan
Long-Ni Cheng
Jian-Hong Wu
Enoch Chan
Yiu-Wa Kwan
Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
George Pak-Heng Leung
Peter Hoi-Fu Yu
Shun-Wan Chan
Publication date: 01-10-2011
Publisher: SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in: Inflammopharmacology / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0925-4692
Electronic ISSN: 1568-5608
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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