Burdock Root
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 36 participants, researched for Antioxidant Support, Liver Protection, Anti-Inflammatory.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antioxidant Support
ModerateLiver Protection
WeakAnti-Inflammatory
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antioxidant Support
To evaluate burdock root extract antioxidant effects in humans
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate burdock root extract antioxidant effects in humans
Dose
1500 mg/day root extract
Participants
36 healthy adults
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Burdock root extract significantly increased total antioxidant capacity, SOD and catalase activity, while reducing MDA (lipid peroxidation) compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
Total antioxidant capacity, SOD, catalase, MDA
To review pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications of Arctium lappa root
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications of Arctium lappa root
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Arctium lappa root demonstrated antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. High chlorogenic and caffeic acid content drives antioxidant effects. PMCID: PMC11335715
How They Measured It
Comprehensive literature review
To assess anti-inflammatory effects of Arctium lappa and mechanisms
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To assess anti-inflammatory effects of Arctium lappa and mechanisms
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
LPS-activated macrophage cultures
Duration
N/A
Results
Burdock root extract significantly suppressed NF-kB activation, COX-2 expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages.
How They Measured It
NF-kB activation, COX-2 expression, inflammatory cytokines
Liver Protection
To assess hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa in ethanol-induced liver injury
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To assess hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa in ethanol-induced liver injury
Dose
125, 250 mg/kg extract
Participants
Male Wistar rats
Duration
7 days
Results
Burdock root significantly reduced liver enzymes and hepatotoxicity induced by ethanol and CCl4, with hepatoprotective mechanism attributed to antioxidative activity. PMID: 12218354
How They Measured It
Liver enzymes (AST, ALT), histopathology, antioxidant enzymes
To investigate burdock root on NASH-associated hepatocarcinogenesis
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate burdock root on NASH-associated hepatocarcinogenesis
Dose
Burdock root extract
Participants
Male Wistar rats
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Burdock root extract reduced fatty acid accumulation, lipid hydroperoxides, and GST-P+ preneoplastic lesion development in NASH model, suggesting cancer-preventive hepatoprotection. PMID: 31804025
How They Measured It
GST-P+ preneoplastic lesions, Ki-67, lipid hydroperoxides, antioxidant enzymes
To investigate Arctium lappa root extract in lead-induced liver injury
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate Arctium lappa root extract in lead-induced liver injury
Dose
200 mg/kg ALRE
Participants
Wistar rats
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Burdock root extract significantly prevented lead-induced liver damage by attenuating oxidative stress and activating Akt/GSK-3β protective signalling.
How They Measured It
Liver enzymes, oxidative markers, Akt/GSK-3β signalling
Anti-Inflammatory
To evaluate anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root in arthritis model
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To evaluate anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root in arthritis model
Dose
200 mg/kg extract
Participants
Arthritic mice
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Burdock root significantly reduced paw edema and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and improved histopathology in arthritis model.
How They Measured It
Paw edema, inflammatory cytokines, histopathology
To assess inulin from burdock root on gut microbiota and inflammation
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To assess inulin from burdock root on gut microbiota and inflammation
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
Human gut microbiome fermentation model
Duration
N/A
Results
Burdock root inulin significantly increased beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) and short-chain fatty acid production, reducing intestinal inflammation markers.
How They Measured It
Microbiome composition, short-chain fatty acid production, intestinal inflammation markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Burdock Root research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Burdock Root (Arctium lappa), involving 36 total participants. Research covers Antioxidant support, Liver protection, Anti-inflammatory. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (1 human study, 4 animal studies), and reported outcomes.
Burdock Root has been researched for: Antioxidant support, Liver protection, Anti-inflammatory. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 1 out of 8 studies are human trials. The remaining 4 are animal studies. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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