# Arctigenin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/arctigenin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-28 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** (-)-Arctigenin, Arctigenin aglycone, Burdock lignan, Greater burdock extract, Arctium lignan, DBL, Dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol derivative ## Overview Arctigenin is a lignan compound derived from burdock seeds that demonstrates [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) properties by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The compound exhibits [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through nitrite-scavenging mechanisms and shows enhanced bioavailability when formulated in liposomal delivery systems. ## Health Benefits • Potential [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s through acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.462 mg/ml) [1]. • [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties demonstrated by nitrite-scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 17.49 mg/ml) [1]. • Enhanced bioavailability through liposome formulation, improving absorption [1]. • High conversion efficiency in extraction methods, notably microbial fermentation [2]. • Purity of up to 99.66% achieved through supercritical CO₂ extraction [2]. ## Mechanism of Action Arctigenin exerts [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase enzyme with an IC₅₀ value of 0.462 mg/ml, potentially preserving acetylcholine levels in neural tissues. The compound demonstrates [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through nitrite-scavenging pathways (IC₅₀ = 17.49 mg/ml), helping neutralize reactive nitrogen species. Liposomal formulation significantly enhances arctigenin's bioavailability by improving cellular membrane permeability and absorption rates. ## Clinical Summary Current research on arctigenin consists primarily of in vitro studies examining enzyme inhibition and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. The [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibition data comes from laboratory-based enzyme assays rather than human clinical trials. Bioavailability studies have focused on pharmaceutical formulation development using liposomal delivery systems to overcome absorption limitations. Human clinical trials evaluating therapeutic efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety profiles are currently lacking in the published literature. ## Nutritional Profile Arctigenin is a bioactive lignan compound (not a macronutrient source) isolated primarily from Arctium lappa (burdock) seeds and other Asteraceae family plants. It is not a meaningful source of macronutrients, vitamins, or minerals in typical supplemental doses. Key compositional and bioactive data: Molecular formula C₂₁H₂₄O₆, molecular weight 372.41 g/mol. Achievable purity via advanced extraction and microbial fermentation reaches up to 99.66%, indicating high-concentration isolate availability. As a lignan-class polyphenol, it exhibits phenylpropanoid structural features contributing to its [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (nitrite-scavenging IC₅₀ = 17.49 mg/ml). [Acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibitory activity recorded at IC₅₀ = 0.462 mg/ml, indicating neuroactive potency at relatively low concentrations. Bioavailability of native arctigenin is limited due to poor aqueous solubility; liposomal encapsulation formulations have demonstrated measurably improved absorption and systemic delivery. Microbial fermentation (e.g., using gut microbiota or engineered strains) converts arctiigrin (the glycoside precursor) to arctigenin with high conversion efficiency, suggesting that bioavailability in vivo is partly dependent on [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) composition. No significant fiber, protein, or micronutrient content is associated with isolated arctigenin at supplemental doses. ## Dosage & Preparation The research does not provide clinically studied dosage ranges for human use. Laboratory studies used concentrations such as 0.128 mg/ml for minimum nitrite scavenging activity. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for arctigenin supplementation in humans is limited due to the absence of comprehensive clinical trials. Potential interactions with cholinesterase inhibitor medications used for dementia treatment should be considered given arctigenin's [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibitory activity. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical research. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications should exercise caution, as lignans may theoretically affect bleeding risk, though specific interactions with arctigenin have not been documented. ## Scientific Research The research is limited to in vitro pharmacological studies, and no human clinical trials or meta-analyses are available. Thus, the evidence is preliminary and based on laboratory findings. ## Historical & Cultural Context The research dossier does not include information on the traditional or historical use of arctigenin in medicinal systems. Its use in traditional practices remains undocumented in the provided sources. ## Synergistic Combinations Curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea extract ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the effective dose of arctigenin for neuroprotection? Clinical dosage recommendations for arctigenin are not established, as human trials are lacking. In vitro studies show acetylcholinesterase inhibition at concentrations around 0.462 mg/ml, but this cannot be directly translated to oral supplementation doses. ### How does arctigenin compare to other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors? Arctigenin's IC₅₀ of 0.462 mg/ml for acetylcholinesterase inhibition is relatively modest compared to pharmaceutical drugs like donepezil. However, its natural origin and potential for fewer side effects may offer advantages that require clinical validation. ### Can arctigenin help with Alzheimer's disease symptoms? While arctigenin shows acetylcholinesterase inhibition similar to approved Alzheimer's medications, no clinical trials have tested its efficacy for cognitive decline or dementia symptoms. The neuroprotective potential remains theoretical based on laboratory studies. ### What foods contain arctigenin naturally? Arctigenin is primarily found in burdock seeds (Arctium lappa) and smaller amounts in other plants like forsythia fruits. Burdock root, commonly consumed as a vegetable, contains lower concentrations compared to the seeds used for extraction. ### Does liposomal arctigenin work better than regular supplements? Research indicates liposomal formulations significantly improve arctigenin bioavailability compared to standard preparations. The lipid carriers enhance absorption across intestinal membranes, though optimal formulation ratios and clinical superiority require further study. ### Is arctigenin safe to take with common medications like antidepressants or blood thinners? Arctigenin acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which may potentiate other cholinergic medications and theoretically increase risk of interactions with certain antidepressants or medications affecting blood clotting. However, human clinical safety data on arctigenin drug interactions remains limited, and most evidence comes from in vitro studies. Consult a healthcare provider before combining arctigenin supplements with prescription medications, particularly those affecting neurological or cardiovascular function. ### Who is most likely to benefit from arctigenin supplementation? Individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline or mild memory concerns may benefit most from arctigenin's neuroprotective properties through acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Those with high oxidative stress may also benefit from its antioxidant capacity demonstrated through nitrite-scavenging activity. However, clinical evidence in human populations remains preliminary, and benefits are most established in laboratory and animal models rather than large-scale clinical trials. ### Does the purity level of arctigenin supplements affect their effectiveness? Yes, higher purity levels (such as 99.66% achieved through advanced extraction methods like microbial fermentation) generally ensure more consistent potency and fewer potentially inert or harmful contaminants in the final supplement. Purity directly impacts the concentration of the active compound available for absorption and biological activity in the body. When selecting arctigenin supplements, checking for third-party purity certifications and extraction methods can help ensure you receive the intended dose of the active ingredient. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*