# Arctium lappa

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/arctium-lappa
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-25
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Arctium lappa L., Greater burdock, Edible burdock, Lappa, Bardana, Gobo, Niúbàng, Beggar's buttons

## Overview

Arctium lappa (burdock root) contains bioactive compounds including arctigenin and chlorogenic acid that exhibit anti-inflammatory and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties. Research shows it may help reduce ovarian volume in PCOS and improve inflammatory markers in osteoarthritis through modulation of [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce ovarian volume and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers in women with PCOS (moderate evidence - one RCT with 60 subjects)
• Shows potential for improving [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) status in knee osteoarthritis patients (preliminary evidence - small clinical trial)
• May stimulate [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) and increase hyaluronan levels when applied topically (moderate evidence - 12-week human study)
• Demonstrates [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects against drug-induced liver toxicity (preliminary evidence - animal studies only)
• May help manage autoimmune conditions through [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects (preliminary evidence - primarily animal models)

## Mechanism of Action

Arctium lappa's primary bioactive compound arctigenin inhibits nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production including TNF-α and IL-6. Chlorogenic acid provides additional antioxidant effects by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and modulating oxidative stress markers. The plant's lignans may also influence hormonal pathways through estrogen receptor modulation.

## Clinical Summary

One randomized controlled trial with 60 women showed Arctium lappa supplementation significantly reduced ovarian volume and improved [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers in PCOS patients. A small clinical trial demonstrated potential benefits for [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) status in knee osteoarthritis patients. Limited evidence suggests effects on [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), though this requires further investigation. Current clinical evidence remains preliminary with small sample sizes requiring larger, longer-term studies for definitive conclusions.

## Nutritional Profile

Arctium lappa (burdock root) contains moderate carbohydrate content (approximately 17-20g per 100g fresh root), primarily as inulin-type fructooligosaccharides (inulin content 3.5-4.0g per 100g fresh weight, up to 45% dry weight), which serve as prebiotic dietary fiber with low glycemic impact and enhanced gut microbiota bioavailability. Protein content is relatively low at approximately 1.5-2.0g per 100g fresh root, containing essential amino acids including arginine and aspartic acid. Fat content is minimal at 0.1-0.2g per 100g. Key micronutrients include potassium (approximately 308mg per 100g), magnesium (38mg per 100g), phosphorus (51mg per 100g), calcium (41mg per 100g), and iron (0.8mg per 100g). Manganese is notably present at approximately 0.26mg per 100g. Vitamin C content ranges from 3-5mg per 100g fresh root, with small amounts of B-vitamins including thiamine (B1: ~0.01mg), riboflavin (B2: ~0.03mg), and niacin (B3: ~0.3mg) per 100g. Bioactive compounds include caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid), arctiin and arctigenin (lignans, approximately 0.01-0.05% dry weight), sesquiterpene lactones, and polyphenolic [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s including quercetin and luteolin glycosides. Arctigenin demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability following gut microbial conversion from arctiin. Inulin bioavailability is largely colonic (prebiotic fermentation) rather than systemic. Polyphenol bioavailability is estimated at 10-30% depending on food matrix and [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) composition.

## Dosage & Preparation

Root powder: 460 mg/day (studied for PCOS over 12 weeks). Topical formulations: Applied to skin for 12 weeks in clinical studies. Purified lignans: 25 mg/kg/day arctiin orally or 15 mg/kg arctigenin intraperitoneally in animal studies only. Standardization information is largely absent from clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Arctium lappa is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately, though allergic reactions may occur in sensitive individuals. It may interact with diabetes medications by enhancing glucose-lowering effects, requiring blood sugar monitoring. The herb should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with kidney disorders should use caution as burdock root may have diuretic properties.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence remains limited, with a recent RCT (2023-2024) showing 460 mg/day of A. lappa root powder reduced ovarian volume in 60 PCOS patients over 12 weeks. A systematic review of immunological and dermatological outcomes emphasizes that current literature lacks standardized dosing and robust randomized clinical trials, with most evidence confined to case reports, small pilot trials, or preclinical studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

A. lappa has been used in traditional medicine worldwide and is classified as a medicinal edible homologous plant, suggesting long-standing use in multiple traditional medicine systems. However, specific details regarding which traditional systems and the duration of historical use are not detailed in current literature.

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk thistle, Turmeric, Green tea extract, Quercetin, Resveratrol

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage of Arctium lappa for PCOS?

Clinical studies used varying dosages, with one PCOS trial using standardized extract daily for 3 months. Optimal dosing remains unclear and should be determined with healthcare provider guidance based on individual needs and extract standardization.

### How long does it take for Arctium lappa to show effects?

In the PCOS study, significant improvements in ovarian volume and oxidative stress markers were observed after 3 months of supplementation. Individual responses may vary, and consistent daily use appears necessary for potential benefits.

### Can Arctium lappa interact with blood pressure medications?

Arctium lappa may have mild diuretic effects that could potentially interact with blood pressure medications. Patients taking antihypertensive drugs should consult their healthcare provider before use and monitor blood pressure regularly.

### Is Arctium lappa the same as burdock root?

Yes, Arctium lappa is the scientific name for burdock root, a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine. The root contains the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds like arctigenin and is the primary part used in supplements.

### What are the main active compounds in Arctium lappa?

The primary bioactive compounds include arctigenin (a lignan), chlorogenic acid, and various phenolic acids. Arctigenin is considered the most pharmacologically active compound responsible for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects demonstrated in clinical studies.

### What does research show about Arctium lappa for PCOS and ovarian health?

One randomized controlled trial with 60 subjects found that Arctium lappa may reduce ovarian volume and decrease oxidative stress markers in women with PCOS, suggesting potential benefits for hormonal balance and reproductive health. However, evidence remains moderate and limited to a single study, so more clinical research is needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal dosing protocols.

### Can Arctium lappa be applied topically for skin health, and what does the evidence show?

Yes, topical application of Arctium lappa demonstrates moderate evidence for stimulating collagen synthesis and increasing hyaluronan levels, as demonstrated in a 12-week human study. These effects suggest potential benefits for skin elasticity and hydration, though long-term safety and efficacy data for topical formulations remain limited.

### Who should avoid Arctium lappa supplements, and are there specific populations at higher risk?

Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed, chrysanthemum, or daisy) should avoid Arctium lappa due to potential cross-reactivity risks. Additionally, pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before supplementation, as safety data in these populations is insufficient.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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