Herbs and plantsBurdock—the ditch weed that cleanses the skin from within?
Sources: 7 · Article: 12 214 characters
Henryk Różański describes burdock root as an herb traditionally used for metabolic disorders and skin problems.
- Classical herbal medicine attributes diuretic, diaphoretic, and bowel-regulating effects to it.
- A decoction and infusion were used to wash skin lesions, while a tincture and juice were used externally for acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Burdock root was classified among herbs that regulate metabolism and was used in herbal mixtures, including those for obesity.
„Burdock root—Radix Bardanae—has practically always been classified in the history of medicine among the herbal groups that regulate metabolism (metabolica) and act as diuretics (diuretica). It is a common ingredient in urinary, anti-acne, anti-obesity, choleretic, and immune-stimulating mixtures.”Do grupy fitoterapeutycznej ziół – regulujących przemianę materii metabolica i moczopędnych – diuretica paraktycznie od zawsze w dziejach medycyny zawsze zaliczany był korzeń łopianu – Radix Bardanae, pospolity składnik mieszanek urologicznych, przeciwtrądzikowych, przeciw otyłości, żółciopędnych i immunostymulujących.
Henryk Różański
Classical herbal medicine attributes diuretic, diaphoretic, and bowel-regulating effects to burdock root, and also recommends it for skin conditions.
„In classical herbal medicine, burdock root is regarded as a blood-cleansing agent (depurativum), a bowel regulator, a diuretic (diureticum), and a diaphoretic (diaphoreticum). It is generally recognized as a dermatoplasticum effective in treating skin conditions. Burdock was taken orally as medicines such as a decoction (Decoctum), a thick extract (Extractum Bardanae fluidum)—5 ml 4–6 times a day—and juice (Succus Bardanae recens, 3 times a day).”W klasycznej fitoterapii korzeń łopianu uznany jest za środek czyszczący krew (depurativum), regulujący wypróżnienia, moczopędny (diureticum) i napotny (diaphoreticum). Ogólnie uznany za dermatoplasticum skuteczne w leczeniu schorzeń skórnych. Podawano łopian w formie leków doustnych (odwar Decoctum, wyciąg gęsty Extractum Bardanae fluidum – 4-6 razy dziennie 5 ml; sok – Succus Bardanae recens 3 razy dz.
Henryk Różański
According to Henryk Różański, burdock extracts increase the production of sweat and urine, through which the body removes unnecessary metabolites.
„They increase the production of sweat and urine, along with which harmful and unnecessary metabolites are removed. Burdock juice strengthens the body, boosts immunity, activates tissue renewal, and regulates sebum production. Burdock preparations inhibit inflammation in the body. Stabilized burdock juice and cut root are available commercially.”Wzmagają wydzielanie potu i moczu, a wraz z nimi szkodliwych i zbędnych metabolitów. Sok z łopianu wzmacnia, wzmaga odporność, aktywuje procesy odnowy tkanek i reguluje wydzielanie łoju. Preparaty łopianowe hamują stany zapalne w organizmie. W handlu dostępny jest stabilizowany sok z łopianu i rozdrobniony korzeń.
Henryk Różański
In folk medicine, burdock preparations were used for skin conditions and metabolic disorders.
„In folk medicine, burdock preparations are used to treat not only skin conditions but also rheumatism, metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal catarrh, and oliguria.
We can therefore see that considerable progress has been made in identifying the raw material’s chemical properties.”W medycynie ludowej przetwory z łopianu są używane w leczeniu nie tylko schorzeń skórnych, ale również reumatyzmu, zaburzeń metabolicznych, nieżytów przewodu pokarmowego i skąpomoczu.
Widzimy więc, że są znaczne postępy w rozpoznaniu właściwości chemicznych surowca.
Henryk Różański
A decoction and infusion of the root were used to wash skin lesions, and were also taken internally for rashes.
„A decoction and infusion of the root were used to wash ringworm lesions, skin eruptions, and psoriasis. Taken internally, the decoction and infusion were used for gout, syphilis, and skin eruptions. Fresh crushed leaves were used as poultices for burns and festering ulcers.”Odwar i napar z korzenia używano do przemywania liszajów, wyrzutów skórnych, łuszczycy. Wewnętrznie podawano odwar i napar przy podagrze, przymiocie (syfilis) i wyrzutach skórnych. Świeże pogniecione liście używano do okładów na oparzenia i jątrzące się owrzodzenia.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański says that a root decoction was used for dermatitis, erythema, and eczema.
„A root decoction, boiled for 10–15 minutes, should be taken in 100 ml doses 3–4 times a day for dermatitis, erythema, eczema, fever, urinary retention, and diabetes. A decoction, infusion, and tincture inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses (burdock polyacetylenes). Burdock fruit extract clearly lowers blood glucose (a hypoglycemic effect).”Odwar z korzenia, gotowany 10-15 minut zażywać po 100 ml 3-4 razy dziennie przy zapaleniu skóry, rumieniu, wypryskach, gorączce, zastoju moczu i cukrzycy. Odwar, napar i nalewka hamuje rozwój bakterii i wirusów (poliacetyleny łopianowe). Ekstrakt z owoców łopianu wyraźnie obniża poziom glukozy we krwi (wpływ hipoglikemiczny).
Henryk Różański
According to Henryk Różański, a root tincture can be used externally to wash affected skin, including skin with acne or psoriasis.
„The roots contain polyacetylenes (0.001–0.002%), free acids (propionic, isovaleric, butyric, acetic, 3-octenoic, and 3-hexenoic), plant hormones (gamma-guanidino-n-butyric acid), lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids, costic acid, and arctic acid—a combination of an acetylenic acid with sulfur.
Burdock tincture—Tinctura Bardanae 1:5—is currently recommended at a dose of 2–4 ml 3 times a day, although I recommend larger doses: 5–10 ml of a stronger tincture made with 1 part fresh or dried, crushed root to 3 parts 40–60% alcohol. This tincture can also be used to wash affected skin, for example skin with psoriasis, acne, or ringworm lesions.”Korzenie zawierają poliacetyleny 0,001-0,002%, wolne kwasy (propionowy, izowalerianowy, masłowy, octowy, 3-oktenowy, 3-heksenowy), hormony roślinne (gamma-guanidyno-n-masłowy kwas = gamma-guanidino-n-butyric acid), kwas laurowy, mirystowy, palmowy, stearynowy, kwas kostowy (costic acid), kwas arktowy (arctic acid) – połączenie kwasu acetylenowego z siarką
Obecnie zaleca się zażywanie nalewki łopianowej – Tinctura Bardanae 1:5 w dawce 2-4 ml 3 razy dziennie, choć ja polecam większe dawki: 5-10 ml z nalewki mocniejszej: 1 część świeżego lub suchego rozdrobnionego korzenia na 3 części alkoholu 40-60%. Taka nalewka można również przemywać chorą skórę, np. łszczycową i trądzikową, z liszajami.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes juice from burdock root and herb as a product for external use with anti-inflammatory and anti-seborrheic effects.
„Juice from burdock root and herb—Succus Bardanae—can be preserved with 40–60% alcohol (in a 1:1 ratio) and used externally (for its nourishing, anti-inflammatory, anti-seborrheic, and skin-lightening properties), as well as taken orally in a dose of 10 ml 2–3 times a day for at least 2–3 weeks.”Sok z korzenia i ziela łopianu – Succus Bardanae można zakonserwować alkoholem 40-60% (w proporcji 1:1) i stosować zewnętrznie (właściwości odżywcze, przeciwzapalne, przeciwłojotokowe i wybielające skórę) oraz doustnie w ilości 10 ml 2-3 razy dziennie, przez co najmniej 2-3 tygodnie.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański notes that Commission E considered burdock’s effectiveness unproven and did not recommend its medicinal use.
„But really, what does Commission E matter? A few professors and doctors who consider themselves the ultimate authorities on herbal medicine do not convince me, and they are not an argument or an authority that should decide the value of herbs for everyone. Herbal medicine is too old and too extensive for a few people to master all its knowledge.”Ale w sumie, co tam Komisja E, jakoś paru profesorów i doktorów, uważających się za alfa i omegę z dziedziny ziołecznictwa – nie przemawia do mnie i nie jest argumentem, ani autorytetem, aby decydować globalnie o wartości ziół. Ziołecznictwo jest zbyt stare i obszerne, aby kilka osób ogarneło tę wiedzę.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 3 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 1.
The review indicates that burdock and its lignans showed protective effects in preclinical studies of skin inflammation, but clinical evidence is limited.
Aim of the study: Arctium lappa L. (A. lappa) has been used in traditional medicine worldwide and is increasingly being investigated for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its therapeutic relevance for immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs) remains incompletely defined. This review critically evaluates experimental and clinical evidence on A.
Results: Preclinical studies have demonstrated that A. lappa extracts and their lignans modulate key inflammatory pathways, including the NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. Evidence indicates protective effects on keratinocyte hyperproliferation, mast cell activation, dermal fibroblast fibrosis, and vascular endothelial inflammation. However, most data are derived from in vitro or murine models using heterogeneous preparations, with limited clinical validation. Reported doses range from 10-100 μM in cell assays to 15-100 mg/kg in animal studies, but pharmacokinetic and safety data remain insufficient. A. lappa shows promising immunopharmacological potential for IMSDs, but the evidence remains preliminary. The current literature is limited by variability in extract preparation, a lack of standardized dosing, and the absence of robust randomized clinical trials.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Key Research and Development Program of China, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Japan, Mochida Memorial Foundation for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review lists antidiabetic and lipid-lowering effects as possible properties of burdock root.
Aim of the study: Arctium lappa, widely recognized as burdock, is a perennial plant that is employed in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine for a wide range of medicinal applications. The herb is rich in bioactive metabolites with therapeutic potential, encompassing polyphenolic antioxidants in its leaves, and flavonoids and fructo-oligosaccharides in its underground parts.
Results: The herb is rich in bioactive metabolites with therapeutic potential, encompassing polyphenolic antioxidants in its leaves, and flavonoids and fructo-oligosaccharides in its underground parts. Nutraceuticals originating from botanical sources such as Arctium lappa provide supplementary health advantages alongside their nutritional content and have demonstrated effectiveness in the prevention and management of specific ailments. The utilization of Arctium lappa root extract has exhibited encouraging outcomes in addressing hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium, lead, chromium, and acetaminophen, ameliorating liver damage and oxidative stress. Additionally, the root extract displays properties such as antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, aphrodisiac, anti-rheumatic, anti-Alzheimer, and various other pharmacological actions.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In mice, burdock root extract reduced ear swelling and lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines; the study found no toxicity at the doses tested.
Aim of the study: A phytopreparation based on the CO2 extract of Arctium tomentosum Mill. root (AT) was evaluated for its safety and anti-inflammatory potential in Swiss albino mice.
Results: AT significantly reduced ear edema and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, AT exhibited potent hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects, as reflected by the stabilization of ALT, AST, SCr, and BUN levels. Histological examination of inflamed tissues corroborated these findings. Overall, AT is well tolerated and demonstrates potent systemic anti-inflammatory and multi-organ protective properties, supporting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
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