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Botanical

Burdock

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a plant of the daisy family. Its dried root is used in herbal medicine and, in Japan, eaten as a vegetable.

Also listed as Arctium lappa, Burdock Root Extract, Burdock Root Powder, Burdock Extract

LongevityImmune SupportOrgan FunctionGut HealthHair & Skin

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Oxidative stressLongevityModerateBNo linked study
Immune SupportSmallCNo linked study
Liver healthOrgan FunctionSmallCNo linked study
InflammationSmallCNo linked study
Gut healthSmallCNo linked study
Skin textureHair & SkinSmallCNo linked study
All 9 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is burdock root used for?

The EMA monograph covers dried roots of Arctium species in the daisy family, including Arctium lappa. It recognizes traditional use for temporary appetite loss, seborrheic skin conditions and increasing urine flow to help flush the urinary tract in minor complaints. 1

Here, “traditional” means the indications rest on longstanding use. It is not the same as efficacy established through modern clinical trials. 1

Why people take it

Detox21.8%
Immune Support21.2%
Essential Health14.5%
Gut Health13%
Organ Function7.5%
Energy6.1%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Is burdock a proven skin treatment?

The EMA lists seborrheic skin conditions as a traditional use based on longstanding experience, not established clinical efficacy. 1

Does burdock reduce inflammation?

A small osteoarthritis trial found changes in blood markers. That preliminary result does not establish treatment benefits across inflammatory diseases. 2

Can burdock be used in pregnancy?

The EMA does not recommend it during pregnancy or breastfeeding because sufficient safety data are missing. 1

Sources