Arctium lappa Pharmacognosy Pharmacology

1. ARCTIUM LAPPA

2. INTRODUCTION
Botanical origin: Arctium lappa L
Common name: Burr , lappa
English name: Great burdock
Urdu name: Zard meena
Family: Asteraceae
Part used: roots , leaves , seeds

3. Chemical Constituents
Roots contain:
Inulin(upto-50%) rich in
polyunsaturated compounds ,
polyalkenes , polyalkynes
Volatile acids (acetic acid ,butyric acid
Non hydroxyl acids ( lauric acid ,
myristic acid , stearic acid )
Polyphenolic acid ( 2-3 %) e.g caffeic
and chlorogenic
Mucilage
Leaves contain :
Arctiol ,fukinone , Beta – eudesmol
and taraxasterol

4. Chemical Constituents
Roots contain:
Inulin (upto-50%) rich in polyalkenes ,
polyalkynes polyunsaturated compounds.
Volatile acids (acetic acid ,butyric acid.
Non hydroxyl acids (lauric acid , myristic
acid , stearic acid ).
Polyphenolic acid ( 2-3 %) e.g caffeic and
chlorogenic .
Mucilage.
Leaves contain.
Arctiol ,fukinone , Beta – eudesmol and
taraxasterol.

5. Pharmacological Action
Depurative :
Burdock has high concentration of minerals including iron ,
hence it is very good blood tonic and good blood purifier.
Skin condition :
( Acne, eczema, psoriasis, boils, abscesses)
Burdock is well known for its abilities in removing toxins
and eliminating bacteria and fungi that are responsible for
many skin condition.It also contain phytosterols and fatty
acids that are beneficial to the skin.

6. Treat sore throat, cold, flu, fever:
Burdock root contains mucilage which soothes
imflamed tissues in the throat and digestive tract.
It treats dry cough. Mucilagenous compound are
also known to thin down mucous.
Which can help congestion in the chest and nasal
passages. Burdock root is also a great natural
source of zinc which is one of the best
supplements for treating cold and flu. It also have
antipyretic properties

7. Treatment of gout:
Burdock can block the enzyme, xanthine oxidase that
produces uric acid.
Anti-inflammatory:
Many of the chemical compounds found in burdock
root such as tannin, lactone ,fukinone and
taraxosterol have been shown to have anti
inflammatory properties.
Anti diabetic:
Burdock can be used in diabetes because it can low
blood suger level.
Diuretic:
Burdock root has diuretic properties which help to
remove toxins from body.

8. Hair and scalp conditioning:
Burdock root oil is an excellent natural conditioner
for hair and scalp due to its essential fatty acids,
phytosterol, vitamin A content. It can also promote
hair growth.
Anti cancer properties:
Arctigenin, a compund in burdock exhibit cytotoxicity
by inducing necrosis in cancer cells .Another
compound ,arctiin demonstrates a strong cytotoxic
effect on hepatoma, lung cancer and skin cancer.
Promote liver function:
An overloaded liver results in toxins being stored in
the body.Burdock root increases the bile production
which cleans the liver and help it in function better.

9. Reduces heart diseaes:
Burdock root contains inulin which has been shown
to reduce cholesterol and help with weight loss.
As emollient:
Leaves are used as an emollient and itch-relieving
adjunctive therapy for dermatitis and as topical
protective agent for cracks, abrasions and insect
bites.
Dosage:
Dried root in the form of capsules 1-2 gram three
times a day.
Tincture :
6ml three times a day.

10. Side effects :
There are few side effects including
allergic reactions. In large amount
tannin content can cause
gastrointestial distress.
Precautions and warning:
As it can stimulate uterine contraction
it is not recommended for use during
pregnancy.
Toxicity:
Burdock is generally considered safe
and edible food product.

11. Drug interaction:
 Burdock alter blood sugar level so caution is advised
when using medication that also alter blood sugar
level.
 Burdock may increase the risk of bleeding when
taken with drugs that increase the risk o f bleeding
e.g aspirin ,anti coagulant ( blood thinners) such as
warfarin or heparin.
 References:
 www.naturalstandard.com
 www.drugs.com
 Text book of industrial pharmacognosy by
n.b.kalia.