BURDOCK

                                                     BURDOCK

                                            (Arctium lappa Linn.)

Synonyms : Arctium majus Bernh

Burdock is the dried first year root collection from Arctium lappa Linn. Hardy, (Compositae/Asteraceae).

      Arctium lappa Linn. is hardy, biennial or perennial herb up to 3 m high, is very common in vacant lots and on trail edges almost all over Europe, having large cordate leaves, capitulum of purple tubular flowers surrounded by green bracts ending in hooks.

Chemicals constituents:

Roots contain insulin (up to 50%) rich in polyunsaturated compounds, polyalkynes, volatile acids and non-hydroxy acid (lauric, myristic, stearic and ployphenolic acids (2-3%) (e.g. caffeic and chlorogenic).

  Leaves have been reported to contain arctiol, fukinone, β-eudesmol and taraxasterol.

    The dried roots of the plant are official in French pharmacopoeia and are used for the treatment of dermatosis and furuncuosis. In phytotherapy, it is recommended for the treatment of acne, and pilo-sebaceous infections and psoriasis.

      The leaves are used locally as an emollient and itch-relieving adjunctive therapy for dermatitis and as topical protective agent for cracks, abrasions, scratches and insect bites.

  Commercial preparation

Crude and extracts of leaves and roots.

Cosmetic Uses

This plant (roots and leaves) is used in herbal cosmetics due to the presence of polyunsaturated compounds, (Insulin) polyalkenes and polyamines; whose in vitro antimicrobial and antifungal properties have been demonstrated. Also used in toiletry preparations for its skin cleansing and hair tonic (stimulate hair growth) properties and used in chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis.

        Traditionally, the plant roots are used orally for the treatment of moderate acne and to improve renal and digestive elimination functions.

Commercial preparation

Crude form as well as extracts of leaves and roots.