Burdock Root - Clinical Research

Burdock Root - Clinical Research

Burdock Root: The Science Behind the Relief

Known for its deep roots in traditional medicine, Arctium lappa (burdock root) has long been used to calm inflammation and purify the body. Modern science supports its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects — driven by natural compounds like arctigenin and arctiin, which help inhibit key inflammatory mediators and protect tissues from oxidative stress. — mechanisms directly relevant to pain relief and joint health.

Clinical & Mechanistic Evidence

  1. Effects of Arctium lappa L. Root Tea on Inflammatory Status and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
    Maghsoumi-Norouzabad L, Alipoor B, Abed R, Sadat BE. Int J Rheum Dis. 2014;19(3).
    In this human clinical trial, daily burdock root tea for six weeks significantly reduced serum IL-6 and hs-CRP while increasing antioxidant enzymes (TAC and SOD) in patients with knee osteoarthritis — demonstrating systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects relevant to pain relief.
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  2. Anti-Inflammatory, Antinociceptive, and Antioxidant Activities of Arctium lappa Extracts
    Erdemoğlu N, Küpeli E, Yeşilada E. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;122(3):497-502.
    Demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving (antinociceptive) effects in validated experimental models, confirming burdock’s traditional use for swelling and musculoskeletal pain.
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  3. Topical Arctium lappa Root Emulgel Attenuates Pro-Inflammatory Mediators in Experimental Inflammation
    Kola-Mustapha AT, Oluwasina OO, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023;310:116412.
    Formulations containing burdock root extract significantly lowered COX-2, PGE-2, and TNF-α levels, suggesting topical anti-inflammatory activity relevant to pain-relief creams.
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  4. Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Arctium lappa Constituents: A Comprehensive Review
    Yosri N, Abd El-Wahed A, et al. Antioxidants. 2023;12(7):1371.
    Review summarising the biochemical pathways of burdock’s active compounds (arctigenin, arctiin, caffeoylquinic acids) that inhibit NF-κB, iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, reinforcing its scientific basis for natural pain relief.
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