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Pregnancy-Friendly Herbs: Arctium lappa / Burdock Root

Posted By Jennifer Shipp | Dec 30, 2023

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Herbs That Are Safe During Pregnancy: Burdock / Arctium lappa

Arctium lappa is an important herbal remedy for measles, rubella, and Japanese Encephalitis during pregnancy.
______________________________________________________________________________________ Is Arctium lappa safe throughout pregnancy? - Yes. Arctium lappa can be used in moderation throughout pregnancy.

Is Arctium lappa safe while breastfeeding? Yes. The Dr. Lact score for Arctium lappa is 3 out of 8 which is considered low risk.

How can Arctium lappa be used during pregnancy? - Arctium lappa is an herbal remedy for measles during pregnancy as well as Japanese encephalitis among other things. This herb specifically treats and clears the liver which in turn, clears skin rashes. It is a vital detoxifying herb that’s safe during pregnancy. __________________________________________________________________________________________

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NOTE: Arctium lappa should be used in moderation during pregnancy. Large doses of this herb can stimulate uterine activity according to some sources. We have not been able to confirm this fact and it seems a bit suspect because burdock root is a powerful anti-cancer agent which means that there is a lot of misinformation . As such, it is “protected” by Big Pharma from being discovered accidentally by the general public. As a food-plant that is consumed as part of the diet in Asian countries, it’s likely that many pregnant women consume this herb in small to moderate quantities without negative effects. However, women who are pregnant should exercise caution when working with this herb. Herbalists indicate that Arctium lappa is tones the uterus and that it can help prevent water retention in mothers and jaundice in babies. And because this is an herb that can be used to treat chickenpox during pregnancy as well as cancer and other serious infectious diseases like measles, HIV, or Japanese Encephalitis, it is important that we include a thorough discussion of Arctium lappa in this document so that women can consider its use during pregnancy. It is important for women to be aware of this herb as a potential resource, albeit one that should be used with attention to proper dosing.

Arctium lappa, also known as burdock, bardana, or Niu Bang Zi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used as a food for centuries in Japan, China, and Korea. It is perhaps better known as burdock root or “cocklebur”, a thistle-like plant that is related to daisies and sunflowers. Burdock is a valuable herbal remedy for skin conditions (including measles and chickenpox), arthritis, cancer, and health issues involving toxicities in the liver, gallbladder, or kidneys. 

Burdock is grown as a food-plant in Japan. There, it is known as “gobo”. In some parts of Europe, the root of the burdock plant was part of the diet in the late 20th century. As a food plant, burdock is rich in the following nutrients: 

  • Inulin
  • Fiber
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Potassium
  • Amino acids
  • Vitamin A / Carotene
  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin C
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Zinc




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Arctium lappa: Medicinal Effects

Arctium lappa is an important herbal medicine for pregnant women as well as in non-pregnant patients.

  • Antimicrobial
  • Blood purifier
  • Alterative / Restores natural health
  • Antibacterial
  • Demulcent
  • Circulatory
  • Lymphatic stimulant
  • Decongests the lymphatic system
  • Hepatic stimulant
  • Cleanses the liver
  • Decongests the respiratory system
  • Cleanses the kidneys / Diuretic
  • Herbal Remedy for Cystitis During Pregnancy
  • Reduces edema
  • Cleanses the urinary tract
  • Choleretic / Stimulates bile production and elimination
  • Regulates blood sugar / Herbal Remedy for Gestational Diabetes
  • Tones the uterus
  • Can stimulate uterine activity
  • Used to treat skin conditions
  • Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Chickenpox
  • Diaphoretic / Sweat-inducing fever reducing herb
  • Prevents lead poisoning

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Gestational Diabetes

Fresh burdock root is often prescribed by herbalists to control blood sugar. This herbal remedy for gestational diabetes is thought to work via its inulin content. The inulin delays the absorption of sugars from the intestines to reduce blood sugar naturally. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Skin Problems During Pregnancy

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Arctium lappa is used to treat an array of different skin conditions including:

  • Boils
  • Dermatitis
  • Skin ulcerations
  • Psoriasis
  • Eczema
  • Acne
  • Carbuncles
  • Sties
  • Gout
  • Sciatica
  • Seborrheic Skin Conditions


Many of the skin diseases listed above, including measles and chickenpox, involve the liver and/or the kidneys. These two organs of detoxification may, at times, become host to bacterial or viral pathogens as well as toxins from the environment. Detoxifying these two organs of detoxification (the liver and the kidneys), in turn, detoxifies the skin (which is yet another vital organ of detoxification). Arctium lappa is a powerful detoxifying herb, which clears the skin by healing the kidneys and the liver.

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Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Cancer During Pregnancy

Arctium lappa is one of the main ingredients in the famous Essiac tea cancer cure along with sheep sorrel, Indian rhubarb, and slippery elm. Though sheep sorrel and Indian rhubarb are not necessarily safe for use during pregnancy, slippery elm is another herb that can be used safely to cure cancer naturally during pregnancy. Click here to read more about the use of slippery elm during pregnancy.

Click here to read more about Essiac tea as a cure for cancer.

Studies have shown specifically that Arctium lappa hydroalcoholic extract can specifically be used to slow the growth of cancerous tumors in the breast, on the skin, and in the other organs and soft tissues of the body. This herb regulates immune cell migration and activation, reduces inflammation, and slows or halts the progression of cancer. Ethyl acetate extracts of Arctium lappa have also demonstrated strong anticancer effects in studies of leukemia. As a powerful blood and lymph-purifying herb, one could expect that this anticancer herb would work well against lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other types of blood or bone cancers in addition to soft-tissue cancers. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Respiratory Infection During Pregnancy, Influenza Treatment, and Natural Treatment for Other Lung Issues

Arctium lappa is famous for its anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Arctium lappa has been used to treat the inflammation associated with acute lung injury. Burdock works to suppress inflammatory signaling molecules as well as the infiltration of leukocytes into local tissues, both hallmark features of acute inflammation in the body. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock has been used in combination with other herbs to treat respiratory infection and sore throat. Arctigenin is a substance that was first identified in Arctium lappa along with arctiin. Both appear to have anti-influenza effects. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Antimicrobial That’s Safe for Use During Pregnancy

As a whole herb, Arctium lappa has demonstrated inhibitory effects against viruses, bacteria, and fungi including:

Herbal Antiviral Activity of Arctium lappa: 



    • Influenza A - Arctigenin has been shown in several studies to have a direct inhibitory effect on viral replication of Influenza A.
    • Human Immunodeficiency Virus / HIV - Arctigenin has protective effects against HIV.
    • Japanese Encephalitis Virus - Arctigenin has protective effects against Japanese Encephalitis Virus.
    • Adenovirus (ADV-3 and ADV-11)
    • Herpes Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
    • Influenza / H1N1
    • PCV2


Herbal Antibacterial Activity of Arctium lappa: 



  • Helicobacter pylori / H. pylori - Arctigenin has an inhibitory effect against H. pylori.
  • Escherichia coli / E. coli - Arctium lappa has an antibacterial effects against E. coli.
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / P. aeruginosa - Arctium lappa has an antibacterial effect against P. aeruginosa
  • Bacillus cereus
  • Bacillus subtilis
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus
  • Micrococcus luteus
  • Salmonella abony
  • Schistosoma haematobium
  • Serratia marcescens
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis
  • Staphylococcus mutans
  • Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Herbal Antifungal Activity of Arctium lappa



  • Aspergillus niger
  • Candida albicans
  • Candida tropicalis
  • Penicillium hirsutum

Click here to buy Arctium lappa / Niu Bang Zi / Burdock Extract.

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Schistosomiasis During Pregnancy

The fruits of the Arctium lappa plant in a hydroalcoholic extract have been studied in vitro against the Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. At a dose of 400, 200, and 100 micrograms per mL, Arctium lappa caused 100% of the adult worms to become paralyzed and die. It makes sense that Arctium lappa would have a powerful medicinal action against schistosomiasis because of this herb specifically works to heal the liver which is often one of the primary infected areas when schistosoma mansoni worms are present.  

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Herpes During Pregnancy

A hydroalcoholic extract of Arctium lappa has been researched in terms of its ability to significantly reduce the viral load of the HSV-1 virus at a dose of 400 ug/mL, 50 ug/mL, and at 3.125 ug/mL. Arctium lappa at a dose of 400 ug/mL, has an antiviral effect comparable to a dose of 50 ug/mL of acyclovir.

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Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Metabolic Disorders During Pregnancy

Arctium lappa has been associated with beneficial effects in metabolic disorders in part due to its powerful anti-inflammatory action. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a metabolic disorder of pregnancy. As an herb that detoxifies the liver, Arctium lappa has a powerful anti-diabetes effect on the body. During pregnancy, women must use this herb at the recommended dose as a natural treatment for gestational diabetes, but it can be combined with other herbs to treat gestational diabetes including:



Studies have shown that Arctium lappa extract can reduce learning and memory impairment issues that can occur when women develop gestational diabetes. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Central Nervous System Dysfunction During Pregnancy

Arctium lappa has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in studies into cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer’s disease, and autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice. Scientists believe that neuroprotective effects occur due to the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, regulation of AMPK and PPAR-γ/ROR-γt signaling, inhibition of Aβ, and reduced Tau hyperphosphorylation.

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Brain Injury During Pregnancy

Arctium lappa has been used as an herbal remedy for brain inflammation due to injury in animal models. This herb reduces brain water content and hematoma while accelerating wound closure by regulating a number of inflammatory factors and the number of MPO-positive cells. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Japanese Encephalitis Infection

As noted above, arctigenin is a substance found in Arctium lappa that can protect the body from infection with the Japanese Encephalitis virus. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Measles During Pregnancy



In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Arctium lappa has a bitter or piquant flavor with cold properties that are particularly valuable in the treatment of diseases associated with the lung and stomach meridians. In this system of medicine, it is used to disperse wind-heat, to purify and detoxify the blood and treat diseases such as measles. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Rubella During Pregnancy

Arctium lappa or Niu Bang Zi San has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat rubella naturally during pregnancy. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Allergies During Pregnancy

Arctium lappa seeds (known as Arctii Fructus) and the main medicinal substance known as arctigenin in the Arctium lappa plant both are able to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin (IL)-1-beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha in mast cells. Arctium lappa also reduces the production of histamine. The ethanol extract and the water extract of Arctii Fructus were able to suppress IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis while inhibiting MAPKs and NF-κB in mast cells that have been activated. As such, Arctic Fructus and arctigenin both can act as powerful herbal remedy against Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and other allergic inflammatory diseases. 

Arctium lappa: Herbal Remedy for Kidney Infection During Pregnancy / Herbal Remedy for Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy

Arctium lappa is a powerful herbal remedy for UTI during pregnancy. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends the use of Arctium lappa root as an adjunct therapy for UTI. Click here to read more about other herbal remedies for kidney infection during pregnancy.

Arctium lappa; Herbal Remedy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease During Pregnancy



In Brazil, Arctium lappa is used as an anti-inflammatory herb for gastrointestinal disorders. In Iraq, this same herb is used in traditional medicine to treat diseases releated to cancer or that may lead to cancer, including inflammatory diseases of all kinds such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. 

Arctium lappa Dosing During Pregnancy



The root or leaves and sometimes the seeds (Arctus fructus) are the medicinal part of the plant.  The roots are the most powerful. Burdock leaves are cleansing and nutritional.

Arctium lappa Dosing During Pregnancy

Extract

Administer as an alcohol extract according to the dosing instructions on the bottle. Start with half of the recommended dose. Increase the dose only if needed during pregnancy.

Infusion or Decoction

Administer as a root infusion or decoction at a dose of up to 2 to 6 grams per day.

Tincture

Administer as a tincture at a dose of 1-3 mL per day. 



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Resources:


Guyett, C. (2022). The Herbalist’s Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Beyond. Aeon Books.

Mars, B. (2023). Helpful Herbs and Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy: Herbal and Natural Remedies. Retrieved November 24, 2023 from https://brigittemars.com/articles/herbal-natural-remedies/pregnancy-herbs/


Bok, So-Hyeon, et al. (2017). Safety of 8-weeks oral administration of Arctium lappa. L. Retrieved November 24, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5645604/


Gao, Q. et al. (2018). Overview of the anti-inflammatory effects, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacies of arctigenin and arctiin from Arctium lappa L. Retrieved November 24, 2023 from https://www.nature.com/articles/aps201832


Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press: Vermont.

Christensen, S. (2011). Burdock Root and Pregnancy. Retrieved November 24, 2023 from https://www.hellomotherhood.com/315198-burdock-root-and-pregnancy.html


Arya, M. S. H. et al. (2023). Synergic effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum, Ribus rubrum, Lavandula angustifolia, and Arctium lappa extracts mixture on learning and memory deficits in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. Retrieved November 24, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37970441/


Al-Snafi, A. E. (2014). The Pharmacological Importance and Chemical Constituents of Arctium Lappa. A Review.  Retrieved November 24, 2023 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313676944_The_Pharmacological_Importance_and_Chemical_Constituents_of_Arctium_Lappa_A_Review


Aghumiuni, A. I. et al. (2016). Medicinal Plants to Calm and Treat Psoriasis Disease. Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/53735


Song, Y. et al. (2023). The burdock database: a multi-omic database for Arctium lappa, a food and medicinal plant. Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9909940/


Mondal, S. C. and Eun, J. B. (2022). Mechanistic insights on burdock (Arctium lappa L.). extract effects on diabetes mellitus. Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9300799/

Yosri, N. et al. (2023). Arctium lappa (Burdock): Insights from ethnopharmacology potential, chemical constituents, clinical studies, pharmacological utility and nanomedicine. Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332222014937?via%3Dihub


Nascimento, B. A. C. et al. (2019). Arctium lappa Extract Suppresses Inflammation and Inhibits Melanoma Progression. Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31362372/


Don, R. A. S. G. et al. (2018). Arctium lappa L. root extract induces cell death via mitochondrial-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in Jurkat human leukemic T cells. Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30572196/


Chan, Y. S. et al. (2011). A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20981575/


Agha, M. T. et al. (2020). Proapoptotic and Antiangiogenic Activities of Arctium lappa L. on Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7254072/


Fierascu, R. C. et al. (2018). Mitodepressive, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects of wild-growing Romanian native Arctium lappa L (Asteraceae) and Veronica persica Poiret (Plantaginaceae). Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29126799/


Dias, M. M. et al. (2017). In vitro schistosomicidal and antiviral activities of Arctium lappa L. (Asteraceae) against Schistosoma mansoni and Herpes simplex virus-1. Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28780467/


Kee, J. Y. and Hong, S. H. (2017). Inhibition of Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Responses by Arctii Fructus Extracts and Its Main Compound Artigenin. Retrieved November 26, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28976750/
Dr.Lact (2023). Is Arctium lappa safe in breastfeeding? Retrieved November 29, 2023 from https://drlact.com/drug/3255/arctium-lappa-in-breastfeeding

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