Burdock Root, Lappa Root

Scientific Names: Arctium lappa L.
Synonym: Arctium edule Beger
English Name: Burdock root
Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Edible Burdock, Gobo, Great Burdock, Lappa
Family: Asteraceae

 

GENERAL DATA

Plant Parts: Roots, leaves, seeds, hydrosol
Cultivation Mode: Wild collection/ Cultivated
In Manufacturing: Pharmaceutical, skincare, haircare

🌿 Industries That Use Burdock Root (Arctium lappa L.)

Burdock Root, often called Lappa Root, is a thick, earthy taproot traditionally used in Asian, European, and Native American herbal practices. It is rich in inulin (a prebiotic fiber), polyphenols, lignans, and other bioactive compounds that support detoxification, digestion, and skin health.

1. Pharmaceutical & Traditional Medicine Industry

Burdock root is a cornerstone in herbal medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and European folk medicine.

Uses include:

• Detoxification: A classic “blood purifier”; used to cleanse the liver and kidneys

• Anti-inflammatory: Supports treatment of arthritis, gout, and chronic skin conditions

• Diuretic and lymphatic stimulant: Assists in waste elimination

• Antimicrobial: Traditionally used for infections, sore throats, and tonsillitis

✅ Common Forms: tinctures, decoctions, dried root powder, capsules, and salves

2. Herbal & Nutraceutical Industry

Highly valued for its prebiotic, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties.

Applications:

• Detox support formulas and cleansing kits

• Liver and gallbladder support blends

• Skin and acne support supplements

• Fiber-rich digestive health powders

✅ Often blended with Dandelion root, Milk Thistle, or Turmeric

3. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Burdock root extract is known for its anti-acne, anti-aging, and hydrating properties.

Used in:

• Herbal shampoos and scalp treatments for dandruff and hair loss

• Skin creams for eczema, psoriasis, or acne

• Detoxifying clay masks and natural facial scrubs

✅ Sometimes combined with Calendula flower, Chamomile, or Green Tea

4. Food & Beverage Industry

Used in traditional Japanese cuisine under the name “gobo”, where it is prized for its crunchy texture and subtle flavor.

Applications:

• Pickled or stir-fried root in Asian dishes

• Herbal teas and wellness beverages

• Fermented drinks for gut health (kombucha, vinegar tonics)

✅ Available fresh, dried, or freeze-dried

5. Ethnic & Organic Food Markets

Burdock root is in demand across Asian, Eastern European, and herbal wellness markets.

Commonly marketed as:

• Fresh root (for culinary use)

• Sliced and dried root (for teas)

• Powdered root in apothecary jars

✅ Sourced from both wild-harvested and organically cultivated crops

6. Veterinary & Pet Supplement Industry

Used in herbal pet supplements for liver detox and skin conditions in dogs, cats, and horses.

Applications:

• Herbal liver tonics

• Anti-itch and anti-fungal pet sprays

• Support for chronic inflammation in animals

7. Academic & Scientific Research

Modern research focuses on its:

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

• Liver and kidney protective activity

• Effect on blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity

• Anti-cancer and antimicrobial potential

✅ Studied for integration in phytomedicine and dietary intervention programs

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌱 Key Features:

• Rich in inulin (a prebiotic fiber), polyphenols, and detoxifying compounds

• Used both internally and externally

• Popular in herbal detox kits, natural cosmetics, and functional foods

• Widely used in traditional Asian and European medicine systems

 

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Persian Name: بابا آدم- فیل گوش- آراقیطون/ Baba Adam- Filgoush- Araghitoun
German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Große Klettenwurzel, Klettenwurzel
French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Bardane Racine, Racine de Bardane

 

HARVEST CALENDAR

 

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Dried Burdock Root (Arctium lappa L.) (Per 100g)

Botanical Name: Arctium lappa L.
Common Names: Burdock Root, Gobo, Great Burdock
Part Used: Root (dried)
Culinary and Traditional Use: Widely used in East Asian and European herbal traditions for detoxification, liver support, and skin conditions; also used in soups, teas, and decoctions

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🔹 General Composition (Per 100g, dried)

✅ Exceptionally high in fiber and prebiotic carbohydrates; low in fat and rich in complex carbs

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🔬 Mineral Content

💎 Especially rich in potassium, manganese, and iron—supporting circulation, skin health, and detox pathways

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🌿 Vitamin Content

🌱 Offers a mild supply of B vitamins and antioxidant compounds

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🧪 Phytochemical & Bioactive Compounds

• Inulin (Prebiotic Fiber) – Supports gut flora and insulin sensitivity

• Arctiin & Arctigenin – Lignans with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-modulating properties

• Polyacetylenes – Antibacterial and antifungal effects

• Tannins – Astringent compounds supportive of skin and mucosal health

• Chlorogenic & Caffeic Acids – Antioxidant polyphenols with liver-protective roles

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🩺 Health Benefits

⚖️ A highly valued root in traditional detox and digestive wellness protocols

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⚠️ Usage & Safety Notes

• Typical Herbal Use: 2–5 grams dried root per day (infusion or decoction)

• Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy or if allergic to Asteraceae plants

• Drug Interactions: May enhance diuretic or hypoglycemic effects—monitor in diabetic or hypertensive patients

• Toxicity: Generally considered safe at culinary/herbal doses; always use dried or cooked

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📦 Storage Guidelines

• Store in airtight, opaque containers

• Keep in a cool, dry environment

• Protect from insects and moisture

• Shelf life: 12–18 months when stored properly

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📌 Disclaimer

This profile is intended for educational and cataloguing use in herbal and nutritional industries. Nutrient and compound levels may vary depending on harvest origin, drying method, and storage conditions. Burdock root is not a pharmaceutical and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.