Burdock - Arctium Sp.

• Family: Asteracea - Aster ^[E-flora]

Allergen, Irritant Root, Young Plant, Seeds Hair, Paper, Potash Skin Diseases, Detoxifier

Arctium lappa

Arctium lappa

Arctium lappa

Biennial.
Stem: 1-several, branched distally.
Leaf: basal and cauline, alternate, long-petioled, widely ovate; base deeply cordate; margin entire or toothed; gradually reduced distally on stem.
Inflorescence: heads discoid, in leafy-bracted clusters; involucre +/- spheric; phyllaries graduated in many series, ± linear, bases appressed, tips stiffly radiating, hooked-spiny; receptacle +/- flat, epaleate, bristly.
Flower: many; corolla pink to +/- purple, lobes narrowly triangular; anther base tailed, tips ovate, acute to obtuse; style branched just above distal hairy ring, branches oblong, obtuse.
Fruit: +/- compressed, rough or ribbed, glabrous, attachment basal; pappus several series of rough bristles, readily deciduous.
10 species: Eurasia, northern Africa. (Greek: bear) [Keil 2006 FNANM 19:168-171] ^[Jepson]

1. Heads generally 25-40 mm diam, generally long-peduncled in +/- rounded or flat-topped clusters; inner phyllaries generally green, margins minutely hairy; pappus 2–6 mm ..... Arctium lappa
1' Heads generally 10-25 mm diam, sessile to short-peduncled in raceme- or panicle-like clusters; inner phyllaries generally purple-tinged, margins minutely serrate; pappus +/- 2 mm .....Arctium minus ^[Jepson]

Local Species;

1. Arctium lappa - Great Burdock ^{[PCBC][E-flora]}
2. Arctium minus - Common Burdock ^{[PCBC][TSFTK][E-flora]}

Arctium lappa - Great Burdock

"Arctium lappa is a BIENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to September, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, lepidoptera, self.The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil." ^[PFAF-1]

• Synonyms: Arctium majus. Arcion majus. Arcion tomentosum. Lappa glabra ^[PFAF]
• "General: Large, coarse, biennial herb; stems erect, leafy, 0.5-3.0 m tall." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
• "Leaves: Basal leaves large, up to 50 cm long and 30 cm wide, egg- to heart-shaped, stalked (the lower stalks solid), green and nearly glabrous above, thinly white-woolly beneath; stem leaves similar, alternate, progressively reduced upwards." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
• "Flowers: Heads numerous in a relatively scattered inflorescence; involucres globose, burlike, 2.5-3.5 cm wide, long-stalked; involucral bracts in several series, long, narrow, flattened at the base, spreading with inwardly hooked tips; ray flowers lacking; disk flowers purple, tubular." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
• "Fruits: Achenes glabrous, oblong, 3-angled, several-ribbed; pappus of numerous short bristles." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
• "Habitat/Range Dry roadsides, disturbed areas and pastures in the lowland zone; rare in S BC; introduced from Eurasia." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}

Arctium minus - Common Burdock

• General: Large, coarse, biennial herb; stems erect, leafy, 0.5-1.5 m tall. ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
• Leaves: Basal leaves large, up to 60 cm long and 40 cm wide, egg- to heart-shaped, short-stalked or unstalked (the lower stalks hollow), green and nearly glabrous above, thinly white-woolly beneath; stem leaves similar, alternate, progressively reduced upwards. ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
• Flowers: Heads numerous in a relatively scattered, elongate inflorescence; involucres globose, burlike, 1.5-2.5, rarely 3.5 cm wide, nearly unstalked or on short stalks; involucral bracts in several series, long, narrow, angled, ascending with inwardly hooked tips; ray flowers lacking; disk flowers deep pink to purple, tubular. ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
• Fruits: Achenes glabrous, oblong, 3-angled, several-ribbed; pappus of numerous short bristles. ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}
• Habitat / Range: Dry roadsides, disturbed areas and pastures in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; frequent in coastal, WC and S BC; introduced from Eurasia. ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}

Uses of Arctium sp.

Species Mentioned:

A. minus, A lappa. ^{[Wild][Nyerges]} A. minus. A lappa is used in the same way ^[Harrington] A. minus. ^[PCBC]

Hazards

A. minus; Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this plant, some caution is advised due to the following reports for the closely related A. lappa[K]. ^[PFAF]

• Allergic Reactions:
  • A. lappa: A case report associated the application of burdock root as a plaster for joint injuries with contact dermatitis (erythema, pruritus, exudation). 8 Patch tests for burdock were positive in these patients. Another case report associated the development of anaphylaxis (hypotension, diffuse erythema, stridor with the consumption of boiled burdock root. 9 The ingestion of boiled burdock has been associated with the development of anaphylactic shock. 12 Treatment is supportive. Hypersensitivity reactions can develop following exposure to burdock root including anaphylactic reactions; therefore, patients should be evaluated for the presence of angioedema, wheezing, stridor, and hypotension associated with severe allergic reactions. ^[TNS]
  • A lappa; Can cause allergic reactions. Contraindicated during pregnancy [301]. ^[PFAF]
• Spines/Burs:
  • A. lappa: The burrs from the seed pod cause mechanical injuries. Case reports associate a conjunctival foreign body reaction (conjunctival erythema, tearing) and multiple, fine, linear corneal abrasions with embedded burdock spines in the palpebral conjunctiva. 10 The unbroken shaft from these spines is only 1 mm ( ~ .04 in.) in length; therefore, slit lamp examination is required to identify the presence of these small foreign bodies in the palpebral conjunctiva. Serious secondary infections may develop characterized by chemosis and lid edema. 11 Eye injuries should be evaluated by slit lamp examination for the presence of retained foreign body.^[TNS]
  • A lappa; Care should be taken if harvesting the seed in any quantity since tiny hairs from the seeds can be inhaled and these are toxic[205]. ^[PFAF]

Uses

• A. minus & A lappa are used in the same way. ^[Harrington]

Edible Uses

• Root: The burdock is widely used as a food throughout the world and has been actually cultivated for that purpose in Europe and Japan. In the latter country it is much used in preparing sukiyaki. It does have a strong, rank taste and an odor objectionable to some people, especially if it is not properly prepared. ^[Harrington]
  • A. minus; The best roots are obtained from young plants[85]. ^[PFAF]
  • A lappa; Very young roots can be eaten raw, but older roots are normally cooked[206]. They can be up to 120cm long and 2.5cm wide at the top, but are best harvested when no more than 60cm long[206]. Old and very long roots are apt to become woody at the core[206]. Young roots have a mild flavour, but this becomes stronger as the root gets older[206]. ^[PFAF]
  • Properties:The root is white but discolours rapidly when exposed to the air[206].^[PFAF] The roots contain a high insulin content (27 percent to 45 percent), and the root is used in the making of fructose. ^[Nyerges]
  • Harvesting: Use first year roots. ^[Nyerges] The older roots had developed fibers and were not so good. ^[Harrington] Collect the root in spring, summer, or fall of the first year, when the leaves again form a basal rosette. You can still dig up the root in the beginning of the plant's second year of life, when the leaves again form a basal rosette. Use it only before the flower stalk appears.^[Wild]
  • Coffee: Roasted and ground for use as a tea or coffee substitute.^{[Harrington][Nyerges]} A. minus used a coffee. [183] ^[PFAF]
  • Storage: Root can be dug and stored for future use.^[Harrington] A lappa; Roots can be dried for later use[213]. ^[PFAF]
  • Preparation: Roots can be peeled and sliced into thin pieces. They are usually simmered in water until tender and cooked with other vegetables. ^[Nyerges]
  • The easiest way to clean the root is under running water, with a soapless, coarse-wire scouring pad. Slice the root diagonally, bark and all, as thinly as possible, to break up the fibers. Or save time and effort using the finest slicing blade of a food processor. Burdock root's mild, nutty, somewhat sweet flavor makes it quite versatile. It's firm consistency makes it perfect for water-based cooking. I've steamed it, or mixed it into sauces, soups, chilis and curries, where it adds little bits of soothing, starchy texture. It's also great steamed or baked in a covered casserole dish or Dutch oven, like a potato, 20 minutes to 1 hour. When a fork penetrates easily, it's done. For a more chewy texture, finely grate it and saute in oil. ^[Wild]
  • We have prepared the roots by peeling off the outer layer or rind. The young roots seemed tender inside but seemed to take quite a bit of boiling since cooking for 30 minutes in an open kettle (at 5000 feet elevation) did not do the job. It is wise to slice the roots crosswise into segments for quicker cooking. We found these young roots tender and they were agreeable tasting, with the addition of butter, salt and pepper. We also tried some with sesame seed and soy sauce; these were very flavorful. ^[Harrington]
    • A. minus; Usually peeled and sliced[183]. ^[PFAF]
    • A. minus; Raw or cooked[62, 85].A lappa; Raw or cooked[2, 7, 9, 14, 179].^[PFAF]
• Immature Flower Stalk: The young stems and leaf stalks are said to be good if peeled of every shred of the rind which would probably be bitter tasting. The inner pithlike material may be eaten raw or it may be better if boiled with one or two changes of water ^[Harrington].
  • Harvesting: The erect flower stalks, collected before the flowers open, can be peeled of their bitter green skin and then dried or cooked. ^[Nyerges] Cut off relatively late in the spring, before the flowers appear, while the stalks are still relatively tender. They grow back. ^[Wild]
    
  • Preparation: Peel them, parboil 1 minute to dispel the bitterness, add them to soups, stews, or casseroles, or enjoy them plain. You can do the same with the long leafstalks, but they're less substantial and harder to peel ^[Wild].
  • A. minus; Young flowering stem - peeled and eaten raw or cooked like asparagus[177, 183]. ^[PFAF]
• Young Leaves: Eaten raw or used as a potherb like spinach.^[Harrington] Leaves can be eaten once boiled; in some cases, two boilings are necessary, depending on your taste. Peeled leaf stems can be eaten raw or cooked. ^[Nyerges]
  • A. minus; Young leaves and leaf stems - raw or cooked[85]. Used as a potherb[183]. Mucilaginous. It is best to remove the rind from the stem[85]. ^[PFAF]
  • A lappa; raw or cooked[9, 12, 14, 62]. A mucilaginous texture [179]. ^[PFAF]
• Seeds:
  • A. minus; Seed sprouts[55]. No further details. ^[PFAF]
  • A lappa; The seeds can be sprouted and used like bean-sprouts[12, 52, 183] ^[PFAF]
• Shoots: The young leaves and shoots can be gathered to use as a potherb like spinach, or they can even be eaten raw as a salad. We have never tried them and would suspect the taste might be rather strong. ^[Harrington]
• Cooking: Wrap fish and game in large burdock leaves and roast in the coals of a fire pit. Foods cooked this way are mildly seasoned by the leaves ^[Nyerges].
• Young stalks and branches:
  • A lappa; Raw or cooked[2, 9, 52, 55, 62]. Used like asparagus or spinach[12, 183]. They taste best if the rind is removed[85, 117]. The leaf stalks can be parboiled and used as a substitute for cardoons[183]. The pith of the flowering stem can be eaten raw in salads, boiled or made into confections[4, 183]. A delicate vegetable, somewhat like asparagus in flavour[4]. ^[PFAF]

Other Uses

• Hair: The juice of the plant, when used as a friction, is said to have a stimulating action against baldness[7].^[PFAF]
  • A. lappa; Burdock is a constituent of some scalp and hair preparations as well as moisturizing creams. ^[TNS]
• Toilet paper: leaves make ideal toilet paper. ^[Nyerges]
• Soil Indicator: The presence of a large amount of burdock on your land generally indicates that the soil has a low pH, is heavy in iron, and needs calcium. ^[Nyerges]
• Paper:
  • A. minus; A fibre is obtained from the inner bark and is used to make paper. It is about 0.9mm long[189]. The stems are harvested in late summer, the leaves are removed and the stems steamed in order to strip off the fibre. The fibres are then cooked for two hours in soda ash before being put in a ball mill for 2 hours[189]. The resulting paper is a light tan/ brown colour[189].^[PFAF-2]
• Potash: Burdock is frequently collected and burned by farmers and gardeners in autumn. Three pounds of ashes contain 15 ounces of alkaline salts (which is as good as the highest grade potash). ^[Nyerges]

Medicinal Uses

A. minus, A.lappa; Burdock is one of the foremost detoxifying herbs in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine[254]. ^[PFAF]

• Plant:
  • A lappa & A.minus; It has soothing, mucilaginous properties and is said to be one of the most certain cures for many types of skin diseases, burns, bruises etc[4, 244]. It is used in the treatment of herpes, eczema, acne, impetigo, ringworm, boils, bites etc[244]. ^[PFAF]
  • A. lappa & A.minus; The plant can be taken internally as an infusion, or used externally as a wash[244]. Use with caution[165]. ^[PFAF]
  • Anti-cancer: A lappa; The plant is also part of a North American formula called essiac which is a popular treatment for cancer. Its effectiveness has never been reliably proven or disproven since controlled studies have not been carried out. The other herbs included in the formula are Rumex acetosella, Ulmus rubra and Rheum palmatum[254]. ^[PFAF]
• Leaves:
  • A. minus, A.lappa; Poulticed onto burns, ulcers and sores[222]. ^[PFAF]
  • Rattlesnake Bites: Burdock leaf is a treatment for rattlesnake bites. Two leaves are simmered in milk and given to the victim to drink. The burdock helps to counteract the effects of the venom. The body experiences both shock and calcium loss as a result of a rattlesnake bite. The lactose in the milk offsets the calcium loss and prevents or reduces shock. ^[Nyerges]
  • Poultice: Leaf/clay poultice is good for bruises, gouty swellings and inflamed surfaces. Poultice. ^[Wild]
  • Infusion: A compress of concentrated burdock leaf infusion is also good for eczema. ^[Wild]
• Colds: It's helpful for colds, with antimicrobial action attributed to its polyacetylenes. Its demulcent action soothes the upper respiratory tract's mucous membranes, while its diaphoretic action makes you perspire, stimulating the immune system and promoting detoxification. ^[Wild]
• Dermatological Aid: Burdock helps alleviate many acute and chronic skin problems. I've seen the resulting clear, vibrant skin. Severe eczema and psoriasis may disappear over a period of six months to a year, especially if burdock decoction is combined with a good diet and exercise. You can make burdock oil by soaking the root in olive oil for a month. People also use this externally, while drinking the decoction, for a variety of skin problems, from rashes to acne.^[Wild]
• Burs: The burs have been used to help keep wounds closed to promote healing, while the leaves (lightly crushed) laid over the wounds promote healing and eliminate airborne infectious particles. Though generally a veterinary practice, it' s apparently been used on humans in dire emergencies. ^[Nyerges]
• Roots & Seeds: Roots and seeds are a soothing demulcent, tonic, and alterative (restorative to normal health) that soothe the entire system' s mucous membrane. ^[Nyerges]
• Root: Use leftover cooking water or tincture the root.^[Wild]
  • A. minus, A. lappa; The root is thought to be particularly good at helping to eliminate heavy metals from the body[254]. ^[PFAF]
  • A lappa; The dried root of one year old plants is the official herb, but the leaves and fruits can also be used[4]. It is used to treat conditions caused by an 'overload' of toxins, such as throat and other infections, boils, rashes and other skin problems[254]. ^[PFAF]
  • A. lappa; The burdock root has been used since antiquity as a treatment for diabetes, venereal diseases, and skin lesions.Traditional uses include the treatment of acne, psoriasis, venereal diseases, rheumatism, scurvy, whooping cough, conditions that require diuresis, and colds. ^[TNS]
• Blood Purifier: The root acts as a diuretic and a diaphoretic. A blood-purifying agent for people with kidney diseases, skin disorders, and boils. ^[Nyerges]
• Tea: Tea of the roots is said to be useful in treating rheumatism. ^[Nyerges] Mucilaginous. Soothes and tonifies the stomach muscles and mucous membranes. promoting digestion and eliminating toxins from the digestive tract.[Wild]
• Detoxifier: People with sugar metabolism problems or chronic weakness often have stomach, kidney, liver and/or lymphatic problems. Burdock root, with its high mineral levels, will build, stabilize, and detoxify these organs. As a general detoxifier and immune-system stimulant, it helps people without clear-cut pathologies who don't feel well,and for biochemical imbalances where someone is easily upset and needs grounding. Burdock is used for liver dysfunction, urinary tract disorders, and weight loss.^[Wild]
• Diuretic: Burdock root's diuretic effect also stimulates the kidneys to eliminate excess fluids, along with unwanted concentrates. The combination of diuretic and antibiotic effects make this an excellent herb for cystitis.[Wild] It's a thorough diuretic that cleanses the entire body as it tones and soothes. ^[Wild]
• Alterative: It's most effective as an alterative in chronic conditions that require subtle, slow, and safe long-term nourishment and support. ^[Wild]
• Dosage: A. lappa; Use of burdock root involves drinking a decoction three times daily that is made by steeping one teaspoonful of the root into a cup of boiling water and simmering for 10 – 15 minutes. About 2 – 4 mL of the tincture is ingested three times daily. ^[TNS]
• Seeds:
  • Harvesting: A. minus & A.lappa; The seed is harvested in the summer and dried for later use[254]. ^[PFAF]
  • Poultice: A lappa; The crushed seed is poulticed onto bruises[222]. ^[PFAF]
  • A. minus;It is used in the treatment of colds with sore throat and cough, measles, pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis and abscesses[176]. The crushed seed is poulticed onto bruises[222]. The seed contains arctiin, this excites the central nervous system producing convulsions an increase in respiration and later paralysis. It also lowers the blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels[176]. ^[PFAF]
  • Infusion [Wild] An infusion of the seeds also soothes external sores, cleanses' the skin, soothes the mucous membranes and the kidneys, and promotes urine elimination. Collect them in autumn, when the burrs are dry and brown. Crush them in a bag with a hammer to free the seeds, and put them in water. The seeds sink, the trash floats. ^[Wild]

Global Use

In Russia, the roots are used as potato substitutes when potatoes aren't available. ^[Nyerges]
The Iroquois dried the roots of the first-year plants and used them in soup. They also cooked the large leaves as greens. ^[Nyerges]

• A. lappa; Cultivated in Japan. ^[Nyerges] Burdock is a popular edible vegetable in Japan called gobo, which contains a variety of fructans. ^[TNS]

Pharmacology

• A. minus, A. lappa; One-year old roots are alterative, aperient, blood purifier, cholagogue, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic[218, 222]. ^[PFAF]
• A. minus; The seed is alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiphlogistic, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic and hypoglycaemic[176, 218]. ^[PFAF]
• A lappa; The seed is alterative, antiphlogistic, depurative, diaphoretic and diuretic[218]. Recent research has shown that seed extracts lower blood sugar levels[238]. ^[PFAF]
• A lappa & A.minus; The plant is antibacterial, antifungal, carminative[9, 21, 147, 165, 176]. ^[PFAF]

Phytochemicals

Lignans

Lignans have a variety of biological activities. The seeds of A. lappa contain several lignans including arctigenin and the associated 4 - glucoside, arctiin along with smaller concentrations of matairesinol, secoisolariciresinol, and neoarctin B. ³ The concentrations of these lignans varies between different plant parts. In a study of the stereochemistry of lignan biosynthesis in Arctium lappa , the seeds contained significant amounts of matairesinol and arctigenin compared with secoisolariciresinol, whereas the petioles contained only small amounts of secoisolariciresinol and no detectable concentrations of matairesinol and arctigenin. ^{4 [TNS]}

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information: Burdock root is very nutritious, providing vitamin C, biotin, vitamins B1, B6, B12, vitamin E, potassium, sulfur, silica, and manganese. It provides inulin, a helpful sugar for diabetes and hypoglycemics (sufferers from low blood sugar) because it doesn't elicit rapid insulin production. ^[Wild]

A lappa; The root contains about 2.5% protein, 0.14% fat, 14.5% carbohydrate, 1.17% ash[179]. The root contains about 45% inulin[240]. Inulin is a starch that cannot be digested by the human body, and thus passes straight through the digestive system. In some people this starch will cause fermentation in the gut, resulting in wind[K]. Inulin can be converted into a sweetener that is suitable for diabetics to eat[K]. ^[PFAF]

Cultivation

A. lappa; "Succeeds in most soils when grown in partial shade[200]. Prefers a moist neutral to alkaline soil[238] and a sunny position in a heavy soil[22]. Plants are best grown in a light well-drained soil if the roots are required for culinary use[200, 206]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.6 to 7.8. The top growth dies back at temperatures a little above freezing, but the roots tolerate much lower temperatures[206] and can be left in the ground all winter to be harvested as required. Burdock is cultivated for its edible root in Japan, there are some named varieties[183]. Spring-sown seed produces edible roots in late summer and autumn, whilst autumn sown crops mature in the following spring or early summer[206]. Although the plants are quite large, it is best to grow them fairly close together (about 15cm apart, or in rows 30cm apart with the plants 5 - 8cm apart in the rows) since this encourages the development of long straight roots[206]. The seed head has little hooked prickles and these attach themselves to the hairs or clothing of passing creatures and can thus be carried for some considerable distance from the parent plant[4]. The plants usually self-sow freely[238]. The flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies[206]." ^[PFAF]

Propagation

A. lappa; "Seed - best sown in situ in the autumn[200]. The seed can also be sown in spring[206]. Germination can be erratic, it is best to sow the seed in trays and plant out the young plants before the tap-root develops[206]. Seed requires a minimum temperature of 10^oc, but a temperature of 20 - 25^oc is optimum[206]. Germination rates can be improved by pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours or by scarification[206]. They germinate best in the light[206]. The autumn sowing should be made as late as possible because any plants with roots more than 3mm in diameter in the spring will quickly run to seed if cold temperatures are followed by daylengths longer than 12 1/2 hours[206]." ^[PFAF]

References

• [E-flora]
• [Jepson] 2013. Arctium, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=317, accessed on Jan 19 2015
• [PFAF] Plants For A Future
  • [PFAF-1] Arctium lappa, http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Arctium+lappa, Accessed Sept 5, 2016
  • [PFAF-2] Arctium minus, http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Arctium+minus, Accessed Sept 5, 2016