Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a plant native to Japan that now grows around the world. The root is eaten as food and used widely in traditional medicine. Arctigenin is a lignan extracted from burdock root, found to exhibit neuronal protection, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant properties.

In animal studies, arctigenin treatment up to 10 mg/kg was found to limit toxic reactions contributing to EAE1 and to even make animals resistant to EAE (Li et al., 2016). In those that already had EAE, arctigenin reduced inflammation and demyelination in the spinal cord by inhibiting pro-inflammatory immune cells and factors. It was concluded that arctigenin may be a potential therapeutic agent for neuroprotection in MS1,2.

      Burdock root has been both advised against and recommended during pregnancy, mostly from popular sources3,4, with more medically oriented sources5,6 being against. On the one hand it may stimulate the uterus and potentially cause premature delivery (though unlikely); on the other, it has been said to support general health in the mother while pregnant and prevent jaundice (harmful build-up in the liver of bilirubin, a waste product) in the fetus. 

     Information on burdock use during nursing tends to be more favorable7,8, but there are still recommendations for caution5,9.

References

1. Wei L, Xue Z, Lan B, et al. Arctigenin Exerts Neuroprotective Effect by Ameliorating Cortical Activities in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo. Front Immunol. 2021;12:691590. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.691590

2. Li W, Zhang Z, Zhang K, et al. Arctigenin Suppress Th17 Cells and Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Through AMPK and PPAR-gamma/ROR-gammat Signaling. Mol Neurobiol. Oct 2016;53(8):5356-66. doi:10.1007/s12035-015-9462-1

3. Marotta-Jaenecke J. Pregnancy Tea. https://www.jasminethemidwife.com/ask-the-midwife/pregnancy-tea

4. Friedlander K. Herbal Allies for Pregnancy. Baraka Birth blog. July 7, 2022, 2014. https://www.barakabirth.com/blog/2014/01/21/pregnancy-safe-herbs-part-2

5. Burdock. Mount Sinai Health System. Accessed July 7, 2022, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/burdock#:~:text=Pregnant%20or%20nursing%20women%20should,reaction%20to%20burdock%2C%20including%20dermatitis.

6. Gotter A. Burdock Root. Healthline Media, LLC. Accessed October 25, 2024, https://www.healthline.com/health/burdock-root

7. Burdock. https://www.e-lactation.com/en/burdock-pr/

8. Anderson PO. Herbal Use During Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. Nov 2017;12(9):507-509. doi:10.1089/bfm.2017.0150

9. Villines Z, French, M. What to know about burdock root. Healthline Media UK Ltd,. Accessed October 25, 2024, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320035