Achene of Great Burdock
- Chinese
- 牛蒡子
- Pinyin
- Niu Bang Zi
- Latin
- Fructus Arctii Lappae
Known in TCM as Niu Bang Zi (牛蒡子), this acrid and bitter, cold herb enters the Lung and Stomach. Traditionally, it disperses Wind-Heat and benefits the throat, most often applied for wind heat, common cold, and phlegm accumulation. Modern research has identified Arctiin among its active constituents.
Part used: Fruit
Also Known As
Latin: Fructus Arctii Lappae | Pinyin: Niu Bang Zi | Chinese: 牛蒡子
TCM Properties
- Taste
- acrid, bitter
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Lung, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Disperses Wind-Heat and benefits the throat … used for sore throat, tonsillitis, fever, and cough from Wind-Heat invasion
- Clears Heat and relieves toxicity … used for carbuncles, mumps, toxic swellings, and parotid gland inflammation
- Vents rashes … promotes full expression of measles and febrile rashes in early-stage incomplete eruption
- Moistens the Intestines and facilitates bowel movements … used for constipation with dry, difficult-to-pass stools
Secondary Actions
- Disperses Lung Qi and stops cough … useful for cough with sticky or difficult-to-expectorate phlegm
- Reduces swelling of lymph nodes and parotid glands in throat-related conditions
Classic Formulas
- Yin Qiao San (银翘散) … Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder; treats Wind-Heat exterior pattern with sore throat, fever, and headache
- Xiao Feng San (消风散) … Eliminate Wind Powder; treats Wind-Heat skin rashes, itching, and urticaria
Classical References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica, Li Shizhen, 1596) … recorded actions for dispersing Wind-Heat and relieving throat toxicity
- Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases, Wu Jutong, 1798) … key ingredient in Yin Qiao San formula for Wind-Heat febrile diseases
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Arctiin … major lignan constituent; anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity
- Arctigenin … primary active metabolite of arctiin; anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective
- Chlorogenic acid … antioxidant phenolic acid; inhibits lipid peroxidation
- Caffeoylquinic acid derivatives … potent free-radical scavenging antioxidants
- Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin) … anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- Fructo-oligosaccharides (inulin-type) … prebiotic fiber supporting gut microbiome
Studied Effects
- Anti-inflammatory … arctigenin inhibits NF-κB pathway and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6)
- Antimicrobial … active against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and several pathogenic fungal strains
- Antioxidant … chlorogenic acid and caffeoylquinic derivatives demonstrate significant free-radical scavenging capacity
- Anticancer … arctigenin exhibits antiproliferative activity against multiple cancer cell lines in vitro
- Anti-diabetic … reduces fasting blood glucose and improves insulin sensitivity in animal models
- Hepatoprotective … arctigenin shows protective effects against hepatotoxic agents in vitro
PubMed References
- Fructus arctii: an overview on its traditional uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry (2021)
- Metabolic profile of the bioactive compounds of burdock (Arctium lappa) seeds, roots and leaves (2009)
- Arctigenin from Arctium lappa inhibits interleukin-2 and interferon gene expression in primary human T lymphocytes (2011)
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy … potential uterine stimulant effect; avoid use throughout pregnancy
- Spleen deficiency with diarrhea or loose stools … moistening action may worsen cold-damp digestive patterns
- Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae family (chrysanthemum, ragweed, daisy) … cross-reactivity possible
Cautions
- Some commercial burdock preparations have been contaminated with belladonna alkaloids (atropine) … source from reputable suppliers only
- Rare anaphylaxis reported following burdock consumption … monitor first-time users
- Acute liver injury reported in association with herbal blends containing burdock … monitor liver function with prolonged use
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) … Lignans (arctigenin) inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF) in vitro; potential additive antiplatelet effect may increase bleeding risk (Moderate) Source: hellopharmacist.com … Burdock-Warfarin Interaction
- Antidiabetic medications (insulin, sulfonylureas, metformin) … Burdock has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in animal models; additive blood-glucose-lowering effect may increase risk of hypoglycemia (Mild) Source: rxlist.com … Burdock Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Conditions
- Wind Heat Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Common Cold Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Phlegm Accumulation Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Achene of Great Burdock used for?
Achene of Great Burdock is traditionally used to Disperses Wind-Heat and benefits the throat … used for sore throat, tonsillitis, fever, and cough from Wind-Heat invasion, Clears Heat and relieves toxicity … used for carbuncles, mumps, toxic swellings, and parotid gland inflammation, Vents rashes … promotes full expression of measles and febrile rashes in early-stage incomplete eruption, Moistens the Intestines and facilitates bowel movements … used for constipation with dry, difficult-to-pass stools. Research has investigated its effects on: Anti-inflammatory … arctigenin inhibits NF-κB pathway and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6); Antimicrobial … active against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and several pathogenic fungal strains.
What are other names for Achene of Great Burdock?
Achene of Great Burdock is also known as Arctium. In TCM: 牛蒡子 (Niu Bang Zi); Fructus Arctii Lappae.
Is Achene of Great Burdock safe during pregnancy?
Achene of Great Burdock is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Achene of Great Burdock?
Achene of Great Burdock should not be used in: Pregnancy … potential uterine stimulant effect; avoid use throughout pregnancy; Spleen deficiency with diarrhea or loose stools … moistening action may worsen cold-damp digestive patterns; Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae family (chrysanthemum, ragweed, daisy) … cross-reactivity possible. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.
Does Achene of Great Burdock interact with any medications?
Achene of Great Burdock may interact with: Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) - Lignans (arctigenin) inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF) in vitro; potential additive antiplatelet effect may increase bleeding risk - (Moderate severity); Antidiabetic medications (insulin, sulfonylureas, metformin) - Burdock has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in animal models; additive blood-glucose-lowering effect may increase risk of hypoglycemia - (Mild severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.