Natural Herb Library

Achene of Great Burdock

Chinese
牛蒡子
Pinyin
Niu Bang Zi
Latin
Fructus Arctii Lappae
Botanical illustration of Achene of Great Burdock, Arctium lappa, showing habit, leaves, flowers, fruit, seed, root, and diagnostic plant details.
Botanical plate by Kodi . View print →

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

Arctium

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

  • Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (普济消毒饮) … Universal Benefit Decoction to Eliminate Toxin; treats wind-heat toxicity with swollen face, throat pain, and mumps
  • Yin Qiao San (银翘散) … Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder; treats Wind-Heat exterior pattern with sore throat, fever, and headache

Classical References

  • Ming Yi Bie Lu (Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians, Tao Hongjing, c. 500 CE) … early documentation of Niu Bang Zi for dispersing Wind-Heat and benefiting the throat
  • Dong Yuan You Xiao Fang (Dongyuan's Effective Prescriptions, Li Dongyuan, 13th c.) … source formula for Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin featuring Niu Bang Zi for toxic throat swellings

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) (PMID 34612502)
  • Antimicrobial … active against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and pathogenic fungal strains
  • Antioxidant … chlorogenic acid and caffeoylquinic derivatives demonstrate significant free-radical scavenging capacity (PMID 19375261)
  • Anticancer … arctigenin exhibits antiproliferative activity against multiple cancer cell lines in vitro (PMID 21435270)
  • Anti-diabetic … reduces fasting blood glucose and improves insulin sensitivity in animal models

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy … potential uterine stimulant effect; may increase risk of premature delivery (MSK)
  • Spleen deficiency with diarrhea or loose stools … cold, moistening action worsens cold-damp digestive patterns
  • Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae family (chrysanthemum, ragweed, daisy) … cross-reactivity possible (MSK)

Cautions

  • Some commercial preparations have been contaminated with belladonna alkaloids (atropine) … source from reputable suppliers only (MSK)
  • Rare anaphylaxis reported following burdock consumption … monitor first-time users (MSK)
  • Acute liver injury reported in association with herbal blends containing burdock … monitor liver function with prolonged use (MSK)

Conditions

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) (PMID 34612502); Antimicrobial … active against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and 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; may increase risk of premature delivery (MSK); Spleen deficiency with diarrhea or loose stools … cold, moistening action worsens cold-damp digestive patterns; Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae family (chrysanthemum, ragweed, daisy) … cross-reactivity possible (MSK). Consult a qualified practitioner before use.