Arctium lappa

Arctium lappa, commonly known as greater burdock, is a perennial herb valued in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Renowned for its nutrient-rich roots, it is frequently used to support detoxification, skin health, and digestive wellness. This versatile plant remains a cornerstone in herbal remedies for managing various inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Arctium lappa
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Arctium lappa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Arctium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Arctium WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several regions within Northern Europe. Its distribution is notably documented throughout the islands of Iceland and the Faroe Islands. In mainland territories, it can be found growing in Denmark and Finland. Furthermore, the species is well-established within the landscapes of Great Britain. Together, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in northern climates.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Svalbard WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP

Chemicals

Arctium lappa has 52 reported phytochemicals identified across 94 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include arctigenin, arctiin, lignans, Arctigenin, fatty acids.

Total chemicals
52
Scientific sources
94

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
arctigenin 16 ★★★★★
arctiin 12 ★★★★★
lignans 8 ★★★★☆
Arctigenin 3 ★★☆☆☆
fatty acids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
lappaol C 2 ★☆☆☆☆
lappaol F 2 ★☆☆☆☆
matairesinol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Arctium lappa has 18 reported activities identified across 31 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, Antiviral, Antithrombotic.

Total activities
18
Scientific sources
31

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 6 ★★★☆☆
Antimicrobial 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antiviral 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antithrombotic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anti-IgE 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiaging 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiplatelet 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Arctium lappa has 67 reported medicinal uses identified across 91 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, cancer, oxidative stress, edema, obesity.

Total uses
67
Scientific sources
91

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 6 ★★★☆☆
cancer 5 ★★★☆☆
oxidative stress 4 ★★☆☆☆
edema 3 ★★☆☆☆
obesity 3 ★★☆☆☆
arthritis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
baldness 2 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cancers 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cough 2 ★☆☆☆☆