Arctium lappa
What's the taxonomical classification of Arctium lappa?
Arctium lappa belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it is placed in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. It further falls under the order Asterales and is a member of the family Asteraceae. Finally, the plant is categorized under the genus Arctium, with its specific designation being the species lappa.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Arctium |
| Species | lappa |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Arctium lappa has large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 50 centimeters in length and distinctive globular flower heads covered in hooked bracts. These leaves feature prominent veins and a rough texture on both the upper and lower surfaces. The plant produces tall, sturdy stems that can grow several feet high to support the heavy flowering heads. Each flower head consists of numerous small purple florets enclosed by a dense involucre of many hooked spines. These specialized spines are evolutionarily designed to cling to animal fur for seed dispersal.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to much of Europe and Asia, ranging from the British Isles through Central Europe to the temperate regions of East Asia, including Japan and China. It thrives primarily in temperate climates where it can inhabit disturbed soils, roadsides, and forest edges. While its natural range covers vast stretches of the Eurasian continent, it has become naturalized in many other parts of the world due to its hardy nature. In North America, the species has been introduced and can often be found growing in urban and semi-rural environments. Its ability to spread via hooked seed dispersal allows it to colonize new territories effectively once established.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Arctium lappa is cultivated by sowing seeds in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter during the spring or early autumn.
It requires full sun exposure to ensure optimal growth of its large, hairy leaves and deep taproots. Regular watering is essential to maintain consistent moisture levels, though the plant is relatively hardy once established. Farmers typically harvest the large, fleshy roots after the first year of growth when they have reached maximum size.
Proper spacing is necessary during planting to allow for the plant's expansive foliage.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Arctium lappa offers medicinal utility through its root, leaf, seed, flower, and rhizome. The long taproot and underground rhizome are frequently harvested to create decoctions used for treating skin conditions and digestive issues. Seeds are often processed into oils that serve as topical treatments or dietary supplements. While the leaves are less common in traditional remedies, they can be utilized in specific herbal poultices. The flowers are sometimes integrated into botanical preparations to support various systemic functions.
According to a study published by "Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR", the ethanolic root extract of Arctium lappa, known as ALR, showed the most potent cytotoxicity against AGS, KYSE-30, and HT-29 cells. The IC50 values for these cells were 10, 200, and 2030 µg/mL, respectively. ALR exerts a high TPC of 215.8 ± 0.3 mg GAE/g and a high TFC of 69.03 ± 0.7 mg QUE/g. Additionally, the plant shows high radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 1250 ± 0.1 µg/mL in the DPPH method. ALR stimulates TLR-4 signaling, increases apoptosis, and decreases cancer cell attachment compared to untreated cells.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- root
- leaf
- seed
- flower
- rhizoome
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Arctium lappa, is utilized in various traditional medical systems to treat skin conditions, inflammation, and digestive issues. In the Kampo system of Japan, the roots are prepared as medicinal decoctions to address symptoms like blood stagnation and swelling. Brazilian folk medicine also incorporates the plant into regional practices to address dermatological ailments and promote general wellness. Historically, various cultures have relied on its diuretic and detoxifying properties to support systemic health. These diverse applications highlight the long-standing global significance of the species in herbal therapeutics.
According to a study published by "Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz", Arctium lappa is one of 13 Brazilian medicinal plants that were screened for antimicrobial activity. This plant presented some degree of antibacterial activity among the species tested. Additionally, anticandidal activity was detected in the extract of Arctium lappa. These results might explain the ethnobotanical use of the studied species for the treatment of various infectious diseases.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Brazilian folk medicine
- Kampo
What are the pharmacological activities of Arctium lappa?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological potential through its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, and anti-tumor activities. The bioactive compounds found in Arctium lappa help neutralize free radicals, which supports its strong antioxidant properties. It also plays a crucial role in managing blood glucose levels and protecting liver cells from toxic damage. Furthermore, the plant exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that reduce swelling and pain in various biological models. Research also highlights its anti-tumor capabilities, suggesting it may inhibit the growth and spread of certain cancer cells.
According to a study published by "The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology", Arctium lappa Willd (Asteraceae) is used as a traditional medicine in China, Japan, Iran, Europe, Afghanistan, and India for cough, inflammation, clearing the heat, detoxification, cancer, and diabetes. The dried ripe fruit, Fructus arctii, contains bioactive constituents such as lignans, volatile oil, flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpene, and phenolic acids. Experimental studies on various extracts and drug formulations have demonstrated that the plant possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycaemic, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, and anti-tumour activity. While the pharmacological activity of a few major constituents has been identified, more studies and new technologies are required to prove the activity and mechanisms of other uncertain constituents. Further clinical studies should be carried out to provide evidence for clinical application beyond animal experiments.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidant
- anti-diabetic
- hepatoprotective
- anti-tumor
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the lignans arctiin, arctigenin, and arctgigenin, the sesquiterpene lactone arctgignan D, and the polysaccharide inulin. These bioactive compounds are primarily concentrated in the roots of the species. Arctiin and its aglycone form, arctigenin, are frequently studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Arctgignan D serves as another important secondary metabolite within the plant's chemical profile. Additionally, the high concentration of inulin provides a significant source of dietary fiber and prebiotic benefits.
According to a study published by "Foods (Basel, Switzerland)", Arctium lappa seeds are a rich source of dietary fibre, proteins, essential and fatty acids, and high levels of polyphenols and lignans. Arctiin was the dominant lignan in native and defatted seed flours, with concentrations of 68.30 mg/g and 75.16 mg/g, respectively. The most abundant phenolic acid was isochlorogenic acid, which measured 7.01 mg/g in native flour and 7.86 mg/g in defatted flour. Xylitol cookies enriched with defatted burdock seed flour exhibited a soluble dietary fibre content of 0.29 g/100 g. The concentrations of these major phenolic compounds remained stable during storage studies lasting 60 days.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- arctiin
- arctigenin
- Arctigenin
- inulin
- lignans
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating skin diseases, constipation, inflammation, diabetes, and liver damage. Its roots contain bioactive compounds that help soothe various dermatological issues and reduce systemic swelling. The high fiber content found in the plant can also assist in relieving chronic constipation. Additionally, its medicinal properties are utilized to help manage blood sugar levels and support the repair of liver tissue. These diverse therapeutic applications make it a significant component in traditional herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Inflammopharmacology", Arctium lappa has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years. The roots of this plant are used to detoxify blood and improve skin quality or texture to cure skin diseases like eczema. Within the root, antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds are also present. The seeds contain active compounds with anti-inflammatory effects and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma. Additionally, leaf extracts can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the oral cavity. Medicinal uses of the plant include the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes and AIDS.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- skin diseases
- inflammation
- constipation
- liver damage
- diabetes mellitus
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Arctium lappa, a species used to create various medicinal preparations such as Arctii Fructus extracts, Arctium lappa L. root tea, decoctions, ethanolic tinctures, and infusions. The roots are commonly prepared as decoctions or infusions to extract beneficial compounds through boiling or steeping in hot water. For concentrated therapeutic use, an ethanolic tincture can be crafted to stabilize the plant's active constituents. Additionally, the dried fruits are often processed into specialized Arctii Fructus extracts for specific medicinal purposes. These diverse methods allow for different levels of potency and absorption depending on the desired health outcome.
According to a study published by "Food science & nutrition", the fruit of Arctium lappa L. (Arctii Fructus) is one of the most popularly used medicinal plant components in Asia. A bioconversion method was developed to produce arctigenin from arctiin to enhance the functionality of Arctii Fructus extract. Treatment with β-glucosidase increased the arctigenin content by >5 fold in Arctii Fructus extracts. These bioconversion products decreased the cell viabilities of gefitinib-resistant lung cancer HCC827 (HCC827GR) cells by 40% and colon cancer cells (DLD1) by 35%. The bioconverted Arctii Fructus extract displayed higher anticancer activity than the same levels of purified arctigenin. This indicates that Arctii Fructus can potentially function as a chemopreventive agent.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Arctii Fructus extracts
- Arctium lappa L. root tea
- decoctions
- ethanolic tincture
- infusions
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause various adverse health effects including allergic responses, contact dermatitis, food allergies, reduced gastric acid secretion, and hepatotoxicity. Individuals may experience skin irritation or contact dermatitis upon touching the plant or its extracts. Some people might suffer from food allergies when consuming it as part of a diet. The plant is also known to cause a reduction in gastric acid secretion, which can impact digestion. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding potential hepatotoxicity and damage to the liver following use.
According to a study published by "Inflammopharmacology", Arctium lappa has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America, and Asia for hundreds of years. The roots, seeds, and leaves of the plant have been investigated for their various medicinal uses. While it can be used to treat chronic diseases like cancers, diabetes, and AIDS, users must be aware of potential health side effects. These side effects include contact dermatitis and other allergic or inflammatory responses that might be evoked by the plant.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- allergic responses
- contact dermatitis
- food allergy
- gastric acid secretion reduction
- hepatotoxicity
What herbs are paired with Arctium lappa?
This plant Arctium lappa is commonly paired with Astragalus membranaceus, Panax ginseng, and Glycyrrhiza glabra to enhance its tonic properties in traditional formulations.
These combinations are frequently used to support systemic vitality and improve blood circulation. When paired with Astragalus, the burdock root helps fortify the body's defensive energy. Including licorice root in the mixture serves to harmonize the various herbal components and smooth their effects.
Such pairings are often carefully balanced to address specific deficiencies in metabolic or immune function.