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Shred Cuts · 90 capsules

13 reviews

GN Laboratories

Buildingmuscle is only half the battle when it comes to looking your best. Definition is the other side of the coin and sometimes a proper diet is ...
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Original price €29,90

Original price €29,90 - Original price €29,90

Original price €29,90

Current price €26,61

€26,61 - €26,61

Current price €26,61

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Save 11% Save %

Burdock root is the underground root structure of the burdock plant, also known as burdock. While this root is consumed as a vegetable in Europe, Korea and Japan, burdock has been used as a remedy for various ailments in China since the Ming Dynasty.

What is burdock?

The burdock plant (Articum lappa) is an herbaceous, pale green flowering plant from the thistle family. Adult plants can reach a height of up to 1.30 meters. Burdocks thrive best in humid areas and are native to China, Europe and North America. Burdock has long been used in traditional medicine around the world to treat sprains, joint pain, ulcers, glandular swellings, scurvy, burns, inflammation and other minor ailments. Traditional Chinese medicine uses most of the components of this plant including seeds, roots and leaves (1, 2, 3). The potential health benefits of this plant have already been described in the Compendium of Materia Medica from the Ming Dynasty. In traditional Chinese medicine, Burdock is also known as 'Niubang'. Burdock has many potential health benefits based on its anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties (1).

Active ingredients

Almost all parts of the plant such as fruit, seeds, root, flowers and leaves are used therapeutically (1, 4, 5, 6, 7).

The most important active ingredients of burdock are polyphenols - powerful antioxidants - which include the following (1):

Caffeic acid (also found in coffee)
Chlorogenic acid (found in green coffee beans)
Tannins (which are also found in red wine)
Lignans

Lignans in particular (such as arctigenin and arctiin) are responsible for many of Burdock's potential health benefits. Arctigenin has anticancer, antiviral and hepatoprotective properties (1). The method of preparation of the extract can alter the concentration of polyphenols it contains. Alcoholic extracts of freeze-dried burdock leaves showed the highest content of these compounds (followed by extracts from oven-dried, shade-dried and sun-dried leaves) (8). Roasting burdock tea increases the concentration of antioxidants (9).

The burdock root also contains (1, 4, 6):

Other antioxidants (caffeoylquinic acid derivatives)
Dietary fibers such as inulin, known as fructans
Minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc
Vitamins including provitamin A, B1, B2 and C
Sugars such as fructooligosaccharides

How does Burdock work?

The flavonoids and lignans contained in burdock are responsible for many of the plant's potential effects (10).

A lignan called arctigenin is being investigated for its potential to fight cancer. It is likely involved in inducing cancer cell death and could prevent cancer cell proliferation and uncontrolled growth (11, 12, 13). The same compound could help reduce the severity of hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (14, 15). Burdock could also be helpful for diabetes. It could stimulate insulin production and lower leptin levels. Leptin is generally known as a hormone that promotes weight loss, but in people with chronic diseases and obesity, leptin levels are generally too high, leading to leptin resistance. In such a scenario, reducing leptin levels is a good thing (16, 17, 18). Burdock can also be used in cosmetics. It blocks enzymes that break down elastin - the protein that gives skin its elasticity. Thus, creams with burdock root could reduce wrinkles and give the skin a more youthful appearance (8).

Potential health benefits of burdock

Burdock could reduce inflammation

In a clinical study of 36 patients with knee osteoarthritis, burdock tea (3 cups per day) reduced levels of inflammatory markers such as CRP and IL-6 (19). In animal studies, burdock extract reduced swelling and protected against liver damage. It also reduced inflammation caused by cigarette smoke (20, 21). Arctiin, another polyphenol contained in burdock, also reduced the levels of inflammatory substances (TNF-alpha, IL-beta and OL-6) in mice. Arctigenin, Burdock's other primary polyphenol, reduced inflammation caused by LPS - a bacterial toxin that can enter the bloodstream in people suffering from a pathologically permeable gut wall (22, 23). In summary, these study results are promising, but further human studies are needed to verify these effects.

Burdock could lower blood cholesterol levels and protect against atherosclerosis

Burdock is believed to lower cholesterol levels. In a study of 40 women, Burdock combined with exercise reduced triglyceride levels and total blood cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, it also reduced levels of the "good" HDL cholesterol (24). Interestingly, Burdock extracts appear to be much more effective in animal studies, where it reduced LDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol levels and blood triglyceride levels, but increased HDL cholesterol levels (25, 26).

In a study of quail with clogged arteries, burdock root extract lowered blood lipid levels and protected the arteries as effectively as simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug (27). In summary, the effects of Burdock on cholesterol levels are unclear. The data from animal studies are more encouraging than the results of human studies. Further research is needed to shed light on the effects of burdock on cholesterol levels in humans.

Burdock could make the skin appear younger

A cream containing 1.2% Burdock fruit, applied twice daily, reduced the visibility of wrinkles after 4 weeks in a study of 75 volunteers (28). In cells, the arctiin contained in burdock increased the production of collagen, which gives the skin elasticity. It also reduced the levels of inflammatory compounds that can accelerate skin ageing (28).

Burdock could alleviate acne

Burdock is traditionally used to combat acne. In a study of 34 subjects, a homeopathic preparation of Burdock was found to relieve acne, particularly inflammatory types of acne. However, this was not a controlled study. In addition, homeopathic preparations are highly diluted and contain minimal, if any, amounts of active ingredients (29). However, herbal preparations from Burdock have proven anti-inflammatory properties. Face creams or oils containing burdock could therefore help with acne. However, further studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

Burdock could help in the treatment of stomach ulcers

In a clinical study of 36 patients with H. pylori infections, a herbal supplement containing 64% burdock (20ml, twice daily) helped to heal stomach ulcers and fight infection (30). In studies conducted with rats, burdock extract reduced the size of stomach ulcers and helped to restore the stomach lining (31, 32).

But how does burdock root work to protect the stomach?

A cell-based study provides clues to the mechanism. In this study, an herbal supplement containing burdock prevented H. pylori bacteria from docking onto the cells of the stomach. This could help the body to eliminate these bacteria, which cause stomach ulcers, more easily and prevent re-infection (30).

Burdock could have anti-cancer effects

A standardized extract of burdock fruit (GBS-01) is currently being studied as an anti-cancer therapy in people with pancreatic cancer who did not respond to gemcitabine. A phase 1 pilot study with 15 subjects confirmed a partial response in one patient and a stable condition in 4 subjects (33). In a study conducted in mice, a compound contained in Burdock prevented cancer cells from spreading and also enhanced the activity of a chemotherapy medication (cyclophosphane) (34). Another Burdock compound, arctigenin, stopped tumor growth in mice by up to 70%. This effect was even stronger when arctigenin was administered earlier. Arctigenin also suppressed the genes that are normally activated by cancer cells (35). In a cell-based study, arctigenin increased the susceptibility of cancer cells to cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug (36). In another study, Burdock root extracts and active compounds in Burdock (arctigenin and arctiin) selectively killed cancer cells without harming healthy cells. The extracts were comparable to the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin in killing cancer cells and preventing rapid growth (35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41). These results are promising, but further research is needed before Burdock can be used to treat cancer.

The effects of burdock on depression are unclear

Burdock root could have positive effects on mood. In a study conducted with mice, the active compound arctigenin reduced depressive and anxious behavior in mice exposed to constant mild stress (43). On the other hand, in a study of 510 women with breast cancer, low doses (13-74 mL/day) of Essiac - an herbal supplement containing burdock - failed to improve mood. Instead, it worsened physical well-being and the patient-physician relationship (42). However, because Essiac is a multi-ingredient herbal preparation, it is difficult to say which plants caused the negative effects. Until further studies are available, the effect of burdock on depression must be considered unclear.

Burdock could help with diabetes

In diabetic mice, a burdock root extract reduced blood glucose levels and markers of liver damage (alkaline phosphatase). Interestingly, at high doses, this extract increased insulin levels. And at even higher doses, it also increased leptin levels, which were low in diabetic mice (26).

Why is leptin so important?

Leptin is an appetite and fat storage hormone. In people with type 1 diabetes (or advanced type 2 diabetes) and impaired insulin production, leptin levels are typically low. Insulin therapy can increase leptin levels in these patients (44). In contrast, leptin levels are usually high in people with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. In this case, despite high leptin levels, the body can become insensitive to leptin, leading to leptin resistance (45). With this information in mind, it makes sense that a burdock fruit extract lowered high leptin levels in diabetic mice in another study. The effects of this extract were comparable to the corresponding effects of metformin, a diabetes medication (16). In summary, Burdock normalized leptin levels in both studies towards the leptin levels of healthy mice (16, 26). Burdock root and nettle leaf extracts have also been shown to lower blood glucose levels in other animal studies. The extracts also lowered HbA1c levels - a marker for long-term blood glucose levels - as effectively as metformin (46, 47). In addition, the polyphenols contained in Burdock, also known as lignans, were shown to reduce blood glucose levels, HbA1c levels and weight in a study conducted in mice (16, 48). All in all, these results from animal studies suggest that Burdock may have anti-diabetes potential, but this has yet to be confirmed in human studies.

Burdock could have hepatoprotective effects

In animals, burdock root extract protected the liver from damage caused by acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, toxic chemicals and the heavy metal cadmium (49, 50, 51). In another study, the arctigenin contained in Burdock was able to protect against liver damage caused by hepatitis (14).

In summary, burdock root could protect the liver from damage by reducing inflammation and increasing antioxidant levels. However, further human studies are needed to confirm this.

Burdock has antioxidant effects

A molecule contained in burdock (ALP1) increased antioxidant protection in mice and lowered levels of malondialdehyde - a marker of oxidative cell damage - in the blood and liver (52). To better understand the antioxidant potential of Burdock, we will look at its actions in cells. In a cell study, Burdock root extracts protected brain cells from oxidative damage. They prevented the formation of reactive oxygen species and increased levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase - two key antioxidant enzymes (53). In another cell study, Burdock extracts were able to protect brain cells from oxidative stress caused by glutamate (54). Burdock is a potent antioxidant whose antioxidant activity is stronger than that of vitamin C, although these effects have not yet been investigated in human studies (55).

Burdock could help with infertility and impotence

Diabetes and other chronic diseases can cause erectile dysfunction or infertility. Since proper breakdown of sugar is required for sperm production, diabetes can reduce the number and quality of sperm (56, 57, 58). In diabetic mice, Burdock improved sperm survival. In healthy mice, it increased sperm count and improved markers of fertility (LH, FSH and testosterone) (59). Extremely high Burdock doses (600 andc1,200 mg per kilogram l body weight) were able to increase testosterone levels and reduce impotence in male rats. However, such mega-doses have never been tested in humans (60). Although burdock root may improve fertility and potency in animals, human studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Burdock could promote weight loss

In two studies, a burdock root extract reduced body weight in rats on a high-fat diet (25, 61). Enzymes that control the production of fat molecules (fatty acid synthase and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase) are important players in the control of obesity and weight. A burdock root extract blocks these enzymes, which means that it could potentially be used to support weight loss. However, conclusive human studies are needed to confirm this.

Burdock could alleviate allergies

In an animal study, Burdock suppressed an extreme allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis (63). In a cell study, an active compound in Burdock (oleamide) reduced histamine levels and levels of other pro-inflammatory compounds (TNF-alpha and IL-4) (63). However, further human studies are needed to determine whether Burdock can actually reduce allergies in humans.

Burdock could promote heart health

High blood pressure and heart disease can lead to abnormal enlargement of the heart, which can lead to heart failure and heart failure if left untreated. Arctiin, one of the primary active compounds in Burdock, may promote heart health. In mice, it improved heart function and prevented enlargement of the heart (64, 65).

Burdock could counteract bone resorption

Overactivity of osteoclasts - the cells that break down bone substance - can lead to bone resorption and osteoporosis. In a study conducted with mice, arctigenin from Burdock reduced the number of osteoclasts and prevented their activity (66, 67).

Burdock could help with Alzheimer's disease

In mice, arctigenin from burdock stopped the production of beta-amyloid - a protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients - which could potentially prevent memory loss and reduce the formation of harmful plaques (68).

Burdock could help prevent infections

Burdock root extracts have been shown to be effective against numerous bacteria and fungi in test tubes. For example, they killed bacteria that cause tooth decay (69). Burdock extracts can also disrupt microbial biofilms - sticky layers of bacteria that are very difficult to eliminate, especially in hospitals. It destroyed the biofilms of particularly persistent hospital germs (such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis) and of E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections and food poisoning (70, 71). However, these results have not yet been replicated in animals or humans, so further research is needed.

Burdock dosages

As there are no official recommendations and hardly any clinical studies available, there are only unofficial dosages based on trial and error. For example, tea has been prepared with 2 grams of burdock root per cup and consumed three times a day (19). For a liquid burdock root extract, a dosage of 100 ml per day was used (19). For GBS-01, a burdock fruit extract, high dosages of up to 12 grams per day were safe and had minimal side effects (33). A skin cream containing 1.2% burdock was used twice daily to reduce wrinkles (28).

Safety and side effects

Burdock is used as a food in Asia. There is not enough information to say whether Burdock products are safe and harmless in medical doses. It should be kept in mind that the safety profile of Burdock is relatively unknown due to the lack of clinical studies. The list of side effects mentioned below is therefore not definitive and all-inclusive. Although Burdock is relatively safe, some people may experience allergic reactions, especially when Burdock is applied to the skin. Therefore, a skin test should be performed and 24 hours waited before applying Burdock to the skin or hair in large quantities (1, 62). When taken orally, high doses of the polyphenol arctigenin contained in Burdock were toxic to animals and aggravated liver damage (2, 72).

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the safety of Burdock products during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Burdock products to be on the safe side.
Allergies to broom weed and related plants: Burdock could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this plant family include broomweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and many others. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before taking Burdock products.
Surgeries: Burdock products could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. For this reason, you should stop using Burdock products at least 2 weeks before planned operations.
Inulin intolerance: You should not use Burdock products if you are intolerant to inulin.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining Burdock products with the following medications:

Diuretics

Burdock products should not be used if you are taking diuretics.

Medications that slow down blood clotting

Burdock products could slow down blood clotting. Taking Burdock products in conjunction with medications that also slow blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise.

Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen, heparin, warfarin, and others.

Burdock root

Shred Cuts · 90 capsules