Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a temperate plant that has a very important place in traditional Chinese medicine. In our country, it grows in various places in northeastern and eastern Anatolia.
Its chemical content varies depending on the part of the plant.

The leaves contain sesquiterpenes, terpene alcohols, free sterols and triterpene esters.

Seeds contain fixed oil consisting of various fatty acids. Aldehydes, polyacetylenic structures and thiophenes are other chemical components of the plant.

Traditionally, the above-ground parts are used against coughs and colds, while preparations prepared from the roots are used for diuretic and kidney stone-lowering effect.

It is used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of various skin infections.
Polyacetylenic chemical components have been shown to have antimicrobial effect. In addition, various standardised extracts have anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antioxidant properties.

Burdock preparations are also preferred in many cosmetic products due to the antiseptic and detoxifying properties of the extract. In combination with other plant extracts, it is used in creams for oily skin prone to acne and seborrhoea, and is also preferred in shampoos and lotions for scalps affected by excessive sebum production.

Studies have shown the plant extract to be effective against dermatological problems such as dandruff and psoriasis. Caffeoylquinic acid protects collagen from UV-A-induced changes, while caffeoyl conjugates such as cichoric and camptaric acid inhibit the enzyme hyaluronidase, the main enzyme responsible for skin damage in acne and seborrhoeic dermatitis.