Arctium Lappa and Management of Liver Functions to Detoxify the Bloodstream

Abstract

Arctium lappa or burdock (Compositae family) is a perennial plant, native to Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. Burdock roots are known as detoxifying herb to clear toxins from the bloodstream. It seems that its effects are on the liver functions as it is main part of the body for detoxifying the bloodstream. The aim of this review article was to evaluate the potency of burdock in the management of liver functions in detoxifying the bloodstream. The information was extracted from electronic resources (Google scholar, Science Direct, Springer, Magiran). The results of the investigation exhibited that the studies are limited to animals, but the results of investigations showed that burdock roots detoxify the liver against ethanol, carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), acetaminophen, cadmium, and zinc oxide by improving the functions of liver enzymes. The anti- oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic effects of burdock roots may be involved in its effects on liver enzymes and detoxifying the blood. Large clinical studies are required to confirm its efficacy on liver functions and detoxifying the liver.