Achene of Great Burdock — Safety & Interactions
Niu Bang Zi · Fructus Arctii Lappae
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy — potential uterine stimulant effect; avoid use throughout pregnancy
- Spleen deficiency with diarrhea or loose stools — moistening action may worsen cold-damp digestive patterns
- Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae family (chrysanthemum, ragweed, daisy) — cross-reactivity possible
Cautions
- Some commercial burdock preparations have been contaminated with belladonna alkaloids (atropine) — source from reputable suppliers only
- Rare anaphylaxis reported following burdock consumption — monitor first-time users
- Acute liver injury reported in association with herbal blends containing burdock — monitor liver function with prolonged use
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) | Lignans (arctigenin) inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF) in vitro; potential additive antiplatelet effect may increase bleeding risk | Moderate | hellopharmacist.com — Burdock-Warfarin Interaction |
| Antidiabetic medications (insulin, sulfonylureas, metformin) | Burdock has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in animal models; additive blood-glucose-lowering effect may increase risk of hypoglycemia | Mild | rxlist.com — Burdock Uses, Benefits & Side Effects |
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner before any use.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.