Evidence supporting the use of: Burdock
For the health condition: Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Burdock (Arctium lappa) root has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Asian systems, for supporting liver and gallbladder health. In traditional practices, burdock is considered a "blood purifier" and is believed to promote the flow of bile, thereby assisting the liver and gallbladder in the digestion of fats. It is frequently found in herbal formulas targeting "sluggish" gallbladders or to support detoxification after gallbladder removal. The root contains inulin, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds thought to have mild choleretic (bile-promoting) properties. However, scientific research specifically investigating burdock's effects on gallbladder function is limited. Most available evidence comes from animal studies or in vitro research, which show some potential for burdock to support liver function and antioxidant capacity, but not specifically gallbladder motility or bile production in humans. Clinical studies in humans addressing gallbladder-related outcomes are lacking. Therefore, while its use for gallbladder support is justified by traditional use and anecdotal reports, there is insufficient scientific evidence to strongly validate these claims. The tradition persists largely due to burdock’s gentle action and long-standing reputation in herbalism rather than robust clinical data.

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