Evidence supporting the use of: Burdock
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

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Synopsis

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

Burdock (Arctium lappa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia and Europe, as a remedy for various ailments, including infections. In traditional Chinese medicine and Western herbalism, burdock root is often used for its purported detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Folk medicine has used burdock in topical treatments for skin infections (such as boils or abscesses) and sometimes as an internal remedy for "purifying the blood" during infectious illnesses.

Scientific evidence supporting burdock’s efficacy against viral infections is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified compounds in burdock, such as arctigenin and lignans, with antiviral and immunomodulatory activities in vitro. For example, arctigenin has demonstrated inhibitory effects against certain influenza viruses and herpes simplex virus in cell cultures. However, these findings are preliminary and have not been substantiated in rigorous human clinical trials.

Overall, the use of burdock for viral infections is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than robust scientific evidence. While lab studies are promising, there is a lack of high-quality clinical data to support its efficacy or safety for this use. As such, burdock should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for viral infections but may be considered as a complementary approach within traditional frameworks.

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vitamin A
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vitamin D3
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betulinic acid
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liverwort
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