Burdock root

Arctium lappa · Greater burdock

Mechanism

Burdock root contains the storage carbohydrate inulin, polyacetylenes, phenolic acids and lignans such as arctiin and arctigenin. Traditionally it is used as a skin-caring component and within metabolism-supporting herbal mixtures. The experimental data describe antioxidant and anti-inflammatory modulating properties mostly in cell and animal models; robust equine endpoint studies are lacking.

Cautions

· Composite family (Asteraceae) — sensitisation possible
· Risk of confusion in trade with deadly-nightshade root (Atropa belladonna) — use only tested drug quality
· Use sparingly in pregnant mares due to lack of data

Sources

PMID:20981575Chan et al. 2011 (Inflammopharmacology) — Review pharmakologische Effekte Arctium lappa (Burdock)

PMID:36516694Yosri et al. 2023 (Biomed Pharmacother) — Arctium lappa: Phytochemie, klinische Studien, Pharmakologie

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageapprox. 15–30 g dried root/animal/day (large horse)

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Products containing Burdock root

Leber

DeTox Gold

Hilton Herbs

Not orderable →

Haut & Fell

Derma Inner Skin Balance

Velvet Naturel

Not orderable →

Knowledge connections

Related conditions

Mud Fever / Pastern Dermatitis →traditionally skin-soothing in metabolism-supporting herbal blends

All sources in the study library →

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.