Phytotherapy

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

Knowledge connections

Related conditions

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

All sources in the study library →

Frequently asked questions

Is Burdock root a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Burdock root as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Burdock root allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Burdock root is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Burdock root?

Stated in the profile: approx. 15–30 g dried root/animal/day (large horse). This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Burdock root?

The profile cites: PMID:20981575 and PMID:36516694.

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 source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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