Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Burdock (
Arctium lappa
L.) Extracts: A Review
de Souza ARC, de Oliveira TL, Fontana PD, Carneiro MC, Corazza ML, de Messias Reason IJ, Bavia L · Chemistry & Biodiversity · 2022 November
DOI 10.1002/cbdv.202200615
Objective
Arctium lappa L., also known as burdock, is an edible wild plant which has the ability to grow in distinct environments and is considered a weed in several parts of the world. This species has great value in the biological and medical fields with its major secondary components being phenolic compounds and terpenes, substances rich in desired biological activities as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory.
Conclusions
Studies have demonstrated that A. lappa extracts have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and have complement system modulation effects. Secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds and terpenes, were identified as responsible for these biological activities. The relevant antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects of lignans (arctigenin, arctiin, lappaol) and sesquiterpene onopordopicrin were also highlighted in this review due to their significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammatory disorders and cancer.
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