Evidence supporting the use of: Burdock
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

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Synopsis

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

Burdock (Arctium lappa) has a long history of traditional use in supporting hair health, particularly for hair loss and thinning. In folk medicine, especially in Europe and Asia, burdock root oil (sometimes called "burdock oil" or "bur oil") has been applied topically to the scalp or included in hair tonics and shampoos. It was believed to improve scalp circulation, strengthen hair follicles, and promote hair growth. Some herbal traditions also considered burdock helpful for scalp conditions like dandruff, which could indirectly support hair growth.

Despite its traditional use, robust scientific evidence is limited. A few in vitro (test tube) and animal studies suggest that burdock extracts contain compounds such as lignans, arctiin, and inulin, which have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties. These properties might theoretically benefit scalp health, but direct clinical studies on burdock's effect on human hair growth are scarce. One small clinical study found that a herbal mixture containing burdock improved hair quality, but it was not clear if burdock was the active component. Overall, while burdock's traditional use for hair loss is well established, scientific validation is minimal, and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm its efficacy for this purpose.

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