Evidence supporting the use of: Burdock
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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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 skin conditions, including psoriasis. Traditional herbalists have employed burdock root as a "blood purifier," believing that it helps clear toxins from the bloodstream that may contribute to chronic skin eruptions. Its historical applications include both topical and internal uses, often in combination with other herbs like sarsaparilla or dandelion.

However, scientific validation for burdock's effectiveness in treating psoriasis specifically is limited. There are a handful of in vitro and animal studies suggesting that burdock possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which could theoretically benefit inflammatory skin diseases. Some of its constituents, such as arctiin and lignans, have shown anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory settings. Despite these promising findings, there is a lack of high-quality human clinical trials directly examining burdock's efficacy for psoriasis.

Overall, the use of burdock for psoriasis is justified primarily by tradition, not by robust scientific evidence. While it remains popular among herbalists and in complementary medicine, its effectiveness for this condition has not been conclusively demonstrated in clinical research. Anyone considering burdock as a complementary therapy for psoriasis should consult a healthcare professional, especially if they are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.

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