Burdock extract

Everyone knows the saying “Clingy as a burdock”. It refers to the flower heads of the up to 1.50 metre high plant, which are equipped with strong barbs and like to get caught in clothing and hair when walking in nature. It was precisely these barbs that inspired the engineer Georges de Mestral to invent the Velcro fastener in 1948. When he applied for a patent two years later, he was one of the pioneers of bionics. However, the barbs, which incidentally are intended to aid propagation, are not the only remarkable characteristic of the burdock plant (Arctium lappa), which belongs to the Asteraceae family.

Use of burdock extract

It is surprisingly undemanding in its choice of location and likes to settle in rubble pits, on roadsides, walls and fences. It is widespread throughout Europe, North Asia, Africa and North America. The young shoots of the plant can be processed into a tasty salad. However, it is not the flower heads that are of medicinal and cosmetic interest, but the roots. These are very fleshy and strong and can reach up to 6o centimetres deep into the ground. The healing properties of burdock root were already being utilised in ancient times. It is said to alleviate urinary tract problems and help with loss of appetite. Burdock extract was also used to treat liver problems and rheumatism. During the war years, when real coffee was in short supply, roasted burdock roots were used as a coffee substitute. The roots are also suitable for consumption. They can be prepared as a vegetable in a similar way to black salsify.

Active ingredients in burdock extract

 Burdock root is rich in mucilage, inulin, essential oil, lignans, tannins and polyynes. Fructan, a water-soluble polysaccharide, has already shown impressive antioxidant effects in studies. The aglycone actigenin, a typical lignan of burdock, even has antiviral, phytoestrogenic and antitumour properties.

Use of burdock extract in cosmetics

In the first year of burdock cultivation, when the summer is gradually coming to an end, the powerful root of the plant is harvested. A special extraction process is used to obtain the valuable burdock extract root oil. It was already considered an excellent hair growth remedy in ancient times and is still suitable for hair loss today. However, burdock root oil is primarily used for flaky, dry and sensitive scalps, where it usually shows very good results and is generally well tolerated. Burdock root oil is a real boon for coloured and damaged hair, as it nourishes it gently and makes it supple. Burdock extract is also a proven remedy for psoriasis and eczema. Other areas of application include blemished skin, seborrhoeic dermatitis and acne. The bactericidal substances contained in the essential oil show good results against staphylococci, which cause the inflammatory skin changes in acne. The ingredients of burdock extract can also reduce sebum production.

Furthermore, burdock extract is an excellent cosmetic moisturising and binding agent. The oil makes the skin look younger and has a regenerating effect. The subtle fragrance is perceived by most users as very pleasant and unobtrusive.

Burdock root oil can be used pure, mixed with other oils (e.g. for massage oils) or to enrich high-quality creams, masks and hair care products. It should be 100 percent pure and free from synthetic fragrances, colourings and preservatives.

Profile of burdock extract

INCI: Arctium Lappa Root Extract

CAS number: 84012-13-5

EINCS / ELINCS: 281-658-8

Main constituents: Mucilage, inulins, bitters and tannins, essential oil

Uses: In shampoos, hair treatments and conditioners, especially against dandruff and hair loss, for skin care for eczema, psoriasis, acne and blemished skin.

We like to work with these raw materials containing burdock root:

Burdock root oil, the underestimated cosmetic ingredient

Burdock with its countless barbs has always fascinated people. However, many people do not realise just how many cosmetic benefits the plant has. Whether for dry scalp, dandruff or acne – the oil from the fleshy roots is versatile and highly effective. The equally effective burdock extract is used in aqueous cosmetics, and both active ingredients (oil and extract) are even used in emulsions. Ask Cosmacon about the possible applications in sophisticated cosmetic products.

Literature:

Arctium lappa (Burdock): Insights from ethnopharmacology potential, chemical constituents, clinical studies, pharmacological utility and nanomedicine.

Yosri N, Alsharif SM, Xiao J, Musharraf SG, Zhao C, Saeed A, Gao R, Said NS, Di Minno A, Daglia M, Guo Z, Khalifa SAM, El-Seedi HR.Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Feb;158:114104

Burdock (Arctium lappa L) roots as a source of inulin-type fructans and other bioactive compounds: Current knowledge and future perspectives for food and non-food applications.

Moro TMA, T P S Clerici M.Food Res Int. 2021 Mar;141:109889

Anti-Acne Action of Peptides Isolated from Burdock Root-Preliminary Studies and Pilot Testing.

Miazga-Karska M, Michalak K, Ginalska G.Molecules. 2020 Apr 27;25(9):2027