Burdock Root's Potential Relevance for Those of Us Living with Glaucoma: Neuroprotection, Glucose Regulation, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Anxiety, Anti-Depression and More

Science: Burdock Root's Potential Relevance for Those of Us Living with Glaucoma: Neuroprotection, Glucose Regulation, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Anxiety, Anti-Depression and More

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15 months ago

david 4.3k

@david_fe

Burdock root (Arctium lappa L. root) is an edible plant that has been used for centuries (even millenia) in various cultures for its medicinal properties. It is a rich source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that have been associated with numerous health benefits, including neuroprotection, glucose regulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-depression effects. This article will delve into the potential benefits of burdock root, particularly for individuals living with glaucoma. (It also touches on how burdock complements the role of magnesium in health.)

"[Burdock] is widely distributed throughout Northern Asia, Europe, and North America and has been utilized for hundreds of years. The roots, fruits, seeds, and leaves of [Burdock] have been extensively used in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). [Burdock] has attracted a great deal of attention due to its possession of highly recognized bioactive metabolites with significant therapeutic potential. Numerous pharmacological effects have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo by [Burdock] and its bioactive metabolites, including:

antimicrobial

antiobesity

antioxidant

anticancer

anti-inflammatory

anti-diabetic

anti-allergic

antiviral

gastro-protective

hepatoprotective (liver protective)

neuroprotective.

Additionally, [Burdock] has demonstrated considerable clinical efficacies and valuable applications in nanomedicine." (Yosri et al., 2023)

Burdock Root: A Promising Neuroprotective Agent

Burdock root has been identified as a promising neuroprotective agent (PubMed). Arctigenin, an active ingredient of burdock root, has been found to exert neuroprotective, anti-decrepitude, and anti-inflammatory activities in another study.

Regular consumption of burdock root extracts (a source of arctigenin) produced antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects (PubMed). Moreover, a study found that burdock root ameliorates cerebral ischemia by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and suppressing AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy (PubMed). These neuroprotective effects could be particularly beneficial for individuals with glaucoma (which, as we know, is characterized by progressive optic nerve damage).

Burdock Root and Magnesium: A Natural Synergy

Burdock root is a natural source of magnesium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions (including over 600 enzymatic reactions). Furthermore, burdock root enhances magnesium absorption, making it a potentially attractive food ingredient to combine with supplemental magnesium.

Magnesium is also useful in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, supporting bone health, and exerting anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects.

Burdock root is rich in magnesium. One cup (approximately 118 grams) of raw burdock root contains about 44.8 milligrams of magnesium, which is 11 percent of the daily value (DV).

Magnesium and Glaucoma

Increasing magnesium intake could be beneficial in the management of glaucoma. A study found that magnesium plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and treatment of glaucoma. Therefore, the consumption of burdock root, which is a natural source of magnesium, could be interesting for individuals living with glaucoma. See these related posts for more on magnesium and glaucoma:

Glucose Regulation

A review study suggested that burdock root contributes to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus by regulating glucose homeostasis and improving oxidative stress (PubMed). Burdock root also contains inulin, a soluble and prebiotic fiber that further helps improve digestion and lower blood sugar. Therefore, burdock root enhances and complements magnesium's role in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.

Bone Health

Burdock root has been reported to be beneficial for bones, particularly osteoarthritis. A study found that Burdock root tea improves inflammatory status and oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis (PubMed). Another study suggested that burdock root extract enhances chondrogenesis (the development of cartilage) in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Burdock root also complements magnesium's role in bone health.

Anti-Anxiety and Anti-Depression Effects

As mentioned earlier, a study focused on the burdock constituent arctigenin found that it produces anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects. Another study found that 1,3-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid, another active compound of burdock root, ameliorates depressive-like behavior by regulating hippocampal nitric oxide synthesis. Therefore, burdock root complements magnesium's anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects nicely.

Other Health Benefits of Burdock Root

Burdock root is an effective anti-inflammatory agent traditionally used for respiratory infections like influenza and other infections. It also has antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the active ingredients in the root are said to "detoxify" blood, promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improve skin quality/texture, and cure skin diseases like eczema.

The following study mentions that burdock root improved short-term memory:

“Recently, a number of pharmacological studies have indicated that Arctium lappa displayed anti-inflammatory (de Almeida et al., 2013), hepatoprotective (Lin et al., 2002) and free radical scavenging properties (Predes et al., 2011). Previous studies have identified many phenolic compounds in the root of burdock including chlorogenic acid, arctigenin and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (Liu et al., 2012). The chlorogenic acid significantly reversed cognitive impairments and improved the impairment of short-term memory induced by scopolamine in vivo experiments (Kwon et al., 2010).” (Tian et al., 2014)

An animal study found that burdock root reduced body weight and blood cholesterol levels:

“Conclusions: Aqueous extract of burdock root reduced body weight and cholesterol in rats, possibly by modulating the differential expression of genes.” (Bo et al., 2018, p. 158)

Safety and Interactions

Burdock root is generally safe for consumption. However, people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant families, which include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies, could possibly experience an allergic reaction to using burdock. There are no known scientific reports of interactions between burdock and conventional medications.

In my opinion, burdock root offers a plethora of attractive benefits, particularly for individuals living with glaucoma. Its neuroprotective, glucose-regulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-depression properties, along with its ability to enhance magnesium absorption, make it incredibly interesting to me. However, as with any supplement or dietary change, it's always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to get advice that takes into account your personal health status.

References

dietary-supplements glaucoma magnesium neuroprotection burdock_root • 34k views

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