Arctium lappa - herbal remedy that lowers blood sugar?

[scoots]

I am trying different ways to get on top of my eczema and am now trying herbal/biochemic treatments. The person who is preparing the remedies (who is trained) told that someone had good results using Arctium lappa (burdock root) however she could not recommend it as it was not advised for people with diabetes. Having checked out why this may be, it would appear that Arctium lappa has been shown to lower blood sugar, and in some countries (e.g. France) is even used to treat diabetes.

This to me sounds too good to be true - something which could cure my eczema and lower my blood sugar...?! :clap:

I'd love to know more - does anyone have any experience of using Arctium lappa, and what effect did it have? It's not too specialist - you can get it from Holland and Barrett, so no real regulation there.

Jen

T1, pumpin'

 

[phoenix]

This long report documents it's 'traditional'use in Europe for various problems including eczema
In France it is
"

traditionally used in seborrhoeic skin conditions - traditionally used to promote urinary and digestive elimination functions."

There appears to have been one trial with diabetic mice

The blood glucose levels were reduced and glucose tolerance was improved. In type I mice, there was also an increase in serum cholesterol and triglycerides, which represents a risk of coronary heart disease. More research is needed to study the mechanism of action and the long-term effects.

The report mentions one case of allergy (anaphylatic shock) and one of contamination with belladonna root (deadly nightshade) causing atropine like poisoning.

there are no documented interactions. Nevertheless, the authors warn with respect to the potential interactions with other medicines, particularly those with similar or opposing effects. Apart from this general statement, no clinical evidence is available; consequently, no warning should be included in the monograph.

conclusion

Despite their long tradition and their widespread use, there are no data available from controlled clinical studies using herbal preparations containing Arctium lappa L. root. In conclusion, Arctium lappa L. root preparations can only be considered for traditional use. More clinical research is needed to confirm the pharmacological properties.

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/doc ... 105233.pdf

 

[scoots]

Thanks for this. I had a look at the product in Holland and Barratt - it's there as burdock - didn't make any reference to diabetes (or not using it), just had the bland warning to consult doc before using if you have any medical conditions. If there's any chance it can increase my cardiac risk I think I'll leave well alone...

Thanks!

Jen