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Dietary supplement

Burdock Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Burdock is a dietary supplement by Nature's Sunshine with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for skin conditions like acne and eczema, digestive support, diuretic ('detox') and blood purifier.Based on those ingredients, 122 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Burdock. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Burdock by Nature's Sunshine

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: burdock root. Burdock is a plant that's been used traditionally for centuries, often as a food and in herbal preparations.

The capsule also holds inactive ingredients—cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide—which are common binders and flow agents used to make the capsule hold together and move through the manufacturing process smoothly.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Burdock product and its label doesn't state a use — see Burdock's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for burdock's effectiveness isn't established yet in the data we hold. Studies haven't found reliable proof that it works for acne, aging skin, breast cancer, common cold, or atopic dermatitis (eczema).

That doesn't mean it doesn't work—it means more research is needed before we can say one way or the other.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Burdock

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Burdock is generally well tolerated when eaten as a food, and short-term use appears safe in healthy adults, though human safety data are limited. Rare serious allergic reactions—including contact dermatitis and anaphylaxis—have been reported.

One case of liver damage was reported in a person taking a herbal detox tea that contained burdock along with other ingredients, but it's unclear whether burdock was the culprit. Contact dermatitis, especially from prolonged use of burdock root oil or burdock plasters applied to skin, has also been documented.

During pregnancy, avoid medicinal amounts of burdock because safety data are lacking and it may affect the uterus. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information, so it's best to avoid medicinal use.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding and want to use burdock.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Burdock

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Burdock.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 122 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start burdock, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs—including warfarin, dabigatran, aspirin, clopidogrel, or similar medications. Burdock may increase your bleeding risk when combined with these drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Burdock may be worth considering if you're interested in traditional herbal support, but evidence for specific uses isn't solid yet. If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—the interaction risk is real enough to warrant a conversation.

The same goes if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of allergies or liver issues.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 25, 2014.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Burdock, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Sunshine
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2014
DSLD ID 31178
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Burdock by Nature's Sunshine, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Burdock360 mg--

Other ingredients: Capsule, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

BURDOCK

Nature's Sunshine uses natural source materials in its products that are subject to color variation

Nature's Sunshine uses natural source materials in its products that are subject to color variation. Product of U.S.A.

Herb Specialists Since 1972

15 Day Program

Intestinal System Support* This package contains 30 packets with 6 herbal combinations in each packet. This represents a fifteen-day supply.

GUARANTEED PURE

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

INSTRUCTIONS Take the contents of one packet (6 capsules) 15 minutes before meals up to two times daily for 15 days. Drink one glass (8 ounces) of water with the capsules, followed by another glass of water. This should produce two or three bowel movements daily. If stools become too loose, reduce the number of packets being used. Continue the program until all 30 packets have been used. (Program not recommended for children.)

Eat fresh fruits, vegetables (especially green leafy), and whole grains (rice) while using this product. Avoid red meat, coffee, alcohol, and sugary or fried foods. Drink plenty of water.

Precautions

This carton was sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is damaged.

(Program not recommended for children.)

Seals/Symbols

Nature's Sunshine(R) QUALITY, SERVICE, INTEGRITY

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Formula

CONTENTS ~ Burdock Root - Nourishes Circulatory System

General

Stock No. 3050-5

See for yourself

Burdock by Nature's Sunshine label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Burdock by Nature's Sunshine

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Burdock

Interacts with
122 drugs
360 mg per serving

Burdock is a traditional herb most often used for skin problems and as a so-called 'blood purifier,' but high-quality human studies are lacking and mo...

Burdock monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Capsule, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Burdock by Nature's Sunshine Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Burdock?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
122Drugs
122 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Burdock 122

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Burdock with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Burdock1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking burdock with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.

In vitro research shows that lignans from burdock reduce rabbit platelet aggregation by inhibiting platelet activating factor. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Burdock, from the product label.

Nature's Sunshine

See all Nature's Sunshine products
Name
Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc
City
Spanish Fork
State
Utah
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
1-800-223-8225
Web Address
www.naturessunshine.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Burdock by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Burdock by Nature's Sunshine interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Burdock has a known interaction with 122 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Burdock contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on warfarin or another blood thinner?
Not without checking first. Burdock may increase bleeding risk if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your exact medications before you start.
Is burdock safe during pregnancy?
The safety data advises against medicinal amounts during pregnancy because there isn't enough information and burdock may affect the uterus. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Can I take it while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information to know either way. It's best to avoid medicinal use while breastfeeding and talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the side effects?
Burdock is generally well tolerated, but rare allergic reactions—including contact dermatitis and anaphylaxis—have been reported. Contact dermatitis is more likely with prolonged use of burdock root oil or skin applications. One case of liver damage was reported, though it involved other ingredients too.
Does burdock actually work for skin problems or colds?
The evidence isn't established yet. We don't have reliable proof that it works for acne, eczema, aging skin, or common cold, though it's been used traditionally for these reasons. More research is needed.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Burdock is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Burdock label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Burdock's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 11 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Burdock 11 references
  1. Iwakami S, Wu JB, Ebizuka Y, Sankawa U. Platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists contained in medicinal plants: lignans and sesquiterpenes. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1992;40:1196-8. PubMed
  2. Sasaki Y, Kimura Y, Tsunoda T, Tagami H. Anaphylaxis due to burdock. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:472-3. PubMed
  3. Rhoads PM, Tong TG, Banner W Jr, Anderson R. Anticholinergic poisonings associated with commercial burdock root tea. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1984-85;22:581-4. PubMed
  4. Rodriguez P, Blanco J, Juste S, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis due to burdock (Arctium lappa). Contact Dermatitis 1995;33:134-5.
  5. Kassler, W. J., Blanc, P., and Greenblatt, R. The use of medicinal herbs by human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Arch Intern Med 1991;151(11):2281-2288. DOI
  6. Chan, Y. S., Cheng, L. N., Wu, J. H., Chan, E., Kwan, Y. W., Lee, S. M., Leung, G. P., Yu, P. H., and Chan, S. W. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology. 2011;19(5):245-254. PubMed
  7. Breed, F. B. and Kuwabara, T. Burdock ophthalmia. Arch Ophthalmol 1966;75(1):16-20.
  8. Bryson, P. D., Watanabe, A. S., Rumack, B. H., and Murphy, R. C. Burdock root tea poisoning. Case report involving a commercial preparation. JAMA 5-19-1978;239(20):2157. DOI
  9. <p>Fletcher GF<span>, </span>Cantwell JD. Burdock root tea poisoning. JAMA <span>1978 Oct 6;240(15):1586.</span></p> DOI
  10. Latif A, Fichadiya H, Abid F, Capo G. Herbal Teas and Thrombocytopenia: A Curious Case of Yellow Dock and Burdock-Induced Thrombocytopenia. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2022;9(3):003247. PubMed
  11. Niazi B, Ahmed K, Ahmed M, Ali S, Song K, Elias S. Drug-Induced Liver Injury from Herbal Liver Detoxification Tea. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2022;16(3):612-617. PubMed

See these in context on the Burdock monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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