Siberian cocklebur

Related Terms

Alkaloid, alpha-hydroxytomentosin, Asteraceae (Family), atractyloside, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, caffeoylquinic acids, cang er cao (Chinese), cang er zi (Chinese), caulis Xanthii sibirici, cephalin, ceryl alcohol, chlorobutanol, choline, cinnamic acid, common cocklebur fruit, component A, component B, component C, dihydrotomentosin, endoperoxide, epixanthatin, fat, ferulic acid, folium seu, fructus Xanthii, fructus Xanthii siberici, gamma-sitosterol, heptacosanol, hydroxypyrrolidin, hydroxytomentosin, isohexacosane, isoxanthanol, lecithin, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, poriferosterol, pseudoguaiane, resin, Siberian cocklebur fruit, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, stigmasterol, stumasterol, tomentosin, vomifoliol, xanthanol, xanthiazone, xanthienopyran, xanthinin, xanthipungolide, xanthiside, Xanthium, Xanthium japonicum, Xanthium sibiricum, xanthostrumarin, xanthumin.

Background

Siberian cocklebur, a member of the Asteraceae family, is an annual plant used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Today, Siberian cocklebur is often used in combination with other herbal products, such as magnolia flower and angelica root. It grows mainly in northern Iran, China, and parts of Asia. The fruit is an egg-shaped burr with numerous hooked spines.
Siberian cocklebur has been traditionally used for sinus congestion, chronic nasal obstructions and discharges, respiratory allergies, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been used to relieve aches and pains, as well as headaches associated with nasal congestion and sinusitis.
Siberian cocklebur contains toxic chemical compounds, which may cause severe hepatitis with fatal liver failure or interactions with the liver's detoxification systems. Overdosing of Siberian cocklebur may cause severe side effects including coma and death. High-quality human research on the safety or effectiveness of Siberian cocklebur is currently lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose of Siberian cocklebur in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Siberian cocklebur may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Siberian cocklebur may also interact with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and drugs that affect the immune system.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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