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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis (chronic), common cold, diabetes, eczema, gas, headache, Helicobacter pylori infection, hives, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), immune function, itching, leprosy, liver disorders, lung conditions, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), nasal congestion, nerve pain (sciatic), pain, rheumatoid arthritis, scabies, sinus problems (inflammation), sinusitis.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of Siberian cocklebur in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of Siberian cocklebur in children.

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.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Siberian cocklebur, its components, or members of the Asteraceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Reliable human trials demonstrating safety or efficacy for Siberian cocklebur are currently lacking. Toxicity has been reported. Use of Siberian cocklebur should be under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

• Siberian cocklebur may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Use cautiously in patients with "qi" and blood disorders, according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory.

• Avoid use in high doses, infants or children, or in patients with liver disorders. Toxicity may occur if Siberian cocklebur is used in high doses. Toxicity symptoms may include abdominal pain, anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, facial flushing, fever, headache, irregular heartbeat, lack of strength or energy, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, restlessness, sleepiness, slight jaundice around the nose and mouth, sweating, swollen liver, and vomiting. Severe side effects may include heavy bleeding in the digestive tract, inability to urinate, spasm, shock, swelling in the lungs, exhaustion of the cardiovascular system and kidney function, liver failure, seizure, coma, and death.

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Siberian cocklebur, its components, or members of the Asteraceae family.

• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to a lack of sufficient scientific evidence.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is a lack of available scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of Siberian cocklebur during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Siberian cocklebur may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Siberian cocklebur may also interact with antibacterial herbs and supplements, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, and herbs and supplements that affect the immune system.

Author Information

• 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).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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