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.

References

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