As more and more research is being carried out on the burdock herb, many new and interesting discoveries are being made.

A relationship is being examined between the burdock plant and its anti fungal and anti bacterial properties.

Even more importantly, burdock is showing signs of possibly being able to fight against tumors; it could be a cancer-fighting agent as well. Research has shown that since many of the cancer causing compounds are in almost all foods which are eaten and stored in human fat tissues, burdock might very well be of help in fighting cancer because of the role that it can play in depleting these mutagens.

The burdock herb has a long history of usage for treating cancer - Hildegard of Bingen, a well known medieval herbalist, often used burdock for treatment of cancerous tumors. Recent studies have shown that arctigenin, a chemical in burdock, does in fact slow tumor growth.

Burdock is an active ingredient in a couple of popular natural herbal remedies for cancer, including Essiac and Hoxsey. Of course, cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, for which a broad-spectrum approach must absolutely be taken. Herbs should be used to supplement and strengthen the overall battle plan, and not in isolation.