Common Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) in Herbal Medicine and Lyme Disease: Properties and Research

This plant is a member of the teasel family (Dipsacaceae). The species known as common teasel, scientifically classified as *Dipsacus silvester*, grows wild across Poland, with a notably higher prevalence in the southern regions of the country. Both its root—referred to in botanical terminology as *Radix Dipsaci*—and its leaves, designated *Folium Dipsaci*, serve as medicinal raw materials. The roots, typically harvested during spring or autumn, form the primary ingredient for preparing tinctures, decoctions, and intrata—highly concentrated herbal extracts. Its prominence in traditional medicine surged during the medieval period, largely due to the contributions of the mystic and scholar Hildegard of Bingen, whose writings remain an invaluable reference for the study of herbal remedies to this day [1, 2].

Phytochemical investigations of common houndstongue (*Cynoglossum officinale*) have revealed a complex array of bioactive compounds, with polyphenols—particularly flavonoids such as luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, and kaempferol—representing the predominant group. Additionally, a range of phenolic acids has been identified, including chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, *p*-coumaric acid, and *p*-hydroxybenzoic acid. Of particular significance are the bisiridoids (e. g., sweroside), tetrairidoids, and triterpenoid saponozides, which primarily occur as free oleanolic and ursolic acids. Extracts derived from this plant exhibit well-documented anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, effectively mitigating localized skin inflammation [2]. Scientific literature further corroborates their antimicrobial activity against three key pathogenic fungal species: *Candida albicans*, *Rhodotorula rubra*, and *Aspergillus fumigatus*. The mechanism of action is primarily attributed to the synergistic effects of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which substantially enhance antiseptic efficacy. Notably, houndstongue extract demonstrated efficacy against *Aspergillus fumigatus* comparable to that of the standard antifungal agent nystatin [3]. Furthermore, ursolic acid and phenolic compounds exhibit hepatoprotective properties, while the iridoids present in the extract possess analgesic effects, as substantiated by multiple studies [1, 2].

A rigorous *in vitro* investigation was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of freshly harvested root extracts from *Dipsacus fullonum* (commonly known as wild teasel) against *Borrelia burgdorferi*—the spirochetal pathogen responsible for Lyme disease. The benchmark for comparative efficacy assessment was amoxicillin, a β-lactam antibiotic widely employed as the first-line therapeutic agent in borreliosis management. Findings from the study demonstrated that fractions obtained through organic solvent extraction—specifically ethyl acetate and dichloromethane—exhibited microbiological activity on par with that of the reference drug. Notably, the ethyl acetate-soluble extract displayed pronounced bactericidal properties: following a four-day incubation period, a 99.7% (±1.0% standard deviation) reduction in viable *Borrelia* cells was recorded, thereby substantiating the extract’s high degree of effectiveness against the target pathogen [4].

The tincture derived from *Dipsacus fullonum* (commonly known as wild teazel or Fuller’s thistle) is prepared by macerating dried, finely ground roots or leaves in a 40% ethanol solution for a period of fourteen days, followed by filtration to yield a clarified liquid extract. Standard oral administration involves three daily doses of 10 milliliters each, though the preparation may also be applied topically—for instance, as an antiseptic wash for minor skin abrasions or localized inflammatory conditions [1]. While preliminary observations suggest that this botanical extract *may* offer adjunctive benefits for individuals with chronic Lyme disease (particularly as a complementary agent alongside conventional antibiotic regimens), rigorous clinical trials are essential to elucidate its precise efficacy against *Borrelia burgdorferi* sensu lato. Key research priorities include determining the most bioactive extraction method (e. g., ethanolic tincture, aqueous decoction, or glycerite) and elucidating its pharmacological mechanisms. Historical herbal texts further document the plant’s use in alleviating rheumatic symptoms, supporting gout management, and promoting systemic detoxification, underscoring its multifaceted therapeutic potential.