Wise Mind Herbs

The information on this page has been prepared with reference to published scientific literature, not by a medically qualified expert. It is not medical advice. Any decision to use a supplement or herb-based product is your responsibility. Consult a suitably qualified medical professional, especially if you have underlying conditions. Remember, nothing is for everyone, and not everything sold is what it claims to be. Some things work for some people, some of the time.

Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family that has been used in traditional medicine across various cultures for centuries. This review examines the scientific evidence behind dandelion's purported health benefits, recommended dosages, side effects, and pharmaceutical applications.

Botanical Classification and Common Names

The primary species discussed in scientific literature is Taraxacum officinale, commonly known as common dandelion, lion's tooth, blowball, priest's crown, or swine's snout. It should not be confused with Russian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz), which has different properties, or with cat's ear (Hypochaeris radicata) or hawkbit (Leontodon species), which resemble dandelion but belong to different genera.

Evidenced Health Benefits

Scientific research suggests dandelion may provide several health benefits, though it's important to note that many studies are preliminary, conducted in vitro or on animal models, with fewer robust human clinical trials available. The following conditions have shown some evidence of improvement with dandelion:

• Liver health: Dandelion extracts have demonstrated hepatoprotective effects, potentially helping to reduce liver inflammation and support liver function.
• Antioxidant properties: Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that help neutralize free radicals.
• Mild diuretic effect: May increase urine production, potentially benefiting mild fluid retention.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Several studies indicate potential in reducing inflammation markers.
• Blood glucose regulation: Limited evidence suggests possible beneficial effects on blood sugar levels.
• Antimicrobial activity: In vitro studies show antimicrobial properties against certain pathogens.

Conditions Not Proven to Be Cured by Dandelion

Despite traditional use claims, scientific evidence does not support that dandelion cures or treats:

• Cancer: While some laboratory studies show potential anti-cancer properties, no human clinical trials have demonstrated cancer treatment efficacy.
• Diabetes: Preliminary research is promising, but insufficient evidence exists to recommend dandelion as a diabetes treatment.
• Hypertension: Limited and inconclusive evidence for blood pressure management.
• Obesity: While animal studies suggest potential benefits, human evidence remains insufficient.

Dosage Recommendations

Dosages vary widely depending on the form and preparation, with limited standardization in clinical studies. The following are general guidelines based on available research:

• Dried root: 2-8g daily, typically divided into 2-3 doses
• Root extract (4:1): 500-1500mg daily
• Leaf extract: 500-1000mg daily
• Fresh leaf: 4-10g daily
• Fluid extract (1:1): 1-2mL, three times daily
• Standardized extracts: Should contain 3-5% sesquiterpene lactones or 10-15% total phenolic content

These dosages represent ranges found in scientific literature but are not definitively established as therapeutic standards due to the preliminary nature of many studies.

High-Dose Research

Research on doses exceeding the above recommendations is limited. A few toxicity studies in animals have investigated higher doses, but significant knowledge gaps exist regarding high-dose efficacy and safety in humans. One rodent study found no observable adverse effects at doses equivalent to 30g/kg of dried plant material, suggesting a potentially wide safety margin. However, this should not be extrapolated to humans without proper clinical studies.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Generally, dandelion is considered safe for most people when consumed in food amounts. Potential side effects include:

• Allergic reactions: Particularly in people with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile)
• Gastrointestinal discomfort: Including upset stomach, diarrhea, or heartburn
• Medication interactions: May interact with certain medications, particularly diuretics, lithium, antibiotics, and blood thinners
• Hypoglycemic effect: May potentially enhance the effects of diabetes medications
• Potassium retention: High potassium content may be problematic for those with kidney issues or on certain medications

Pharmaceutical Products

Few standardized pharmaceutical products containing dandelion as a primary ingredient are available. Most dandelion-containing products are classified as dietary supplements rather than pharmaceuticals. Notable formulations include:

• Taraxacum Complex® (by Heel): A homeopathic preparation containing dandelion extract among other ingredients, used for temporary relief of digestive discomfort
• Hepar-SL® (several European markets): Contains silymarin and dandelion extract for liver support
• Uva-Ursi Complex® (by Bioforce): Contains dandelion root extract combined with other herbs for urinary tract health

It's worth noting that most dandelion products lack the rigorous clinical testing and standardization required for pharmaceutical registration, explaining their predominant classification as supplements.

Research Gaps

Current research on dandelion has several notable limitations:

• Limited large-scale human clinical trials
• Inconsistent standardization of extracts across studies
• Lack of detailed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data
• Poor characterization of active compounds responsible for specific effects
• Insufficient long-term safety studies
• Limited research on drug interactions

Conclusion

While dandelion shows promise for various health applications based on preliminary research, particularly for liver health, antioxidant effects, and mild inflammatory conditions, more robust human clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety profiles. Most benefits currently attributed to dandelion are supported primarily by laboratory and animal studies, with limited human evidence. Consumers should exercise caution regarding exaggerated health claims and consult healthcare providers before using dandelion medicinally, especially when taking medications or managing chronic conditions.

References

Clare, B. A., Conroy, R. S., & Spelman, K. (2009). The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(8), 929-934.

Fan, M., Zhang, X., Song, H., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Dandelion (Taraxacum genus): A review of chemical constituents and pharmacological effects. Molecules, 28(13), 5022.

Kenny, O., Brunton, N. P., Walsh, D., Hewage, C. M., McLoughlin, P., & Smyth, T. J. (2015). Characterisation of antimicrobial extracts from dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) using LC‐SPE‐NMR. Phytotherapy Research, 29(4), 526-532.

Martinez, M., Poirrier, P., Chamy, R., Prüfer, D., Schulze-Gronover, C., Jorquera, L., & Ruiz, G. (2015). Taraxacum officinale and related species—An ethnopharmacological review and its potential as a commercial medicinal plant. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 169, 244-262.

Nowak, A., Duchnik, W., Zielonka-Brzezicka, J., Muzykiewicz, A., Florkowska, K., Klimowicz, A., ... & Dziedzic, A. (2019). The antioxidant activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.). Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences, 65(4).

Ovadje, P., Ammar, S., Guerrero, J. A., Arnason, J. T., & Pandey, S. (2016). Dandelion root extract affects colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through the activation of multiple death signalling pathways. Oncotarget, 7(45), 73080.

Schütz, K., Carle, R., & Schieber, A. (2006). Taraxacum—a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 107(3), 313-323.

Tita, B., Bello, U., Faccendini, P., Bartolini, R., & Bolle, P. (1993). Taraxacum officinale W.: pharmacological effect of ethanol extract. Pharmacological research, 27, 23-24.

Wirngo, F. E., Lambert, M. N., & Jeppesen, P. B. (2016). The physiological effects of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in type 2 diabetes. The review of diabetic studies: RDS, 13(2-3), 113.

Yang, Y., & Li, S. (2015). Dandelion extracts protect human skin fibroblasts from UVB damage and cellular senescence. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2015(1), 619560..