| | | | Dandelion | | | Dandelion is widely considered an invasive, unattractive weed, but must be
regarded as a Godsend to the manufacturers of lawn herbicides. While the
dandelion's efficacy in destroying a perfect green, carpeted lawn is
undisputed, its efficacy for health matters is - or should be - of greater
interest.
Dandelion has widely been used in foods, wines,
beverages, and health preparations of all kinds worldwide. Its medicinal
actions seem to target the digestive and eliminative systems of the body.
Animal studies demonstrate extremely positive diuretic and bile-producing
effects whereby dandelion extracts outperform chemical drugs without the
side effects.
Unfortunately, human trials are non-existent in these
areas. Research in humans that has focused on health conditions such as
cancer and diabetes has yielded positive results. However, these positive
findings are attributed to herbal blends and, consequently, dandelion's
specific effect on these results can only be surmised.
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| Common Name | | | Dandelion | | | Botanical Latin Name / Classification | | | Taraxacum officinalis | | | Parts Used | | | Root and Leaf | | | Other Names | | | Pise-En-Lit, Pee-The-Bed, Lion's Tooth, Fairy Clock, Blowball,
Cankerwort, Priest's Crown, Puffball, Swine Snout, White Endive, Wild
Endive.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Description | | | Dandelion is a native of western Europe where it grows in meadows, fields
and fallow land. It originated in Central Asia, but now grows almost
anywhere in the world, preferring moist conditions. It has a rosette of
characteristic 'lion's tooth' (derived from the French "dent de
lion,") leaves, from the centre of which arises the hollow stem
bearing the yellow capitulate flowerhead made up of 200 or more ligulate
bisexual florets. These give way to the familiar 'fairy clock'. The long
taproot arises from a short rhizome. All the underground parts are covered
with a dark brown bark, but are almost white inside and, like the stem,
produce a bitter-tasting white milky sap.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Traditional Internal Uses | | | For centuries, dandelion root has been regarded as an effective, gentle
laxative. The roots and leaves are most often used to treat liver
conditions such as jaundice and hepatitis, and to encourage normal
digestion. The yellow flower also contains beneficial compounds. In fact,
all parts of the plant have high concentrations of vitamin A, as well as
choline, a B vitamin that stimulates the liver. Dandelion is even being
explored as a treatment for cancer and other conditions.
Dandelion
is sold as a single-herb supplement, and is also available in combinations
called liver-complex or lipotropic (fat-metabolizing) formulas. Other
ingredients in these products that may benefit liver function include milk
thistle, inositol, hexaniacinate, methionine, and
choline.
Dandelion leaves and roots have been used for hundreds of
years to treat liver, gallbladder, kidney, and joint problems. In some
traditions, dandelion is considered a blood purifier and is used for
conditions as varied as eczema and cancer. As is the case today, dandelion
leaves have also been used historically to treat water
retention.
The German E Commission endorses Dandelion for
disturbances in bile flow, stimulation of diuresis, loss of appetite, and
dyspepsia.
Commonly used as a food, the leaves of the dandelion
plant are used in salads, teas and wines, while the roots are sometimes
used as a coffee substitute.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Indications | | | Primary Indications: Liver Disorders, Kidney Disorders, Gallbladder Disorders, Gallstones, Constipation, Hemorrhoids, Indigestion, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Secondary Indications: Eczema (Dermatitis), Edema (Dropsy), Diabetes (Type I / Type II), Dyspepsia
Other Indications: Pregnancy, Postpartum Depression, Colitis, Cancer / Cancer Prevention
Primary Indications: Diuresis
Secondary Indications: Joint Pain, Appetite (Increased or Decreased)
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Actions | | | Antirheumatic, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Choleretic, Diuretic, Hepatic, Hepatoprotective, Laxative, Depurative
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Constituents / Nutrients | | | Acids: Caffeic acid, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, chlorogenic
acid,(1) cichoric acid, monocaffeyl tartaric acids(2) linoleic acid,
linolenic acid, oleic acid and palmitic
acid.
Coumarins: Cichoriin and
aesculin.(2)
Flavonoids: Luteolin-7-glucoside and
luteolin-7-diglucosides.(2)
Minerals: Potassium 4.5%
in leaf, 2.45% in root.(3)
Resin: Undefined bitter
complex (taraxacin).
Terpenoids: Sesquiterpene
lactones taraxinic acid (germacranolide) esterified with glucose,(4) and
eudesmanolides.(5)
Vitamins: Vitamin A 14 000 iu/100
g leaf (compared with 11 000 iu/100 g carrots).
Other
Constituents: Carotenoids, choline, inulin, pectin, phytosterols
(e.g. sitosterol, stigmasterol, taraxasterol, homotaraxasterol), sugars
(e.g. fructose, glucose, sucrose), triterpenes (e.g. beta-amyrin, taraxol,
taraxerol).
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Pharmacological Summary | | | Dandelion is a well-known traditional herbal remedy, although limited
scientific information, particularly clinical research, has been made
available.
With a demonstrated positive effect on bile production
in laboratory dogs and rats as mentioned above, it is not a stretch to
assume that the bitter tasting stems and leaves would have a similar
effect on humans; furthermore, a two-fold increase in bile flow means a
host of digestive and eliminative disorders could be addressed with this
herb.
Several investigations have failed to demonstrate significant
and consistent diuretic effects in laboratory animals. However, one animal
study, in particular, concluded that the leaves possess diuretic effects
comparable to the prescription diuretic furosemide (Lasixr).(13) The usual
effect of a drug that stimulates kidney function is loss of vital
potassium from the body, which can aggravate any cardiovascular problem
that may be present. Dandelion leaf, however, not only demonstrates it is
an effective diuretic, but also one of the best natural sources of
potassium.
Dandelion has been researched for health conditions such
as cancer and diabetes with positive results in laboratory animals.
However, studies have been limited to animals and no controlled human
trials have been undertaken. Dandelion has also showed promise in the
treatment of hepatitis B and colitis as tested on humans, yet the
effective subject of study was an herbal blend, and it remains difficult
to determine if the beneficial effects were the result of dandelion.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions | | | In Vitro and Animal Studies
A diuretic effect in rats and mice has been documented for dandelion extracts, following oral administration.(6) Herb extracts were found to produce greater diuresis than root extracts; a dose of 50 mL (equivalent to 2 g dried herb/kg body weight) produced an effect comparable to that of furosemide 80 mg/kg.(13) Additionally promising is the absence of any potassium-depleting effect, common to furosemide. By contrast, no significant increases in urine volume or sodium excretion were observed in mice following oral administration of either leaf or root extracts, or of purified fractions.(3) Similarly, oral and intravenous administration of an ethanolic extract of dandelion root failed to produce a diuretic effect in laboratory animals.(7)
Moderate anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema has been documented for a dandelion root extract.(8) An 80% ethanol extract of root (100 mg/kg orally) inhibited oedema by 43% in the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test at 3 hours.(7)
Bile secretion was doubled in dogs by a decoction of fresh root (equivalent to 5 g dried plant); similar activity has been observed for rats.
Hypoglycaemic activity has been described in normal, but not in diabetic rabbits, following oesophageal administration of dandelion.(9) Doses greater than 500 mg/kg produced a significant blood glucose concentration which had returned to normal after 24 hours. The maximum decrease produced by a dose of 2 g/kg was reported to be 65% of the effect produced by tolbutamide 500 mg/kg. Sulphonylureas (e.g. tolbutamide) act by stimulating pancreatic beta-cells and a similar mechanism was proposed for dandelion.
In vitro antitumour activity has been documented for an aqueous extract of dandelion, given by intraperitoneal injection, in the tumour systems ddY-Ehrlich and C3H/He-MM46.(10) The mechanism of action was thought to be similar to that of tumour polysaccharides such as lentinan.
Clinical Studies
There is a lack of well-designed clinical studies investigating the effects of dandelion.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Research | | | "Dandelion: How The Lord Told Me To Cure Cancer"
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | No serious side effects have been associated with the use of dandelion.
However, if taken in large quantities (much more than commonly
recommended) it may cause a skin rash, diarrhea, heartburn, or stomach
discomfort. Stop using the herb if these reactions occur, and mention the
problem to your doctor.
Don't take dandelion if your doctor has
advised you that you have a gallbladder problem, a blockage or
inflammation of the bile duct, or an obstruction of the bowel (often
signaled by persistent constipation or lack of bowel movements). Also,
don't use dandelion during an acute gallstone attack; this requires
professional medical treatment.
Because of dandelion's diuretic
effect, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding may want to avoid
it.
Don't pluck the dandelions you find growing in a lawn and use
them medicinally; the flowers absorb fertilizers used to stimulate lawn
growth. Get them at a health-food store that can verify that the flower
was grown in organic, untreated soil.
Use dandelion for no longer
than six weeks at a time.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Interaction with Medications | | | None documented.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Possible Side Effects | | | Contact allergic reactions to dandelion have been documented(11,) and
animal studies have reported dandelion to have a weak sensitizing
capacity.(12) Sesquiterpene lactones are thought to be the allergenic
principles in dandelion.(4) These compounds contain an exocyclic
alpha-methylene beta-lactone moiety, which is thought to be a prerequisite
for allergenic activity of sesquiterpene lactones.
The acute
toxicity of dandelion appears to be low, with LD50 values (mice,
intraperitoneal injection) estimated at 36.8 g/kg and 28.8 g/kg for the
root and herb, respectively.(6) No visible signs of toxicity were observed
in rabbits administered dandelion 3, 4, 5 and 6 g/kg body weight by mouth
for up to seven days.(9) In addition, no behavioural changes were
recorded.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | Dosage | | | Dried Leaf: 4-10 g or by infusion three times
daily.
Dried Extract: Dandelion capsules are generally
available in strengths that range from 400 to 700 mg. Within herbal
blends, quantities of dandelion are significantly smaller. Typically, a
capsule strength of 400 to 600 mg is recommended to be taken 3 times
daily.
Leaf, Liquid Extract: 4-10 mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol)
three times daily.
Leaf Tincture: 2-5 mL.
Leaf,
Fresh Juice: 5-10 mL.
Dried Root: 2-8 g or by infusion
or decoction three times daily.
Root, Tincture: 5-10 mL (1 :
5 in 45% alcohol) three times daily.
Liquid Extract of
Taraxacum: (BPC 1949) 2-8 mL.
Juice of Taraxacum: (BPC
1949) 4-8 mL.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | | | References | | | 1. Clifford MN et al. The chlorogenic acids content of coffee substitutes.
Food Chem 1987; 24: 99-107. 2. Williams CA et al. Flavonoids, cinnamic
acids and coumarins from the different tissues and medicinal preparations
of Taraxacum officinale. Phytochem 1996; 42: 121-127. 3. Hook I et al.
Evaluation of dandelion for diuretic activity and variation in potassium
content. Int J Pharmacog 1993; 31: 29-34. 4. Hausen BM.
Taraxins„ure-1'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosid, das kontaktallergen des
l”wenzahns (Taraxacum officinale Wiggers). Dermatosen 1982; 30: 51-53.
5. H„nsel R et al. Sequiterpenlacton-beta-d-glucopyranoside sowie ein
neues eudesmanolid aus Taraxacum officinale. Phytochem 1980; 19:
857-861. 6. R cz-Kotilla et al. The action of Taraxacum officinale
extracts on the body weight and diuresis of laboratory animals. Planta Med
1974; 26: 212-217.(PubMed) 7. Tita B et al. Taraxacum officinale W.:
Pharmacological effect of ethanol extract. Pharmacol Res 1993; 27:
23-24. 8. Mascolo N et al. Biological screening of Italian medicinal
plants for anti-inflammatory activity. Phytother Res 1987; 1: 28-29.
9. Akhtar MS et al. Effects of Portulaca oleracae (kulfa) and Taraxacum
officinale (dhudhal) in normoglycaemic and alloxan-treated hyperglycaemic
rabbits. J Pak Med Assoc 1985; 35: 207-210.(PubMed) 10. Baba K et al.
Antitumor activity of hot water extract of dandelion, Taraxacum officinale
- correlation between antitumor activity and timing of administration.
Yagugaku Zasshi 1981; 101: 538-543. 11. Hausen BM, Schulz KH.
Allergische kontaktdermatitis durch l”wenzahn (Taraxacum officinale
Wiggers). Dermatosen 1978; 26: 198. 12. Davies MG, Kersey PJW. Contact
allergy to yarrow and dandelion. Contact Dermatitis 1986; 14:
256-257.(PubMed) 13. Racz-Kotilla E, Racz G, Solomon A. The action of
Taraxacum officinale extracts on body weight and diuresis of laboratory
animals. Planta Med 1974:26:212-7.
Our thanks to the following
information resources: MedicinesComplete.com, Intelihealth.com,
Purplesage.org, American Botanical Council (Herbalgram.org),
WholehealthMD.com, Vitacost.com, and TraditionalMedicinals.com.
Browse Sections | View Dandelion products | |
| | 116 total products | | | Dandelion (Read all about Dandelion.)
Botanical Latin Name: Taraxacum officinalis Plant Part: Root and Leaf | |
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Leaves Tea (Loose) 4 oz / 114 g Increase Bile Flow and Stimulate Appetite!
$10.61 US Was: 11.53 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Leaves Tea (Loose) 8 oz / 227 g Maintain A Healthy Liver!
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Leaves Tea 25 tea bags World-Renowned Liver, Kidney, and Gallbladder Tonic!
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Leaves Tea 50 tea bags Invasive Weed or Important Healthy Remedy?
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Root Tea (Loose) 4 oz / 114 g Increase Bile Secretion for Better Digestion!
$12.07 US Was: 13.12 US Usually ships in 1-3 days. More Info
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Root Tea 25 tea bags Dandelion Is Often Brewed As A Coffee Substitute.
$11.33 US Was: 12.32 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Root Tea 50 tea bags Praised by Herbalists for Centuries!
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Root / Burdock Root Tea 25 tea bags Powerful Dual Action Ideal for Liver and Gallbladder Function!
$11.58 US Was: 12.59 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Root / Burdock Root Tea (Loose) 4 oz / 114 g Anti-Tumor Effects Discovered in Both Herbs!
$12.33 US Was: 13.40 US Usually ships in 1-3 days. More Info
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Root / Burdock Root Tea (Loose) 8 oz / 227 g Traditionally Used to Treat Jaundice and Hepatitis.
$19.15 US Was: 20.81 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Root / Burdock Root - Liquid Extract / Tincture (1:5) - Alcohol-Free 1 fl oz / 30 mL No Artificial Flavors, Colors, or Alcohol!
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Dandelion - Health - Dandelion Root / Burdock Root - Liquid Extract / Tincture (1:5) - Strawberry Flavored Alcohol-Free 1 fl oz / 30 mL Children-Approved Liver and Gallbladder Tonic!
$9.40 US Was: 10.22 US Usually ships in 1-3 days. More Info
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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