Dandelion
Jan 2, 2025
Dandelion: What is it?
Other names: Taraxacum officinale, lion's tooth, blowball.
Mechanism of action
The components of the dandelion plant (flower, leaves, stems, and root) contain various chemical compounds which have been studied for their medicinal properties.
These include anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
These compounds include: taraxasterol, chicoric acid (CRA), and chlorogenic acid (CGA).
Common indications/uses:
Dandelion leaves and flowers are commonly used as a salad green and to make wine and teas.
The root can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Some of the earlier mentioned chemical compounds have been studied for their anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Dosing:
Dandelion root supplements may be found in doses between 500 and 2000 mg.
Evidence:
Chicoric acid is found in high concentrations in all parts of the dandelion plant and has been studied for its anti-hyperglycemic effects.
It has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and reduce insulin resistance in diabetic mice.
Furthermore, chicoric acid can prevent the endothelial damage caused by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress via its antioxidant properties. Ma et al. found this to be related to activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.
Taraxasterol and taraxerol have been isolated in the natural root extract of Taraxacum officinale during chemical analysis.
Taraxasterol has anti-inflammatory properties, and there is some interest in studying its potential for anti-carcinogenic activity.
Safety concerns:
Adverse reactions: Allergic reaction.
Drug interactions:
May interact with lithium and quinolone antibiotics.
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