By Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey OBU
Dandelion is regarded as a stubborn weed but has diverse medicinal properties. Naturopathic practitioners have used dandelion for many years to treat several medical conditions such as promoting better digestion to healing the liver. Also, native American tribes chewed the dandelion root to relieve pain while others steamed the leaves and applied them topically to ease sore throats.
History has it that dandelion usage started somewhere in 659 B.C. in ancient China. Dandelion is low in calories, but high in fibre as well as antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C. Studies have confirmed that dandelion can help reduce cancer growth, lower cholesterol levels and support liver function.
In some countries, including Scotland and France, these plants earned the nickname pee-the-beds, or pissenlit in French, due to their natural diuretic effects that can cause increased urination. Dandelions, also known as Taraxacum officinale, are a type of flowering plant native to Europe, Asia and North America. Dandelion belongs to the daisy family of plants and are linked to dahlias, thistle, ragweed, lettuce, artichokes and sunflowers.
Dandelion, science
Link, R (2022) explained that dandelions are highly nutritious plants loaded with vitamins, minerals and fibre. Every part of the plant is nutritious; from root to flower. US Department of Agriculture reports that dandelion can be consumed raw or cooked. They are a good source of vitamins A, C and K. Dandelion is also loaded with vitamin E, folate and slight amounts of other B vitamins.
The report also found that dandelion greens also have a considerable quantity of numerous minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. One study by Vandeputte et al. (2017) also reports that dandelion root is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, a type of soluble fibre found in plants that supports the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria in your digestive tract.
Antioxidants
It has been reported that dandelion has many potent antioxidants, which is linked to its numerous medicinal properties. For instance, some studies (Wirngo et al. 2016; Gerbino et al. 2018; Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]; Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006–. Beta-Carotene. 2022) also found that dandelions are loaded with many antioxidants, such as beta carotene, which protect against cell damage and oxidative stress.
Additionally, Wirngo et al. (2016) study also found that dandelion is loaded with polyphenols, another antioxidant mostly found in the flower; but can also be found in the roots, leaves and stems as well.
Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal immune system response to injury or infection. However, long-term inflammation may lead to permanent damage to your body’s tissues and DNA. However, two test-tube studies (Park et al. 2014; Jeon et al. 2017) found that dandelion decreased markers of inflammation in cells treated with compounds extracted from dandelion. Another study in mice with inflammatory lung disease by Ma et al. (2015) found a substantial decrease in lung inflammation in the test group.
Blood sugar
In one article by Semeco, A (2021), the author explained that Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds found in dandelion that aid in reducing blood sugar levels. For instance, in one test-tube study by Ferrare et al. (2018), these compounds found in dandelion could enhance the secretion of insulin — a hormone that controls blood sugar levels — as well as the absorption of glucose (sugar) in our muscles; thus, leading to enhanced insulin sensitivity and decreased blood sugar levels.
Wirngo et al. (2016) thus found that some animal studies also found that chicoric and chlorogenic acid slow the digestion of starchy, high-carb foods and, in turn, help to reduce blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
One test-tube study by García-Carrasco et al. (2015) established that dandelion leaf and root extract reduced triglyceride build-up in fat cells. Additionally, a recent 4-week animal study by Majewski et al. (2020) found that giving dandelion leaf extract to rats drastically decreased stages of total cholesterol and triglycerides. A previous rabbit study by Choi et al. (2010) found that consuming dandelion roots and leaves with a high-cholesterol diet decreased cholesterol levels.
Blood pressure
Anecdotal evidence has it that traditional herbal medicine practitioners prescribe dandelion due to its diuretic and detoxification properties. Hence, dandelion could act as a conventional diuretic from anecdotal evidence. For instance, in one clinical trial which involved only 17 people, Clare et al.(2009) found dandelion to be an effective diuretic.
Furthermore, one review by Binia et al. (2015) found that dandelion is loaded with potassium, a mineral linked with decreased blood pressure in those with earlier raised levels. Hence, dandelion could have an indirect effect on blood pressure due to its potassium centre.
Liver and kidney support
Both animal and human studies have confirmed the benefits of dandelion on liver and kidney health. For instance, one animal study by Hfaiedh et al. (2016) found that dandelion averts liver damage in mice exposed to sodium dichromate, a compound used to induce liver injury. Fast forward, another study by Abdel-Magied et al.( 2019) also found that dandelion root benefits the liver, helping protect it from oxidative stress and keep it working effectively.
Two other studies (Wirngo et al. 2016; Pfingstgraf et al. 2021) also found that dandelion extract could decrease levels of excess fat stored in the liver and protect against oxidative stress. A similar study by Devaraj et al. (2016) also agreed that folk medicines originating from China, India and Russia have long recognised dandelion’s effect as a liver tonic, mostly due to its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to fight oxidative stress.
A previous Korean in vivo study ( You et al. 2010) established that dandelion extract prevented damage to the liver caused by alcohol toxicity in both liver cells and mice. The study further agreed that these protective effects are likely due to the number of antioxidants found in the dandelion root, as well as its ability to prevent cell damage.
Dandelion is also kidney-friendly. Dandelion has been recognised as having natural diuretic effects, meaning it increases the frequency of urination, which can help keep the kidneys healthy. This also means that dandelion can be used for managing prostate health.
Finally, Mount Sinai Medical Group also explained that “herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to help kidney function”. For centuries, native Americans boiled dandelion in the water and took it to treat kidney disease, as well as other digestive issues like heartburn and upset stomach.
Immune system and bacteria
One study by Flores-Ocelotl et al. (2018) found that dandelion root also possesses antimicrobial and antiviral properties that may stop the growth of disease-causing bacteria and pathogens. Another study by Kenny et al. (2015) from Ireland established that dandelion root was effective against certain strains of bacteria that are responsible for staph infections and food-borne illnesses.
Bone, skin health
Taraxacum officinale is a great source of vitamin K, an important nutrient that plays a key role in bone health. One old study by Booth et al. (2003 ) found that a lack of vitamin K predisposes one to the risk of fractures and reduced bone density; and dandelion can help avert this. Dandelion also contains calcium, which forms the structure of the bones and teeth to help keep them strong.
On skin health, the antioxidant content in dandelion can protect skin cells against damage to slow signs of ageing. One in vitro study from Canada by Yang and Li et al.( 2015) found that using extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to skin cells helped protect against harmful ultraviolet damage. Others also found that dandelion could possess powerful antimicrobial properties, which can help block bacterial growth to prevent skin infections.
Anti-cancer effects
One 4-week rat study by Nassan et al. (2018) found that administering dandelion root extract modified specific pathways involved in suppressing the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Three other test-tube studies (Rehman et al. 2017; Ovadje et al. 2016; Zhu et al. 2017) also found that dandelion root extract may slow the growth of cancer cells in the liver, colon and stomach tissue.
Dosage
Dandelion extract and pills are available at some pharmacies and health stores. Good brands are always recommended in case you want to buy a dandelion supplement. There are no official recommended dosage for dandelion root capsules, but most dried/powder supplements contain between 500–1,500 milligrams of dandelion root extract per serving.
Link, R (2022) also suggests that in case one wants to use fresh leaves to make tea, one must consume about four to 10 grams daily. If supplementing with dandelion tincture, have between 0.5 to one teaspoon (2–5 mL) three times per day. Always read dosage recommendations for the specific product you’re using, since these vary from brand to brand depending on potency.
Many people can safely drink one to three cups of dandelion tea every day. For best results, start with a lower dose, and work your way up to assess your tolerance and prevent any potential side effects, Links noted.
Drug interactions
According to Link, R (2022), dandelion is very high in vitamin K, which may impact blood clotting. Hence, those on warfarin or another blood thinner, need to maintain consistent vitamin K intake to prevent interfering with their medication. Additionally, dandelion can act as a diuretic; hence, dandelion can have an impact on kidney function.
It may also interact with medications that are broken down by the liver. To avoid interactions, try taking dandelion extract or drinking dandelion tea two or more hours after/before taking any drugs.
Medications that may potentially interact with dandelion extract and other products include:
- Antacids
- Blood-thinning medications
- Diuretics
- Lithium
- Ciprofloxacin
- Medications to treat diabetes
Those with underlying health conditions, such as liver disease, diabetes or kidney problems, have to discuss this with their doctors before starting supplementation or making any major changes to their diet. This is especially important if you take daily medications and are considering supplementing with dandelion root extract.
Warnings
From studies, dandelion is “generally recognised as safe” as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Links, R (2022) notes that for most healthy adults, adding this powerful herb to your diet is typically safe and beneficial; however, several side effects need to be considered as well. “For starters, dandelion may cause allergic reactions in some people when eaten or applied to the skin.
If you have a sensitivity to other plants in the same family of plants, such as ragweed, daisies or thistle, you may also have a sensitivity to dandelion.”
Hence, for those experiencing symptoms like swelling, itching or redness, you should discontinue use immediately and talk to your healthcare provider.
Kidneys? Dandelion acts as a diuretic, causing your body, especially your kidneys, to produce more urine, which is the same effect that diuretic drugs have. Hence, for those also taking prescription/herbal diuretics, this may negatively affect kidney function and put you at risk for developing an electrolyte imbalance; so always follow directions and be cautious if you already have kidney issues.
Conclusion
Studies have confirmed the numerous health benefits of dandelion on our health. Dandelion is good for kidney health as it acts as a diuretic, which is the same as conventional diuretic drugs. For those interested in using dandelion supplements, consider between 500–1,500 milligrams of dandelion root extract.
Dandelions also contain some good health benefits, especially for the digestive and immune systems. Finally, dandelion can treat liver disease, high cholesterol and blood pressure, high blood sugar, cancer, kidney issues and infections.
NB: Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as medical advice for treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical J ournalist and a science writer. President, Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation, Ashaiman, Ghana. Currently BL Candidate at the Gambia Law School, Banjul. E. mail: [email protected]
