Dandelion

Native throughout the northern hemisphere, the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) contains a number of triterpenes, sterols, carotenoids, and potassium. The root and leaves are dried, cut, and milled. An extract is then prepared that is concentrated, filtered, and spray-dried.

Health Benefits

Dandelion has traditionally been used for loss of appetite, constipation, bloating, upper abdominal pain (dyspepsia), and infections as well as treating problems in the liver, gall bladder, bile duck, kidney and spleen.1,2 Dandelion may contain antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.3 It has been suggested that dandelion may contain anti-inflammatory properties.1

Cautions

Some individuals may be allergic to dandelion.1,2

References

  1. Rodriguez-Fragoso L, Reyes-Esparza J, Burchiel SW, Herrera-Ruiz D, Torres E. Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2008 Feb 15;227(1):125-35. Epub 2007 Oct 12. Review. PubMed PMID: 18037151
  2. Dandelion, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. MedlinePlus. NIH. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/706.html Accessed in July 2015.
  3. Kenny O, Brunton NP, Walsh D, Hewage CM, McLoughlin P, Smyth TJ. Characterisation of antimicrobial extracts from dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) using LC-SPE-NMR. Phytother Res. 2015 Apr;29(4):526-32. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5276. Epub 2015 Jan 21. PubMed PMID: 25644491.