Dandelion: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Taraxacum officinale
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Sterols
Inulin
terpene lactones
Taraxacoside
Germacronolides
Chlorogenic acid
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Urinary tract infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Dandelion has long been used as a diuretic in traditional medicine; however, the scientific and clinical evidence supporting this use is limited to animal studies. Dandelion's high potassium content is thought to be partly responsible for its diuretic activity. nnA significant increase in urinary frequency was confirmed in a small study (n = 17) in which volunteers were given, in a single day, 8 ml of a high-quality 1:1 hydroethanolic extract of dandelion leaves, and urinary flow was compared with the two preceding days. The effect was apparent in the 5-hour period immediately following the first dose, indicating relatively rapid effects. There was also a significant increase in urine volume in the 5-hour period after the second dose of extract.nnA randomized, double-blind, controlled study of 57 women with recurrent cystitis found that a preparation called Uva-E (a combination of bearberry leaves and dandelion root) significantly reduced the frequency of cystitis recurrences compared with placebo. After 12 months, none of the patients taking Uva-E had a cystitis recurrence, compared with a 23% recurrence rate in the control group. In this combination, bearberry is used for its antibacterial properties and dandelion is used to increase urination. nn
Posologie
Oral: root, leaf
4 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Synergies
The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day
Prophylactic effect of UVA-E in women with recurrent cystitis: A preliminary report
Community herbal monograph on Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wigg., radix cum herba
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
Thanks to its inulin and potassium content, dandelion has a mild laxative effect and is useful for improving constipation and intestinal discomfort.
Posologie
Oral: root
3 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Digestive disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA recommends dandelion as a traditional herbal medicinal product for the relief of symptoms associated with mild digestive disorders (such as a feeling of abdominal fullness, flatulence and slow digestion) and temporary loss of appetite. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends dandelion root for "the restoration of liver and biliary function, dyspepsia and loss of appetite".
Posologie
Oral: root
3 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Irritable bowel syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
A case series of 24 patients suffering from nonspecific chronic colitis and treated with a formula composed of dandelion (specifically, T officinal), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), calendula (Calendula officinalis) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) showed a remarkable symptomatic improvement in terms of stool normalization and pain reduction.nnThe use of dandelion root is not documented in studies for IBS, but this use is traditional and related to its cholagogic and choleretic properties.nn
Posologie
Oral: root
3 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Synergies
Stimulate appetite ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA and ESCOP recommend dandelion for temporary loss of appetite.nn
Posologie
Oral: root
3 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Fluid retention ✪✪✪✪✪
A small clinical trial confirmed that oral administration of a dandelion leaf extract significantly increases urinary flow.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
4 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Cellulite ✪✪✪✪✪
A small clinical trial confirmed that oral administration of a dandelion leaf extract significantly increases urinary flow.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
4 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Kidney stone ✪✪✪✪✪
In animal research, the dandelion component, taraxasterol, has antiurolithiatic effects. Taraxasterol likely improves liver and kidney function by maintaining an antioxidant environment, which could help reduce the deposition of crystals in the urinary tract. It is possible that other dandelion constituents, in addition to taraxasterol, play a role in the antiurolithiatic effects. In vitro, although taraxasterol also prevented crystallization, the effects were not as pronounced as those of the dandelion extract itself.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
4 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Rheumatism ✪✪✪✪✪
The root and leaf of dandelion are powerful depuratives. They act on the liver, gallbladder and kidney, thereby facilitating the elimination of toxins. These properties partly explain the positive effect of dandelion on certain skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis, acne), as well as on certain rheumatic disorders (gout, osteoarthritis).
Posologie
Oral use: leaf, root
4 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Detoxification ✪✪✪✪✪
The dandelion root has long been used to support liver function and to treat various dermatological and systemic disorders, based on the theory that the plant improves the liver's detoxification capacity. No clinical studies support these uses.nnRegarding hormonal detoxification, one study compared the effects of an herbal formula containing dandelion (specifically T officinalis), turmeric (Curcuma longa), artichoke (Cynara scolymus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum), with a placebo on the hormone levels of 40 premenopausal women.nnThe study ran over 4 menstrual cycles. Compared with the other two treatments, the herbal formula produced a significant decrease in androgens in the early follicular phase, with no effect on the levels of any other sex steroid hormone. The implications of this study are difficult to determine, but it suggests that dandelion and other plants may play a role in improving the detoxification of androgens.nn
Posologie
Oral: root, leaf
4 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Synergies
Liver disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The root of dandelion has long been used as a liver tonic; however, the scientific and clinical evidence supporting this use is limited. Preliminary studies suggest that dandelion root stimulates bile flow. Commission E approves the use of dandelion root and herb for disorders of bile flow, loss of appetite and dyspepsia. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends dandelion root for "the restoration of hepatic and biliary function, dyspepsia and loss of appetite".
Posologie
Oral: root
3 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Biliary disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Dandelion has long been used to stimulate bile secretion. Because of its cholagogue and choleretic effects, dandelion roots are considered active on the liver and gallbladder. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends dandelion root for "the restoration of hepatic and biliary function, dyspepsia and loss of appetite".
Posologie
Oral: root
4 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Skin disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The root and the leaf of dandelion are powerful depuratives. They act on the liver, gallbladder and kidney, and thus facilitate the elimination of toxins. These properties partly explain the positive action of dandelion on certain skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis, acne), as well as on certain rheumatic disorders (gout, osteoarthritis).
Posologie
By mouth: root, leaf
4 - 15 g
powder, mother tincture, dry extract
Properties
Diuretic
The leaves of dandelion have a more significant diuretic effect than the roots, with activity comparable to that of furosemide (a diuretic medication), without causing potassium loss due to the leaves' high potassium content. nnA small clinical trial confirmed that oral administration of a dandelion leaf extract significantly increases urine flow. The dandelion root does not appear to have the same diuretic effect according to research on animal models using a root infusion, and no secondary metabolite showing major diuretic activity was found. nnThe sesquiterpene lactones present in dandelion are likely responsible for its diuretic effects.nn
Usages associés
Cholagogue
Dandelion can exert a direct effect on the gallbladder by causing contraction.nnA decoction of fresh dandelion root (equivalent to 5 g of dried plant), administered intravenously to dogs, doubled the volume of bile secreted by the liver over a 30-minute period. nn
Usages associés
Choleretic
The dandelion is traditionally used to increase appetite and bile stimulation while reducing symptoms of dyspepsia, flatulence and gallstones. As a choleretic, dandelion is thought to increase both bile production and flow to the gallbladder, and as a cholagogue, it may exert a direct effect on the gallbladder by causing contraction. A choleretic effect has also been observed in rats after intraduodenal administration of a dandelion extract; bile volume per hour increased by about one third. An alcoholic extract of the whole plant administered intraduodenally to rats increased bile secretion by 40% over the following two hours.
Usages associés
Depurative
The leaf is used as a diuretic and depurative. See diuretic effect and action on the liver (hepatoprotective action).
Usages associés
Anticancer
Preliminary studies indicate that dandelion extracts have antioxidant properties and may be toxic to cancer cells. Used in traditional medicine in China, Arabia and North America for various illnesses, including cancer, dandelion leaf extract has shown promising effects against breast cancer in vitro. The roots of Taraxacum japonicum (Japanese dandelion), in particular, have demonstrated preventive potential against cancer, inducing cancer cell death and inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma cells through luteolin, an active flavonoid. Studies also suggest that dandelion root extract may be beneficial for patients with colorectal cancer.
Digestive effect
Historically, bitter-tasting plants have been considered stimulants of digestion and appetite by increasing digestive secretions, particularly pancreatic secretions (stimulation of the vagus nerve by bitterness). Two Chinese studies performed on animals with metaplasia, hyperplasia, and gastric ulcers showed a significant histological improvement with preparations containing dandelion.nnIn addition, dandelion root contains high concentrations of inulin. Oligofructans, such as inulin, are used as food sources by beneficial gut bacteria. Dandelion root promotes the growth of bifidobacteria and may be useful as a "prebiotic".nn
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Preliminary studies indicate that dandelion may have anti-inflammatory properties. Compounds such as luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside present in dandelion can reduce the production of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide by inhibiting COX-2 enzymes and inducible nitric oxide synthase.nnIn addition, aqueous dandelion extracts appear to decrease levels of certain inflammatory cytokines, notably interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. It has also been suggested that dandelion root extract could inhibit leukotriene activity, which is known to play a role in inflammation.nn
Usages associés
Antiviral
Dandelion has traditionally been used to treat viral infections. In laboratory research, dandelion extracts have shown anti-influenza properties and have inhibited the replication and activity of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1).nn
Laxative
Dandelion has a mild laxative effect due to its inulin content and its richness in potassium. In a series of 24 adults with chronic colitis, a preparation containing dandelion improved constipation, diarrhea, and intestinal discomfort in 96% of patients.
Usages associés
Hepatoprotective
Animal research has shown that dandelion may play a protective role for the liver. These studies reveal a decrease in the activity of certain hepatic enzymes (CYP1A2 and CYP2E) and a notable increase in a detoxification enzyme (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase) in the livers of rats treated with a dandelion infusion. It is noteworthy that dandelion does not affect other important hepatic enzymes (CYP2D and CYP3A). These results suggest a potential beneficial effect of dandelion on liver health.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
The various parts of the dandelion, including the flowers, roots, stems, and leaves, have demonstrated antioxidant properties in preclinical studies. Dandelion flower extract, in particular, stands out for its high antioxidant activity, attributed to its content of phenolic compounds. It has shown the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Studies in animal models, notably in diabetic rats and in models of acute lung injury, have revealed that aqueous dandelion extract can prevent complications related to free radicals. Moreover, dandelion root extract helps protect the liver against alcohol-related diseases, while leaf extract helps prevent acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Taraxasterol, a component of dandelion, has demonstrated beneficial effects on liver and kidney function, potentially contributing to the prevention of urinary stone formation.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 12 years and older: 3 g - 15 g (powder)
Leaf : - Infusion of dried herb: 4-10 g three times a day. - Fluid extract (25%): 4-10 ml three times a day. - Tincture (1 : 5): 5-10 ml twice a day. - Fresh juice: 10-20 ml three times a day. Root : - Decoction of dried root: 4-5 g three times a day. - Tincture (1 : 5): 5-10 ml three times a day. - Fluid extract (30%): 2-8 ml three times a day. - Fresh root juice: 4-8 mm three times a day.
Interactions
Médicaments
Diuretics: moderate interaction
Dandelion contains significant amounts of potassium. Dandelion leaf can theoretically potentiate the diuretic effect of pharmaceutical diuretics.
Quinolones: moderate interaction
The high mineral content of dandelion may lead to the formation of chelated complexes with quinolone antibiotics and reduce their absorption and bioavailability. This has been demonstrated in rats with Taraxacum mongolicum (Chinese dandelion). It is recommended to avoid concomitant use of these substances.
Precautions
Pregnant women: use with caution
Based on a long history of use in traditional medicine, dandelion is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The root and leaf of dandelion are used for various conditions, such as digestive and diuretic problems.
Breastfeeding women: use with caution
Based on a long history of use in traditional medicine, dandelion is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The root and leaf of dandelion are used for various conditions, such as digestive and diuretic problems.
Contraindications
Biliary tract obstruction: contraindicated
Contraindicated in case of biliary tract obstruction.
Children up to 12 years: contraindicated
Use in children under 12 years of age is not recommended.
