Knowledge: Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)

Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) is native to Europe, Asia and North America. Dandelion has been consumed for centuries for medicinal use for digestive health and other ailments.

Dandelion may be viewed by some as a pesky yard weed. However, herbalists have been using dandelion leaves to help increase urine volume and as appetite-stimulant. Dandelion root has been used to cleanse liver and gallbladder. Dandelion plant as a whole is beneficial for boosting immune system.

Dandelion is rich in various vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, E and K as well as iron and magnesium. Dandelion is a good source of phenolic acids and sesquiterpene lactones, which are its active constituents with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. The highest amount of polyphenol can be found in the aerial part of dandelion.

Phytosterol                              Sesquiterpene Lactone

Health Benefits:

1. Antioxidants

Research shows that dandelion leaf, flower and root has protective effects on human skin cells, particularly the dermal fibroblasts, against UVB-irradiation induced cell damage.

Figure 1: Dandelion leaf and flower significantly reduce UVB-irradiation induced cell damage.

2. Chemoprotective

Research shows dandelion root extract can effectively induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in chemotherapy-resistant melanoma cells, without causing toxicity to the healthy cells.

Figure 2: Effect of Dandelion Root Extract (DRE)-induced apoptosis on human melanoma cells

3. Prevent Infections

Dandelion leaves has strong antibacterial properties, therefore has protective effects against n Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, which are harmful to human body.

4. Heart Health

Dandelion is beneficial in the prevention and management of Cardiovascular disease due to is anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.

5. Digestive Health

Dandelion is beneficial in the prevention and management of digestive disorders such as gastritis, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.

Usage:

Tea and Health Supplements

Reference:

1. Kania-Dobrowolska, M. & Baraniak, J. 2022, “Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds Supporting the Therapy of Co-Existing Diseases in Metabolic Syndrome”, Foods, vol. 11 (2858), pp. 1-17.
2. Yang, Y. & Li, S. 2015, “Dandelion Extracts Protect Human Skin Fibroblasts from UVB Damage and Cellular Senescence”, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity”, pp. 1-11.
3. Chatterjee et al. 2011, “The Efficacy of Dandelion Root Extract in Inducing Apoptosis in
4. Drug-Resistant Human Melanoma Cells”, Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, pp. 1-11.