Health Benefits of Dandelion Root

The traditional medicinal application of dandelion root has continued in this modern era also. Europe is the native place of dandelion plant, however, it is widely found in the whole northern temperate zones. Herbal researchers have continued their research to investigate the medicinal properties of this herbal ingredient. The root of the dandelion plant is commercially used to prepared herbal medicine in both American and European countries.

The type of dandelion root is tap roots. This 2 to 3cm wide tapering root has 15-30cm length. The lengthy root helps to grow a new plant even after cutting the stem of this plant. From outside dandelion root is dark brown in color and interior of the root is white. This root is fleshy and brittle.

The conventional medicinal use of dandelion root is wide and used to treat various diseases, such as gallbladder and liver disorders, immunity booster, upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, anemia, etc. A topical preparation of dandelion root is applied to treat swelling and mastitis. The strong antioxidant property of dandelion root is effective to reduce the stress associated with atherosclerosis and significantly suppress atherogenic index. The phytochemicals present in dandelion root exerts an anti-diabetic effect.

Phytochemicals present in dandelion root

Dandelion root contains inulin, a type of carbohydrates; lutein, a type of carotenoids; myristic acid, a type of fatty acid; choline vitamins, pectin, mucilage, and different sugar molecules including glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The higher composition of inulin (up to 45% ) has multiple health benefits.

Mechanism of action of dandelion root

The wide variety of phytochemicals present in Dandelion root are responsible for pharmacological properties.

Sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, phenolic acids, taraxasterol, and phenols have anti-diabetic property. Inulin is a complex carbohydrate of fructo-oligosaccharides, which helps to normalizes blood sugar levels. Chicoric acid stimulates insulin secretion and increases glucose uptake in muscle cells. A research result also reported that administration of dandelion leads to a reduction of sugar concentration in blood and thus enhances β-cells activity with increased secretion of insulin. The overall anti-diabetic mechanism of actions of Dandelion is a reduction of renal glucose re-absorption, inhibition of carbohydrate enzymes activity, blood sugar lowering effect and slow down the potassium channel flow.

The anti-inflammatory activity of Dandelion root is occurred due to the presence of taraxasterol phytochemical. Taraxasterol can inhibit different inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide, prostaglandin, Interleukins, TNF-α, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages and provides an anti-inflammatory effect.

Dandelion root extract acts as a hydrogen-donor, inhibits reactive oxygen species, and scavenges free-radicals. Thus it acts as a potent antioxidant and can suppress malondialdehyde and glutathione.

Different Dosage forms

Dandelion root containing different dosage options are available in the market. Dandelion root supplements along with teas, extracts, infusions, tinctures, powders, ointments, poultices, and dried organic root products are available in herbal medicine shops and online marketing. The recommended daily dose of fresh roots is 2 to 8 g. Caffeine-free dandelion coffee and Dandelion root capsule are the most common dosage forms of this herb. Following are other available dosage forms of Dandelion root preparation and their recommended dosage.

Dried dandelion extract: the recommended daily dose is 0.75 to 1.0 grams
Fresh root extract: the recommended daily dose is 1 to 2 tablespoons
Dandelion root powder: the recommended daily dose is 3 to 4 grams. The required amount of dose is mixed with 150 milliliters of warm water for ingestion
Dandelion tea infusion: the recommended daily dose is 1 tablespoon. This is prepared by mixing chopped root with 150 milliliters of hot water and keep aside for 20 minutes before drink the infusion.

Uses of Dandelion Root

Dandelion root has many medicinal uses, these are as follows:

Digestive Stimulants

The first and foremost use of Dandelion root is a digestion enhancer. The bitter taste of Dandelion root can stimulate digestion.

Anti-Diabetic

The root of dandelion contains inulin is a type of fructo-oligo-saccharides. This complex carbohydrate intake help to normalize blood sugar levels. Demulcent and Prebiotic Activity

Presence of inulin in Dandelion roots have significant demulcent activity and also acts as prebiotic property.

Hepatoprotective Effects Antioxidant Effect

Dandelion root extract acts against liver toxicity by suppressing the toxicity marker enzymes activity. It controls lipid peroxidation and reduces the oxidative stress burden from liver tissue. This herbal medicine is recommended to treat alcoholic liver damage, as it combats against the cytotoxic activity of alcohol in the liver.

In general Dandelion root are recommended as a liver tonic, as it stimulates bile production and removes toxins.

EFFECTIVE AGAINST HEPATITIS B INFECTION

A Chinese herbal formulation containing Dandelion is more effective than other herbal formulations to cure the Hepatitis B infection infected patients by normalizing the liver enzymes level in blood.

Anticancer

Dandelion root containing sesquiter-penelactones have an inflammation-modulating effect. Recent research report suggested that the phytochemicals and other natural substances present in Dandelion root are non-toxic and have the potency to acts as an alternative of chemotherapy.

Treatment for Dehydration

The benefit of administration of Dandelion root preparation during dehydration helps to re-establish hydration and also electrolyte balance.

Skin Benefit

Dandelion root preparation is recommended to treat different skin diseases due to its ability to improve liver function and detoxification takes place.

Relief Premenopausal Symptoms

A placebo control trial result reported that Dandelion in combination with other herbs like turmeric, rosemary, artichoke, milk thistle, schisandra enhances androgen detoxification and establish hormonal balance. Thus it is helpful for premenopausal women to reduce the symptoms.

Side Effects and Precaution

The moderate dose of Dandelion root is well tolerated and safe for adult use. However, some individuals may have complained of certain side effects, like diarrhea, heartburn, stomach upset, skin irritation, etc.
Individuals who have allergic reactions with chamomile, chrysanthemums, feverfew, marigold, yarrow, or plants belonging to Asteraceae families like sunflowers and daisies plants should avoid Dandelion root containing products, as they may experience skin rashes, watery eyes, or other allergic symptoms.
Experts suggest that Dandelion root or its product should be used during pregnancy, lactation or children, as lack of safety profile obtained through a clinical trial.
The phytoestrogen present in Dandelion root may impair fertility for both male and female by interrupting reproductive hormonal level.
Certain drugs like ciprofloxacin Antibiotics, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Diuretics, Estrogen-based contraceptives, and Statin drugs should not be used along with Dandelion root. Dandelion root has significant action on the liver and may cause impaired absorption of these medications.