Dandelion may kill breast cancer cells, lower hypertension, cholesterol, and improve liver health
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 fiber 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, dandelions are linked to dahlias, thistle, ragweed, lettuce, artichokes, and sunflowers.
DANDELION, SCIENCE
Link, R(2022) article explained that dandelions are highly nutritious plants loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Every part of the plant is nutritious; root to flower. US Department of Agriculture reports that dandelion can be consumed raw or cooked. Which one you opted, 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 fiber 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, this 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, are 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 slows the digestion of starchy, high-carb foods, and in turn helps 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 buildup 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 to 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 center.
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 recognized 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 by ( 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 recognized 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.
To be continued
BY PROF. RAPHAEL NYARKOTEY OBU
