Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Efficacy

• Indications with possible efficacy:
  None
• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy :
  None
• Other indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Constipation
  Digestion - roots (popular use)
  Diuretic - leaves (popular use)
  Dyspepsia - roots
  Gall stones prevention - roots
  Hemorrhoids
  Improving the hepatic and biliary functions - roots
  Stimulate appetite - roots
  Urinary tract infection prevention
  

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Moderate
• Adverse Effects: Low

Description

Parts of plant the used: roots and leaves

Dandelion is a well-known plant that grows in temperate climates. This plant has been used in traditional practices for centuries. In addition to their medicinal properties, young dandelion leaves can be used in salads.

Direction of use

Few serious studies have been conducted to assess dandelion's usefulness. Taraxacin, a compound found in dandelion, appears to have a beneficial impact on digestion. The bitter compounds found in the root may be responsible for an increase in bile flow and potentially beneficial effects on the digestive system. Dandelion may have mild laxative and anti-inflammatory properties. Dandelion extracts may have diuretic properties in animals. In addition, dandelion is a source of vitamins and minerals, apparently rich in potassium, iron, calcium and vitamin A.

Precautions

• Side effects
  Dandelion is usually considered to be safe when used as a food or for therapeutic reasons. Acidity, gastric irritation and contact dermatitis are among the most frequent adverse effects observed with dandelion.
• Contraindications
  People who are allergic to plants from the Asteraceae/Compositae family can be allergic to dandelion. In addition, the latex found in the stem can cause skin allergies. People with gallbladder stone or with a bile flow disorder should not take dandelion.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  Pregnant women can safely eat dandelion but should not use it for medicinal purposes.
• Interactions
  Dandelion interacts with some prescription drugs. People who wish to take dandelion should talk to their pharmacist first and always be vigilant.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

References

1. Barnes J. et Al. Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Pharmaceutical Press, 2002
2. Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
3. Chandler, Frank. Herbs - Everyday Reference for Health Professionals, CphA - CMA, 2000
4. Herbal Companion to AHFS DI, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2001
5. Lexi-comp, Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, 2000-2001
6. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
7. Passeportsanté.net. Pissenlit. www.passeportsante.net
8. The Review of Natural Products, 6th Edition, 2010
9. Health Canada, Natural Products Database