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Summary

The herbal monograph selects and summarises scientific studies and textbooks regarding efficacy, dosage and safety to support the therapeutic uses of dandelion root.

This herbal drug, by definition, consists of the whole or cut, dried underground parts of Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg.

Studies with its main characteristic constituents, sesquiterpene lactones, lupane- and euphane-type triterpenes, phenylpropanoid glycosides, triterpene alcohols and phytosterols, phenols and phenol carbonic acids, chlorogenic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and linear inulin-type polysaccharides are included.

The therapeutic indications are the restoration of hepatic and biliary function, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, as well as minor urinary complaints to increase the amount of urine to achieve flushing of the urinary tract.

Administration of dandelion root addresses posology; its duration of use; contra-indications; special warnings; special precautions for use; interactions with other medicinal products; other forms of interaction; in pregnancy and lactation; its effects on ability to drive; undesirable effects and overdose.

In vitro experiments with dandelion root demonstrated anti-diabetic, anti-adipogenic, antioxidant/radical scavenging, anti-proliferative and anti-cancer activities. In vivo experiments with dandelion root or its extracts demonstrated hepatoprotective, metabolic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, choleretic and cardioprotective properties.

Preclinical safety data for dandelion root were assessed in toxicity studies.

Safety data were assessed in a human study.

The selection of literature cited in the monograph is aimed at bringing together relevant information about the possible physiological roles of dandelion root and its major constituents.

Keywords

• Taraxaci radix
• Dandelion root
• Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg
• Restoration of hepatic and biliary function
• Dyspepsia
• Loss of appetite
• Minor urinary complaints