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Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
A traditional bitter herb used as a mild diuretic and digestive/liver tonic; human clinical evidence is sparse and mostly preliminary.
What the evidence says
Most Dandelion studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2005–2026 with a typical study size of 130 participants.
Based on 20 studies · 4 RCTs · 130 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidenceBy outcome
Only a single small diuretic pilot and combination-product trials support dandelion, with most claims resting on traditional use and preclinical data and no meta-analyses — placing it in the Emerging range.
4 trials ongoing or recruiting · 13 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
1 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Dandelion, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) — root and leaf — is a long-used bitter herb. The leaf is a traditional mild diuretic ('pis-en-lit'), and the root is used as a digestive bitter and liver/bile tonic.
A small human study supports the diuretic effect, and reviews catalog traditional digestive uses, but rigorous clinical trials are scarce, so most claims rest on traditional use and preclinical data. It is nutrient-rich (potassium, inulin) and generally well tolerated.
Leaf compounds increase urine output (a traditional, small-study-supported effect).
Bitter constituents stimulate saliva, gastric, and bile secretion, aiding digestion.
Root inulin acts as a prebiotic fiber supporting gut bacteria.
Avoid — dandelion stimulates bile flow.
Use with caution — diuretic interaction.
Food amounts likely fine; concentrated extracts not well studied.
Additive diuretic effect; monitor fluid/electrolytes.
Diuretic effect can alter lithium levels — caution.
May add mildly to glucose/BP lowering.
Tip: Take leaf earlier in the day
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants
Dandelion has an evidence score of 4/10 — emerging evidence based on 16 indexed studies. A traditional bitter herb used as a mild diuretic and digestive/liver tonic; human clinical evidence is sparse and mostly preliminary. Representative study: PMID 16093238.
The commonly studied dose of Dandelion is Root: 2-8g dried (or 250-1000mg extract) daily; leaf: 4-10g dried as tea, for the diuretic effect. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Dandelion is with meals. Taking it with food is preferred. Root bitters taken before/with meals to aid digestion; leaf diuretic earlier in the day to avoid nighttime urination.
Dandelion is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. The most commonly reported side effects are increased urination, heartburn/GI upset, allergic reaction. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Bile duct obstruction or gallstones (bile-stimulating); Allergy to ragweed/daisies (Asteraceae); Use with potassium-sparing diuretics or lithium.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 20 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.