We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we’ll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Dan4.0
Dandelion Research
Mostly mechanism / observational
21 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Mostly mechanism / observational
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 120 participants.
Based on 21 studies · 3 RCTs · 488 total participants
In plain English: Therefore, this review summarizes current research on the chemical structures, neuroprotective effects, structure-activity relationships, and applications of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and sterols derived from dandelion in the medical and food industries, with the aim of promoting its further development and utilization.
Li H, Qu B, Wu J, Sun M, Xue Y, Li T, Tan C, Wang S, Ning C, Guo C. · Food science & nutrition (2026)
This article further examines the structure-activity relationships of these compounds in relation to their neuroprotective effects.
The analysis indicates that the pharmacological activities of dandelion components are largely determined by their core skeletons, while functional groups-such as hydroxylation patterns, glycosylation, and specific unsaturated bonds-fine-tune their activity.
As a non-toxic plant, dandelion has been widely used in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Sweeney B, Vora M, Ulbricht C, Basch E · J Herb Pharmacother (2005)
No plain-language summary recorded for this citation — open the paper to read its abstract.
3Review2025
In plain English: Meanwhile, we anticipate that some novel candidates with high efficacy and low toxicity for anticancer might be developed from dandelion in future research on this plant.
Wang A, Xiong W, Cheng C, Zou L, Niu B, Liu Y. · Nutrients (2025)
Bioactive components from dandelion are effective in inhibiting the occurrence and progression of various cancers, such as breast, lung, and liver cancers.
Hence, the chemical composition, anticancer activities, and signaling pathways in cancer cells treated with bioactive components from dandelion are summarized in this review.
We aim to provide more pharmacological evidence and scientific references for further research and development of dandelion for cancer treatment.
In plain English: We conclude by summarising the significant role of these herbal remedies in modern complementary medicine and proposing future research directions to further elucidate their mechanisms of action and optimise their use for gut health.
Pacyga K, Tabiś A, Pacyga P. · International journal of molecular sciences (2025)
We delve into the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of nine medicinal plants: globe artichoke, aloe vera, German chamomile, pot marigold, Ceylon cinnamon, dandelion, fennel, garlic, ginger, and green tea.
We focus on their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and prebiotic effects.
The article also discusses the scientific evidence supporting their use, acknowledges the limitations of current research, and highlights considerations for safe and effective application.
In plain English: The study provides a screening of Taraxacum sp. chemical composition, an assessment of the main pharmacological properties, and a description of relevant studies supporting the use of dandelion for its particularly valuable and diversified therapeutic potential in different diseases.
Tanasa Acretei MV, Negreanu-Pirjol T, Olariu L, Negreanu-Pirjol BS, Lepadatu AC, Anghel Cireasa L, Rosoiu N. · International journal of molecular sciences (2025)
The traditional use of Taraxacum species and their potential use in medicine are assessed.
In addition, individual papers describing principal pathways and molecules modulated by Taraxacum in antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities are presented.
The study provides a screening of Taraxacum sp. chemical composition, an assessment of the main pharmacological properties, and a description of relevant studies supporting the use of dandelion for its particularly valuable and diversified therapeutic potential in different diseases.
In plain English: This study reviews dandelion flavonoids and their in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities by consulting and organizing relevant domestic and international works of literature to provide a scientific and theoretical basis for further research, development, and utilization of dandelion.
Zhuang X, Shi W, Shen T, Cheng X, Wan Q, Fan M, Hu D. · Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) (2024)
Modern studies have demonstrated that dandelion contains all kinds of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids, phenolic acids, coumarins, lignans, polysaccharides, phytosterols, terpenes, glycoproteins, oligosaccharides, alkaloids, etc.
Meanwhile, dandelion has been proven to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antivirus, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties, as well as the ability to regulate hormone levels and protect some visceral organs.
Among them, flavonoids derived from dandelion and their antioxidant activities have received considerable attention.
In plain English: Challenges related to dosage consistency, clinical validation, and regulatory oversight are also addressed to guide innovation in integrative cardiology.
Mattioli LB, Corazza I, Budriesi R, Camarda L, Carelli M, Spadotto A, Diemberger I. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2026)
This review provides a mechanistic comparison between pharmacological agents and nutraceuticals with overlapping mechanisms of action, highlighting their potential role in integrative cardiovascular care.
While nutraceuticals are not substitutes for established therapies, emerging evidence supports their complementary use in improving treatment response, reducing side effects, and enhancing patient outcomes.
Future research should focus on large-scale trials, improved bioavailability, standardized formulations, and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies.
In plain English: No adverse events were reported.
Patel G, Shah S, D'Adamo CR. · Frontiers in nutrition (2025)
Mean improvements in ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT were significantly greater with the nutraceutical product than placebo ( p ≤ 0.001).
No adverse events were reported.
Discussion Supplementation with this liquid nutraceutical formula improved the liver enzyme profile of healthy individuals, suggesting that it may mitigate a trend toward higher liver enzyme levels over time in a convenient manner that fosters compliance.
In plain English: The vast experience of rural communities in Central-Eastern Europe concerning the medicinal applications of common dandelion has developed through centuries.
Gruszecki R, Walasek-Janusz M, Caruso G, Pokluda R, Tallarita AV, Golubkina N, Sękara A. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland) (2024)
The variety of ways to prepare the raw material is noteworthy; fresh and dried raw materials were used to make extracts, tinctures, decoctions, infusions, wrap compresses, syrups, and even wine or coffee substitutes.
The mentioned preparations were prepared individually for particular ailments.
Conclusions The vast experience of rural communities in Central-Eastern Europe concerning the medicinal applications of common dandelion has developed through centuries.
In plain English: The genus Taraxacum is a promising medicinal and edible plant, exhibiting a range of biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Cui M, Wang X, Yu T, Liu X, Zhang X. · Journal of ethnopharmacology (2026)
However, research on its effects on neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases remains limited.
Future studies should focus on in vivo experiments to explore the material basis and mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of dandelion species.
Furthermore, current phytochemical and pharmacological research has overlooked several Taraxacum species with well-documented traditional uses.
In plain English: Determining the optimal dosing, evaluating its potential as an adjuvant in pharmacological treatments, as well as evaluating possible interactions with conventional drugs, is necessary for the potential use of T. officinale as an adjuvant agent in the treatment of liver diseases.
Herrera Vielma F, Quiñones San Martin M, Muñoz-Carrasco N, Berrocal-Navarrete F, González DR, Zúñiga-Hernández J. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
Results: Preclinical studies have reported that extracts of this plant protect against liver damage induced by toxic agents such as alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, and paracetamol.
Among the most relevant and predominant bioactive compounds of T. officinale is taraxasterol, which modulates inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, helping to prevent liver damage.
Conclusions: While preclinical studies are promising, further clinical trials are essential to confirm the safety and efficacy of T. officinale in the treatment of liver diseases.
In plain English: Wigg), pegagan (Centella asiatica), and pala (Myristica fragrans) had strong inhibitory effects, exceeding 50% for both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Rahminiwati M, Iswantini D, Trivadila, Sianipar RNR, Sukma RM, Indariani S, Murni A. · Current issues in molecular biology (2025)
Pancreatic lipase, an enzyme responsible for converting 50-70% of dietary fat into monoglycerides, free fatty acids, and various other smaller molecules, plays a crucial role in fat metabolism.
Wigg), pegagan ( Centella asiatica ), and pala ( Myristica fragrans ) had strong inhibitory effects, exceeding 50% for both in vitro and in vivo studies.
The results showed that kunci pepet ( Kaempferiae angustifolia Rosc.), asam gelugur ( Garcinia atroviridis ), temulawak ( Curcuma xanthorrhiza ), jombang ( Taraxacum officinale F.
In plain English: Bioactive compounds associated with these effects include triterpenes and their saponins, phenolic acids, sterols and their glycosides, flavonoids, organic acids, volatile oils, and saccharides.
Yan Q, Xing Q, Liu Z, Zou Y, Liu X, Xia H. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie (2024)
Dandelion (Taraxacum genus), a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family is widely distributed in hillside grasslands, roadsides, fields, and river beaches in middle and low-altitude areas.
It has a long history of traditional Chinese medicine usage as a heat-clearing and detoxifying agent, often consumed as tea or vegetable.
Multiple pharmacological studies have demonstrated the antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and other effects of the Taraxacum genus.
In plain English: This approach aligns with efforts to preserve biodiversity and maintain traditional Mediterranean and Balkan food practices, integrating both ecological and cultural sustainability.
Kozuharova E, Malfa GA, Acquaviva R, Spadaro V, Ionkova I, Statti G, Raimondo FM. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland) (2026)
T. farfara is known to accumulate pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are associated with liver damage and potential genotoxic effects, highlighting the importance of thorough toxicological evaluations before recommending these plants for consumption.
This study also demonstrates how common culinary processes, such as boiling and blanching, significantly impact the concentration, stability, and safety profile of these bioactive compounds.
Overall, the research supports the promotion of wild Asteraceae species as valuable and sustainable nutritional and nutraceutical resources.
In plain English: These findings adequately confirm the previously described traditional uses and aid in explaining its therapeutic applications.
Hao F, Deng X, Yu X, Wang W, Yan W, Zhao X, Wang X, Bai C, Wang Z, Han L. · The American journal of Chinese medicine (2024)
It has traditionally been used for detoxification, diuresis, liver protection, the treatment of various inflammations, antimicrobial properties, and so on.
Pharmacological investigations have revealed that Taraxacum crude extracts and chemical compounds contain antimicrobial infection, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-oxidative, liver protective, and blood sugar and blood lipid management properties.
These findings adequately confirm the previously described traditional uses and aid in explaining its therapeutic applications.
Rhayem L, Boussetta N, Kubo M, Merlier F, Vorobiev E, Lebovka N. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland) (2026)
Published in Foods (Basel, Switzerland) (2026)
18PilotCited 50×n=17 · very small study2009
In plain English: Based on these first human data, T. officinale ethanolic extract shows promise as a diuretic in humans.
Clare BA et al. · Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) (2009)
Uncontrolled single-day pilot in 17 volunteers taking a fresh-leaf hydroethanolic extract, 8 mL three times a day, compared with their own baseline over the 2 days before. No placebo or randomisation
Urination frequency rose significantly in the 5 hours after the first dose (p < 0.05), and the ratio of urine volume to fluid intake rose after the second dose (p < 0.001)
The third dose failed to change any of the measured parameters
In plain English: External application of dandelion combined with borneol was effective in the treatment of maxillofacial swelling and pain.
Zhao S et al. · Medicine (2023)
Randomised trial in 120 patients after jaw surgery, four groups: ice compress, dandelion, borneol, or dandelion combined with borneol, applied externally
Dandelion combined with borneol controlled facial swelling and limited mouth opening better than any single treatment, with higher satisfaction (P < .05)
The abstract does not report dandelion alone against ice. External use after surgery, not an oral supplement
In plain English: Overall, in this pilot study, the naturopathic interventions had no substantial effects on estrogen measures.
Greenlee H et al. · Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology (2007)
Placebo-controlled pilot over five menstrual cycles in 40 healthy premenopausal women: a six-herb botanical supplement including Taraxacum officinalis (n = 15), dietary changes (n = 10) or placebo (n = 15)
Versus placebo, the botanical supplement lowered early-follicular DHEA by 13.2% (P = 0.02). Changes in DHEA-sulfate (P = 0.07), androstenedione (P = 0.05) and estrone-sulfate (P = 0.08) were borderline or not significant
No substantial effects on estrogen measures, and no significant differences with the dietary changes