Dandelion root is an evidentially proven hepatic herb that supports the toning and balancing of the liver. Dandelion is full of vitamins, minerals, zinc, iron, and potassium. The liver is our main detox organ and filters out a variety of environmental toxins daily. Dandelion root has key active compounds that contribute to its hepatic properties that support the overall functioning of the liver. Phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides and ascorbic acids are the main components with hepatic properties due to their ability to scavenge free radicals, polysaccharides which reduce oxidative stress and decrease liver inflammation (Mahboubi & Mahboubi, 2020). These compounds are beneficial when extracted from the root by water in the form of herbal tea or in a powder form supplement.
Dandelion root is a diuretic and may interact with other medications such as blood thinning meds, antiacids, lithium, antibiotics like cipro, and other diuretic medications. It’s also important to consult with a primary care doctor if you have kidney or gallbladder problems. Dandelion root is generally considered safe with no specific side effects, it’s important to make sure you are not allergic to any herbs within the ragweed family. One study showed the effectiveness of using dandelion root in vivo to prevent or treat different liver diseases because of the rich number of phytochemicals, tests showed a decrease in oxidative stress in the liver and an increase in healed tissue (Pfingstgraf et al., 2021).
References
Mahboubi, M., & Mahboubi, M. (2020). Hepatoprotection by dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and mechanisms. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 10(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.4103/2221-1691.273081
Pfingstgraf, I. O., Taulescu, M., Pop, R. M., Orăsan, R., Vlase, L., Uifalean, A., Todea, D., Alexescu, T., Toma, C., & Pârvu, A. E. (2021). Protective Effects of Taraxacum officinale L. (Dandelion) Root Extract in Experimental Acute on Chronic Liver Failure. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 10(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10040504
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