Pharmacological Properties of Dandelion Extracts

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) extracts encompass a rich array of bioactive constituents, notably polyphenols and flavonoids, which confer a spectrum of pharmacological activities. These include potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, mediated through scavenging of reactive oxygen species and modulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Extracts have demonstrated diuretic and choleretic actions, supporting hepatic function and promoting bile secretion. Hypoglycaemic and insulin-sensitising properties arise from inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and enhancement of glucose uptake. Antimicrobial activity has been observed against bacterial pathogens through disruption of membrane integrity and interference with ion-pump function. In preclinical cancer models, aqueous root extracts induce programmed cell death via multiple signalling pathways, while specific phenolic compounds can modulate the immune microenvironment to augment targeted immunotherapy. Additional reports describe hypolipidaemic and antifibrotic effects, underpinned by regulation of lipid metabolism and attenuation of collagen deposition, suggesting utility in metabolic and inflammatory disorders.

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Pharmacological Properties of Dandelion Extracts publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in pharmacological properties of dandelion extracts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Polyphenol: plant secondary metabolite with multiple phenolic rings, contributing to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Flavonoid: class of polyphenols characterised by a C6–C3–C6 skeleton, implicated in enzyme inhibition and free-radical scavenging.

α-Glucosidase: intestinal enzyme that hydrolyses oligosaccharides to glucose; its inhibition delays carbohydrate absorption.

Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase: membrane enzyme that maintains cellular ion gradients; its impairment compromises microbial viability.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen, which can cause oxidative damage if not neutralised by antioxidants.

References

1. An Original Asteraceae Based Infused Drink Prevents Metabolic Syndrome in Fructose-Rat Model. Antioxidants (2023).
2. Screening of dandelion phenolic extracts and their anti-bacterial function against Escherichia coli through acting on Na+-K+ ATPase. Food Production, Processing and Nutrition (2024).
3. Therapeutic potential of isochlorogenic acid A from Taraxacum officinale in improving immune response and enhancing the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in triple-negative breast cancer. Frontiers in Immunology (2025).
4. Mechanism of Herbal Medicine and Food Dandelion Effects May be Related to RNA or DNA Regulation: A Review. Chinese Medicine (2023).
5. Dandelion root extract affects colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through the activation of multiple death signalling pathways. Oncotarget (2016).
6. Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Root and Leaf on Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2010).
7. Dandelion prevents liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in rats. The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology (2020).