Studies have confirmed that dandelion can help reduce cancer growth, lower cholesterol levels and support liver function.
The report also found that dandelion greens also have a considerable quantity of numerous minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
One study by Vandeputte et al. (2017) also reports that dandelion root is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, a type of soluble fibre found in plants that supports the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria in your digestive tract.
Additionally, Wirngo et al. (2016) study also found that dandelion is loaded with polyphenols, another antioxidant mostly found in the flower; but can also be found in the roots, leaves and stems as well.
2017) found that dandelion decreased markers of inflammation in cells treated with compounds extracted from dandelion.
Another study in mice with inflammatory lung disease by Ma et al. (2015) found a substantial decrease in lung inflammation in the test group.
Blood sugar In one article by Semeco, A (2021), the author explained that Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds found in dandelion that aid in reducing blood sugar levels.
For instance, in one test-tube study by Ferrare et al. (2018), these compounds found in dandelion could enhance the secretion of insulin - a hormone that controls blood sugar levels - as well as the absorption of glucose (sugar) in our muscles; thus, leading to enhanced insulin sensitivity and decreased blood sugar levels.
Wirngo et al. (2016) thus found that some animal studies also found that chicoric and chlorogenic acid slow the digestion of starchy, high-carb foods and, in turn, help to reduce blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels One test-tube study by García-Carrasco et al. (2015) established that dandelion leaf and root extract reduced triglyceride build-up in fat cells.
Additionally, a recent 4-week animal study by Majewski et al. (2020) found that giving dandelion leaf extract to rats drastically decreased stages of total cholesterol and triglycerides.
A previous rabbit study by Choi et al. (2010) found that consuming dandelion roots and leaves with a high-cholesterol diet decreased cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, one review by Binia et al. (2015) found that dandelion is loaded with potassium, a mineral linked with decreased blood pressure in those with earlier raised levels.
Liver and kidney support Both animal and human studies have confirmed the benefits of dandelion on liver and kidney health.
For instance, one animal study by Hfaiedh et al. (2016) found that dandelion averts liver damage in mice exposed to sodium dichromate, a compound used to induce liver injury.
Fast forward, another study by Abdel-Magied et al.( 2019) also found that dandelion root benefits the liver, helping protect it from oxidative stress and keep it working effectively.
2021) also found that dandelion extract could decrease levels of excess fat stored in the liver and protect against oxidative stress.
A similar study by Devaraj et al. (2016) also agreed that folk medicines originating from China, India and Russia have long recognised dandelion's effect as a liver tonic, mostly due to its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to fight oxidative stress.
2010) established that dandelion extract prevented damage to the liver caused by alcohol toxicity in both liver cells and mice.
The study further agreed that these protective effects are likely due to the number of antioxidants found in the dandelion root, as well as its ability to prevent cell damage.
Finally, Mount Sinai Medical Group also explained that "herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to help kidney function".
For centuries, native Americans boiled dandelion in the water and took it to treat kidney disease, as well as other digestive issues like heartburn and upset stomach.
Immune system and bacteria One study by Flores-Ocelotl et al. (2018) found that dandelion root also possesses antimicrobial and antiviral properties that may stop the growth of disease-causing bacteria and pathogens.
Another study by Kenny et al. (2015) from Ireland established that dandelion root was effective against certain strains of bacteria that are responsible for staph infections and food-borne illnesses.
One old study by Booth et al. (2003 ) found that a lack of vitamin K predisposes one to the risk of fractures and reduced bone density; and dandelion can help avert this.
On skin health, the antioxidant content in dandelion can protect skin cells against damage to slow signs of ageing.
One in vitro study from Canada by Yang and Li et al.( 2015) found that using extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to skin cells helped protect against harmful ultraviolet damage.
Others also found that dandelion could possess powerful antimicrobial properties, which can help block bacterial growth to prevent skin infections.
Anti-cancer effects One 4-week rat study by Nassan et al. (2018) found that administering dandelion root extract modified specific pathways involved in suppressing the growth and spread of breast cancer cells.
2017) also found that dandelion root extract may slow the growth of cancer cells in the liver, colon and stomach tissue.