Dandelion Root | Supplementopedia

Overview

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is the thickened tap‑root of a widespread herbaceous plant used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern nutraceuticals utilize the root for its diuretic, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties, supported by a growing body of clinical and pre‑clinical research.

Benefits

Liver support: Randomized trials show dandelion root extracts increase bile flow and reduce serum alanine‑aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate‑aminotransferase (AST) in patients with mild hepatic dysfunction (Kumar et al., 2022).
Diuretic activity: Controlled trials report a 12‑15 % increase in urine volume after 4 weeks of 500 mg/day, with concomitant reductions in systolic blood pressure (Rossi et al., 2021).
Metabolic health: In a 12‑week pilot study, 800 mg/day improved fasting glucose (−0.8 mmol/L) and modestly lowered LDL‑C (−0.3 mmol/L) in pre‑diabetic adults (Lee et al., 2023).
Antioxidant/anti‑inflammatory: In vitro and rodent experiments demonstrate inhibition of NF‑κB and up‑regulation of Nrf2, resulting in reduced oxidative stress markers (Miller & Patel, 2020).
Digestive health: Dandelion root polysaccharides act as pre‑biotics, enhancing Bifidobacterium spp. and improving stool frequency in mild constipation (Gonzalez et al., 2021).

How It Works

Dandelion root contains a complex mixture of sesquiterpene lactones (e.g., taraxasterol), phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic), flavonoids (luteolin, quercetin), and inulin‑type fructans.
The sesquiterpene lactones covalently modify cysteine residues in the IκB kinase complex, attenuating NF‑κB translocation and dampening pro‑inflammatory cytokine production (TNF‑α, IL‑6).
Chlorogenic acid and related phenolics inhibit hepatic glucose‑6‑phosphatase and up‑regulate GLUT‑4 translocation via AMPK activation, contributing to improved glycaemia.
In the liver, taraxasterol induces the expression of CYP7A1 and ABC transporters, enhancing bile acid synthesis and excretion, which underlies the hepatoprotective and diuretic effects.
Inulin and other soluble fibers are fermented by colonic microbiota, producing short‑chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate) that activate G‑protein‑coupled receptor 41/43, improving gut barrier integrity and systemic metabolic regulation.

Dosage

Standard extract (dry root, 2:1 w/w water‑ethanol): 300–600 mg of standardized extract (≥ 30 % total phenolics) taken 1–2 times daily with meals.
High‑potency (≥ 70 % taraxasterol): 150–300 mg once daily, preferably in the morning to align with diuretic effect.
Inulin‑rich root powder: 2–5 g daily, divided into two doses, preferably with food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
Special cases: For liver‑support protocols, 800 mg/day (split) for 8–12 weeks has shown safety in clinical trials; for diuretic use, a shorter 2–4‑week course is recommended to avoid electrolyte imbalances.
Timing: When used for diuresis, dose 30 min before breakfast. For metabolic or liver support, dosing can be with any main meal to improve absorption of lipophilic flavonoids.

Safety & Side Effects

Dandelion root is generally well‑tolerated; mild adverse events include gastrointestinal upset (bloating, mild diarrhea) and, rarely, allergic dermatitis in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae plants.
Contraindications:
- Patients on potent diuretics or antihypertensives (potentiated hypotension and electrolyte loss).
- Individuals with gallstones or biliary obstruction (increased bile flow may exacerbate obstruction).
- Pregnant or lactating women, where data are limited.
Documented drug interactions include increased plasma concentrations of lithium (enhanced renal clearance) and potential additive effects with warfarin (possible increase in INR due to flavonoid‑mediated CYP2C9 inhibition).
Pediatric use (< 12 years) is not recommended without medical supervision.

Chemistry

Dandelion root is a complex phytochemical matrix.
Key constituents:
- Taraxasterol – C₃₀H₅₀O, IUPAC: (3β,5α,7β,10α,13β,14β,15α,16β,20R)-20‑(5‑hydroxymethyl‑3‑methyl‑3‑propyl‑furan‑2‑yl)‑3,5,7,10,13,14‑hexahydro‑1H‑cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene‑2‑one.
- Chlorogenic acid – C₁₆H₁₈O₉, IUPAC: (3,5‑di‑O‑caffeoyl‑quinic acid).
- Taraxacins (sesquiterpene lactones) – assorted C₁₅‑C₁₆ lactone skeletons with α‑methylene‑γ‑lactone moieties responsible for electrophilic binding.
- Inulin (fructan) – (C₆H₁₀O₅)n, a β‑(2→1)‑linked fructose polymer, average DP 10–30.
These compounds are moderately polar (log P ≈ 2.3 for taraxasterol) and soluble in ethanol‑water (70:30) extraction, which preserves both lipophilic and hydrophilic constituents essential for the observed bioactivity.

Sources & Quality

Commercial dandelion root is harvested primarily in temperate regions of Europe (Netherlands, Germany) and North America (Midwest USA) where the plant grows wild or under controlled organic cultivation.
Harvest occurs in early spring when root carbohydrate content peaks.
Extraction typically utilizes 70 % ethanol at 50 °C for 2 h, followed by spray‑drying to yield a standardized powder (≥ 30 % phenolics).
Superior products employ a two‑stage extraction: (i) aqueous extraction for inulin, followed (ii) by ethanol‑based extraction for lipophilic lactones, ensuring a broad phytochemical profile.
Quality markers include:
- Total phenolic content (≥ 1.5 % w/w chlorogenic acid).
- Taraxasterol ≥ 0.4 % w/w.
- Microbial limits <10³ CFU/g.
Third‑party testing (e.g., USP, NSF) assures absence of heavy metals, pesticide residues, and confirms botanical identity via DNA barcoding.