Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain dandelion. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting.
Scientists have studied dandelion for the following health problems: Anti-inflammatory | Studies in laboratory animals have suggested that dandelion root may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, there have been no studies in humans to evaluate this claim. | Cancer | Although there are several studies in animals, it is not clear what effects dandelion may have on slowing cancer growth in humans or what type of tumors may benefit the most. | Diuretic | Although dandelion leaves have traditionally been used as a diuretic (a urine-producing agent), there is no reliable research evaluating this use in humans. Different studies using animals have reported different results. Further studies are needed before dandelion can be recommended as a diuretic. | Hepatitis B | One study in humans suggests that an herbal preparation containing dandelion root may improve liver function in people with hepatitis B. However, because many herbs were part of the product used in this study, it is not possible to determine if the beneficial effects were the result of dandelion. | Diabetes | Although it has been suggested that dandelion lowers blood sugar levels, there are no studies in humans evaluating this claim. | Colitis | One study in humans suggests that an herbal preparation containing dandelion root may help treat chronic pain associated with colitis (inflammation and pain in the large intestine). However, the product tested contained several ingredients, and whether beneficial effects were the result of dandelion is unclear. |
Dandelion leaf or root has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before taking dandelion for any unproven use. Abscess
Acne
Age spots
AIDS
Alcohol withdrawal
Allergies
Analgesia
Anemia
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antioxidant
Antiviral
Aphthous ulcers
Appendicitis
Appetite stimulant
Arthritis
Benign prostate hypertrophy
Bile flow stimulation
Bladder irritation
Blood tonic/purifier
Boils
Breast augmentation
Breast cancer
Breast infection
Breast inflammation
Breast milk stimulation
Bruises
Cardiovascular disorders
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Circulation
Clogged arteries
Congestive heart failure
Dandruff
Diabetes
Dropsy
Eye problems
Fertility
Fever reduction | Food uses
Frequent urination
Gallbladder disease
Gallstones
Gas
Gout
Headache
Heartburn
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Immune stimulation
Increased sweating
Jaundice
Kidney disease
Kidney stones
Leukemia
Liver disease/cleansing
Menopause
Menstrual period stimulation
Muscle aches
Nutrition
Osteoarthritis
Postpartum support
Pregnancy
Premenstrual syndrome
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Skin problems
Skin toner
Smoking cessation
Stiff joints
Stimulant
Stomach upset
Urinary stimulant
Urinary tract inflammation
Warts
Weight loss |
Allergies People should avoid dandelion if they have a known allergy to dandelion, honey, chamomile, chrysanthemums, yarrow, feverfew or any member of the Asteraceae or Compositae plant families (ragweed, sunflower, daisies). Signs of allergy may include rash, itching or shortness of breath. Side Effects Dandelion has been well tolerated in studies. The most common adverse effects are related to dandelion allergies. Allergies to dandelion may cause itching, rash, red or swollen areas on the skin or difficulty breathing. Rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma have been reported with the use of a combination product containing dandelion. Stomach discomfort (including diarrhea), heartburn, eczema or sun sensitivity may occur. There is one report of reduced gastrointestinal motility leading to a blockage within the digestive tract that required surgical removal. There are several reports associating dandelion with a parasitic infection that affects the liver and bile duct. Symptoms of this condition may include fever, stomach upset, vomiting, loss of appetite, coughing and liver damage. Be aware that many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and should be avoided when driving or operating heavy machinery. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Dandelion cannot be recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding because of a lack of scientific information. Be aware that many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Drug interactions with dandelion have rarely been identified. Dandelion may reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro). In theory, numerous other interactions could be problematic. Dandelion may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are taking prescription drugs that may also lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using dandelion. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, dandelion may increase the effects and toxicity of lithium, diuretics, niacin or drugs that lower blood pressure. When used with dandelion, diuretics, heart drugs such as digoxin (Lanoxin) or corticosteroids such as prednisone may increase the tendency for lower potassium levels. As a result, periodic monitoring of potassium levels may be recommended. In theory, dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with dandelion. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox). It is possible that dandelion may reduce the effectiveness of antacids or drugs commonly used to treat peptic ulcer disease. Examples include famotidine (Pepcid) and esomeprazole (Nexium). There is also evidence that dandelion may interfere with the way the liver breaks down certain drugs (using the P450 system). As a result, dandelion may cause the levels of drugs in the body to be too high, leading to serious side effects. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for advice before you take dandelion. Be aware that many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl) or disulfiram (Antabuse). Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements Several interactions between dandelion and other supplements are possible. Dandelion may lower blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon ( Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using dandelion. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other products that are also believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include Ginkgo biloba and garlic ( Allium sativum). Dandelion may also increase the blood levels of herbs processed by the liver, such as chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). Check with your health care provider before starting dandelion if you are taking other herbs or supplements. It is possible that increased diuretic (urine-producing) effects may be experienced when dandelion is used with celery, artichoke or uva ursi. Dandelion may also reduce the effectiveness of agents that decrease stomach acid or may increase the toxic effects associated with herbs such as foxglove or supplements that lower blood pressure such as hawthorn ( Crataegus laevigata). When dandelion and niacin are used together, there could be a greater tendency to experience adverse effects such as flushing, anorexia and stomach upset. Dandelion leaves contain vitamin A, lutein and beta-carotene, so supplemental doses of these agents may have additive effects or side effects.
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. There are no standard or well-studied doses of dandelion, and many different doses are used traditionally. Safety of use beyond four months has not been studied. Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Dried root: Doses of two to eight grams taken by infusion or decoction have been used. Leaf fluid extract: Doses of four to eight milliliters of a 1:1 extract in 25 percent alcohol have been used. Root tincture: Doses of one or two teaspoons of a 1:5 tincture in 45 percent alcohol have been used. Children (Younger Than 18) There are not enough scientific data to recommend dandelion for use in children, and dandelion is not recommended because of potential side effects.
Dandelion has been used traditionally as a treatment for many conditions. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of dandelion for any medical condition. Dandelion should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women, in children and in those with allergies to it or related plants. Dandelion may case stomach upset or diarrhea. There are many theoretical interactions with drugs, herbs or supplements. Please discuss any products that you are taking with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking dandelion. Consult your health care provider immediately if you have any side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Dandelion Natural Standard reviewed more than 95 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent English-language studies are listed below: - Hook I, McGee A, Henman M, et al. Evaluation of dandelion for diuretic activity and variation in potassium content. Int J Pharmacog 1993;31(1):29-34.
- Hu C, Kitts DD. Antioxidant, prooxidant, and cytotoxic activities of solvent-fractionated dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extracts in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 2003;Jan 1, 51(1):301-310.
- Ingber A. Seasonal allergic contact dermatitis from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) in an Israeli florist. Contact Derm 2000;43(1):49.
- Jovanovic M, Mimica-Dukic N, Poljacki M, Boza P. Erythema multiforme due to contact with weeds: a recurrence after patch testing. Contact Derm 2003;Jan, 48(1):17-25.
- Lovell CR, Rowan M. Dandelion dermatitis. Contact Derm 1991;25(3):185-188.
- Rodriguez B, Rodriguez A, de Barrio M, et al. Asthma induced by canary food mix. Allergy Asthma Proc 2003;Jul-Aug, 24(4):265-268.
- Youn HY, Kang HS, Bhang DH, et al. Allergens causing atopic diseases in canine. J Vet Sci 2002;Dec, 3(4):335-341.
Last updated June 22, 2005
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