Natural Products

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  None
• Used for these indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Acne
  Appetite loss
  Constipation
  Digestion
  Diuretic (leaves)
  Dyspepsia
  Gall stones prevention (root)
  Hemorrhoids
  Improving the hepatic and biliary functions (root)
  Urinary tract infection prevention (in association)
  Weight loss (leaves)

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Moderate
• Adverse Effects: Low

What is it?

Dandelion is a well-known plant that grows in temperate climates. The leaves and roots are usually used for their various properties. This plant has been used in traditional practices for centuries. In addition to their medicinal properties, young dandelion leaves can be used in salads.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

Few serious studies have been conducted to assess dandelion's usefulness. Taraxacin, a compound found in dandelion, appears to have a beneficial impact on digestion. The bitter compounds found in the root may be responsible for an increase in bile flow and potentially beneficial effects on the digestive system. Dandelion may have mild laxative and anti-inflammatory properties. Dandelion extracts may have diuretic properties in animals. In addition, dandelion is a source of vitamins and minerals, apparently rich in potassium, iron, calcium and vitamin A.

• Urinary tract infection:
  A specific combination of dandelion root and uva ursi may help prevent recurrent urinary infections in women. Dandelion stimulates urination. This combination should only be used over a short course of therapy.

There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that dandelion is effective in any other indication.

Is it safe?

• Dandelion is usually considered to be safe when used as a food or for therapeutic reasons. Acidity and gastric irritation are among the most frequent adverse effects observed with dandelion.
• People who are allergic to plants from the Asteraceae/Compositae family can be allergic to dandelion. In addition, the latex found in the stem can cause skin allergies. People with gallbladder stone or with a bile flow disorder should not take dandelion. Diabetics should monitor their blood glucose levels more closely while taking dandelion.
• Pregnant women can safely eat dandelion but should not use it for medicinal purposes.
• Dandelion interacts with some prescription drugs. People who wish to take dandelion should talk to their pharmacist first and always be vigilant.

References

1. Barnes J. et Al. Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Pharmaceutical Press, 2002
2. Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
3. Chandler, Frank. Herbs – Everyday Reference for Health Professionals, CphA – CMA, 2000
4. Herbal Companion to AHFS DI, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2001
5. Lexi-comp, Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, 2000-2001
6. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
7. Passeportsanté.net. Pissenlit. http://www.passeportsante.net