The dandelion as a medicinal plant is popular in naturopathy and is even said to be effective against cancer. Basically dandelion promotes digestion, stimulates the metabolism and has a diuretic effect above all.
However, leaves, flowers, the flower buds as well as roots are tasty and can enrich our cuisine culinary. For example, dandelion leaves are suitable for salads, pesto or sauces. The root serves as a vegetable. The buds can replace capers and steamed sprouts.
The bottom line is that several studies have described the useful pharmacological profile of dandelion for the treatment of various diseases. For example, dandelion has recently been shown to have anti-diabetic properties. Its bioactive chemical components, such as chicoric acid, taraxasterol (TS), chlorogenic acid and sesquiterpene lactones, have been crucial.
Scientific Studies for Dandelion in Cancer Therapy
Recently, the scientific community has been devoting more and more attention to the possible applications of dandelions in cancer therapy. There is already promising evidence that dandelion contains ingredients that can inhibit the aggressive growth of tumors.
In 2008, the International Journal of Oncology published a study that proved the positive effect of dandelion tea. It was a tea made from dandelion leaves that could reduce the number of breast cancer cells.
The researchers now tested prostate cancer cells in the same way and obtained similar results. The scientists concluded that dandelion extract could be considered a "new" anti-cancer agent to support cancer therapy.
In 2011, the International Journal of Oncology published a report that a dietary supplement containing dandelion extract could inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.
A third scientific dandelion study was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in January 2011. The aim was to test the effect of tea made from dandelion roots on leukemia cells. It was shown that the tea could kill the leukemia cells. It is now assumed that the dandelion root tea contains substances that transmit a so-called apoptosis signal to the leukemia cells.
Apoptosis means a cell death program. In a healthy organism, this program ensures that degenerate cells commit suicide in time before they can harm the body. Interestingly, healthy cells remained untouched under the effect of dandelion root extract. They received no apoptosis signal.
In another study on dandelion from 2011, it was shown that dandelion root extract was able to induce programmed cell death even in those human melanoma cells (skin cancer cells) that were already resistant to conventional medicine.
In contrast to the consequences of chemotherapy, healthy cells were neither poisoned nor otherwise damaged.
Botanical viewpoint
The common dandelion (Traraxacum officinale) belongs to the family of composite plants. The dandelion is a perennial herbaceous plant and reaches a growth height of 10 to 30 cm. All parts of the plant contain a white lactic juice. Dandelions originally come from western Asia and Europe, but through human intervention, they have spread throughout the northern hemisphere.
Traditional use of dandelion: Dandelion tea
The dandelion as a medicinal plant is one of the most important natural applications for the home and is particularly suitable for a spring cure. All parts of the plant contain bitter substances, vitamins, and minerals, enzymes, choline, and inulin. They should be used fresh and have an invigorating effect on all body functions. Dandelion has a special effect on the organs involved in digestion.
Dandelion coffee helps with liver damage and liver weakness as well as with bile weakness. It also stimulates pancreas and kidney function. This results in increased water excretion and lower blood pressure. And beyond these metabolic effects, dandelion tea has a beneficial effect on rheumatism and also on gout. On top of that, it is said to be effective against calcification.
Finally, the diuretic effect of dandelion tea made from leaves and roots is particularly impressive. This is the only diuretic that does not lead to potassium loss as a side effect due to its high mineral content. Dandelion tea should not be drunk in the evening if possible.
Cautions
It is also good to remember that it is not advisable to over-consume infusions of this or any other plant without being aware of the side effects and contraindications. The dandelion is not indicated for pregnant women, people with kidney stones or stomach ulcers.
It is also not known whether, if this plant really helps to combat all types of cancers that exist, what would be the correct dosage, because, as we have already said, there are no studies (we do not find) on this.