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DandelionIn tradition folk alternative medicine, the plant is used as a general stimulant to the system, but especially to the urinary organs, as a diuretic, and for kidney and liver disorders. In terms of nutritients, research suggests that the plant's leaves are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and iron, carrying more iron and calcium than spinach. From anti aging perspective, it is worth noting that Dandelion contains Luteolin, an antioxidant. According to research, a secondary plant metabolite produced in the plant includes Caffeic acid, a compound which in animal studies has suggested some carcinogenic activity. However, these findings cannot be directly applied for humans and the activity of caffeic acid is very much under current research. Dandelion - StudiesChun Hu and David D. Kitts. Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. October 2004. Luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside from dandelion flower suppress iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells. Springer Netherlands. 245:1-2(107-113). Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs.Prep Biochem Biotechnol. 2005;35(1):29-36. What do herbalists suggest to diabetic patients in order to improve glycemic control? Evaluation of scientific evidence and potential risks. Acta Diabetol. 2004 Sep;41(3):91-8. Taraxacum officinale protects against cholecystokinin-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Jan 28;11(4):597-9. Characterization of phenolic acids and flavonoids in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale WEB. ex WIGG.) root and herb by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 2005;19(2):179-86.
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