Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects

Abstract

Dandelion (Taraxacum genus) is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. As a well-known and extensively studied genus, dandelion comprises numerous species. Some species have been widely used in both complementary and alternative medicine to clear heat, detoxify, activate blood circulation, dispel stasis, and discharge urine. Multiple pharmacological studies have highlighted its therapeutic potential, including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-rheumatic activities. Furthermore, bioactive compounds associated with these effects include sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils, saccharides, flavonoids, sphingolipids, triterpenoids, sterols, coumarins, etc. Based on recent studies about the Taraxacum genus, the present review critically evaluates the current state of dandelion utilization and summarizes the significant roles of dandelion and its constituents in different diseases. We also focus on the reported phytology, chemical composition, pharmacology, and toxicity of dandelion, along with the main possible action mechanisms behind their therapeutic activities. Meanwhile, the challenges and future directions of the Taraxacum genus are also prospected in this review, thus highlighting its pharmaceutical research and practical clinical applications.

Morphological charactieristics of pollen grains in selected group of honey plants

“…V liečiteľstve sa využíva okrem antioxidačného efektu tiež hepatoprotektívny a antikarcinogénny účinok púpav (Di Napoli a Zucchetti, 2021). Korene, listy a kvety sa dajú využiť v potravinárstve (Fan et al, 2023). Púpavy sú zdrojom nektáru a peľu pre včely v jarnom a jesennom období (Švamberk, 2014).…”

Modulation of Acute Intestinal Inflammation by Dandelion Polysaccharides: An In-Depth Analysis of Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Gut Microbiota Regulation

“…Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a long-standing reputation in various traditional medicine systems, such as traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and multiple forms of Western herbal medicine [9]. Known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, it has been used to treat a broad range of conditions, including liver diseases and digestive disorders [10].…”

Effects of Taraxaci Herba (Dandelion) on Testosterone Propionate-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats

“…Research focusing on the pharmacology of the Taraxacum genus has primarily been preclinical and has revealed that TH possesses pharmacological benefits, including antioxidant, anti-obesity, anticancer, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and immunoprotective effects [ 16 , 17 ]. These pharmacological effects are attributed to its bioactive chemical components, which include sesquiterpenoid lactones (e.g., taraxacoside, taraxinic acid, taraxacolide- O -β-glucopyranoside), phenolic acids (e.g., chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, chicoric acid), flavonoids (e.g., chrysoeriol, quercetin, luteolin-7-glucoside), triterpenoids (e.g., α-amyrin), and sterols (e.g., taraxasterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol) [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

“…TH has been used as a folk remedy for treating LUTSs in Western and Eastern Asia, as well as in Europe [ 20 , 21 ]. Especially in Korea and China, TH has been traditionally used to treat stranguria, which is a predominant symptom in patients with BPH [ 22 , 23 ].…”