HERBAL MEDICINES
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DANDELION
Taraxacum officinale Weber
(Asteraceae/Compositae)
By
Rettodwikart
Thenu
DANDELION
(TARAXACUM
OFFICINALE G.H. WEBER EX WIGGER F.) +++ ASTERACEAE
SUMMARY
AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMMENT (Barnes, J. et
al., 2007)
Dandelion is a well-known
traditional herbal remedy, although limited scientific information,
particularly clinical research, is available to justify the reputed uses.
Several investigations have failed to demonstrate significant diuretic effects
in laboratory animals and have proposed that any diuretic activity is due to the
high potassium content of the leaf and root. Dandelion has also been used in
foods for many years. Animal studies indicate dandelion to be of low toxicity. However,
excessive ingestion of dandelion, particularly in amounts exceeding those
normally consumed in foods, should be avoided.
DESCRIPTION
(Longe, J. L et al., 2005)
Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale) is a common meadow herb of the Asteraceae or
sunflower family. There are about 100 species of dandelion, and all are
beneficial. This sun-loving beauty is a native of Greece, naturalized in
temperate regions throughout the world, and familiar to nearly everyone. The
perennial dandelion grows freely wherever it can find a bit of earth and a
place in the sun. Dandelion’s nutritive and medicinal qualities have been known
for centuries.
Dandelion’s
common name is derived from the French dent de lion, a reference to the
irregular and jagged margins of the lance-shaped leaves. There are numerous
folk names for this widely-used herb. They include pissabed, Irish daisy, blow
ball, lion’s tooth, bitterwort, wild endive, priest’s crown, doonheadclock,
yellow gowan, puffball, clock flower, swine snort, fortune-teller, and
cankerwort.
The
generic name is thought to be derived from the Greek words taraxos,
meaning disorder, and akos, meaning remedy. Another possible derivation
is from the Persian tark hashgun, meaning wild endive, one of
dandelion’s common names. The specific designation officinale indicates
that this herb was officially listed as a medicinal. Dandelion held a place in
the United States National Formulary from 1888 until 1965, and the dried
root of dandelion is listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).
Dandelion
may be distinguished from other similarlooking herbs by the hollow, leafless
flower stems that contain a bitter milky-white liquid also found in the root
and leaves. The dark green dandelion leaves, with their irregular, deeply
jagged margins, have a distinctive hairless mid-rib. The leaves are arranged in
a rosette pattern, and may grow to 1.5 ft (45.7 cm)in length. They have a
lovely magenta tint that extends up along the inner rib of the stalkless leaf.
When the plant is used as a dye, it yields this purple hue. Dandelion blossoms
are singular and round, with compact golden-yellow petals. They bloom from
early spring until well into autumn atop hollow stalks that may reach from 4–8
in (10.2ndash;20.3 cm) tall. The golden blossoms yield a pale yellow dye for
wool. After flowering, dandelion develops a round cluster of achenes, or seed
cases. As many as 200 of these narrow seed cases, each with a single seed, form
the characteristic puffball. Each achene is topped with a white, feathery tuft
to carry it on the breeze. Dandelion’s tap root may grow fat, and reach as deep
as 1.5 ft (45.7 cm) in loose soil. The root has numerous hairy rootlets. Dandelion
is a hardy herb and will regrow from root parts left in the ground during
harvest.
SPECIES
(FAMILY) (Barnes, J. et al., 2007)
Taraxacum officinale Weber (Asteraceae/Compositae)
SYNONYM(S)
(Barnes, J. et al., 2007; Duke, J. A et al., 2003)
Lion's
Tooth,Taraxacum palustre (Lyons) Lam & DC., Leontodon taraxacum L.,
Taraxacum
Leontodon dens-leonis Lam.;
Leontodon
glaucescens M. Bieb.; Leontodon officinalis With.;
Leontodon parvulum Wall.;
Leontodon taraxacum L.;
Leontodon vulgare Lamn.;
Taraxacum
dens-leonis Desf.; Taraxacum eriopodum Schrank; Taraxacum vulgare Schrank;
Taraxacum wallichii DC. fide BUR;
DEP
NOTES (DANDELION):
The
fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with
unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
Numbers 9:11 (KJV)
In the
second month on the fourteenth day in the evening they shall keep it; they
shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
Numbers 9:11 (RSV)
In the
second month on the fourteenth day between the two evenings, they should
prepare it. Together with unfermented cakes and bitter greens they should eat
it.
Numbers 9:11 (NWT)
PART(S)
USED (Barnes, J. et al., 2007)
Leaf, root
PHARMACOPOEIAL
AND OTHER MONOGRAPHS (Barnes, J. et al.,
2007)
BHC
1992(G6)
BHP
1996(G9)
Complete
German Commission E(G3)
ESCOP
2003(G76)
Martindale
35th edition(G85)
LEGAL
CATEGORY (LICENSED PRODUCTS)
GSL(G37)
ACTIVITIES (Duke,
J. A et al., 2003)
Allergenic
(1; CAN); Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitor (1; X15704495); Alterative (f; CRC);
Antidote (f; AKT; TIB); Antiedemic (f1; CAN); Antiinflammatory (1; CAN; SHT);
Antioxidant (1; CRC; X15543940); Antirheumatic (1; CAN); Antiseptic (1; CRC;
FAD); Antispasmodic (SHT); Antitumor (1; CAN); Aperient (f; NPM; SUW); Aperitif
(2; KOM; PIP); Apoptotic (1; X14687655); Aquaretic (SHT); Astringent (f; PED);
Bactericide (1; CRC; WOI); Bifidogenic (1; AKT; X15567259); Bitter (1; APA;
PED; SHT; SUW); Candidicide (1; CRC; FAD); Carminative (2; APA; KOM);
Cholagogue (f12; BIB; KOM; PH2; SHT; WAM); Cholekinetic (SHT); Choleretic (f12;
APA; KOM; SHT; VAD); COX-2 Inhibitor (1; X15543940); Cytotoxic (1; X14687655);
Demulcent (f; FAD); Deobstruent (f; BUR); Depurative (f; CRC; JFM; VAD);
Detoxicant (f; AKT); Diaphoretic (f; KAP); Digestive (f; APA; SKY); Diuretic
(f12; AKT; APA; HH3; KOM; NPM; SUW; VAD; WAM); Hepatotonic (f1; CAN; NAD; PED);
Hypoglycemic (1; CAN; CRC; JAC7:405; X15704495); IL-1alpha Inducer (1; X14687655);
Immunostimulant (1; JAC7:405); iNOS Inhibitor (1; X15543940); Insulinogenic (1;
X14750205); Intoxicant (f; BIB); Lactagogue (f; CRC; LMP; NMH; PED; PH2);
Laxative (f1; APA; BIB; CAN; SUW; VAD; WAM); Litholytic; (f1; PED); Natriuretic
(1; JAD); Orexigenic (f12; AKT; BGB; JFM; KOM; VAD); Pancreaprotective (1;
X15641154); Phototoxic (1; CRC); Prebiotic (1; AKT; FNF); Saluretic (12; BGB;
HH3; PH2); Secretogogue (f1; PH2; X14750205); Sialogogue (1; APA); Stimulant
(f; CRC); Stomachic (f1; APA; BIB; CRC; PED); Sudorific (f; CRC); TNF-alpha Inducer
(1; X14687655); Tonic (f; BGB; CRC; NPM; SUW).
INDICATIONS
(Duke, J. A et al., 2003)
Abscess (f; CRC; MAD); Acne (f; VAD);
Adenopathy (f; JLH); Ague (f; BIB); Alactea (f; LMP; PH2); Alcoholism (f; SKY);
Alzheimer’s (1; FNF); Anemia (f1; AAH; DEM; JFM; WAM); Anorexia (12; APA; KOM;
PH2; PIP; VAD); Arthrosis (f; BIB); Backache (f; DEM); Bacteria (1; WOI);
Biliary Dyskinesia (2; PIP); Biliousness (f; BIB); Bladderstones (2; KOM); Boil
(f; CRC; LMP); Bronchosis (f12; APA; BIB; LAF); Bruise (f; BIB; CRC); Cachexia
(f; NAD); Cancer (f; CRC); Cancer, bladder (f; JLH); Cancer, bowel (f; JLH);
Cancer, breast (f; CRC; JLH); Cancer, liver (f; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f; JLH);
Caries (f; CRC; LMP); Cardiopathy (f; APA; BIB); Catarrh (f; BIB; CRC);
Cellulite (1; FT71:S73); Chill (f; HJP); Cholecystosis (2; BGB; CRC; HH3; KOM;
PH2); Cirrhosis (SKYf;); Cold (1; APA); Colic (1; PH2); Congestion (1; PH2);
Conjunctivosis (f; AAH; AKT); Constipation (f1; FAD; SKY; FT71:S73);
Consumption (f; BIB); Cough (f; MAD); Cramp (f; DEM); Cystosis (1; WAM);
Dermatosis (f; APA; BGB; KAP; KOM; PH2); Diabetes (f1; BIB; CRC; JFM; KOM; MAD;
PH2; X15704495; X14750205); Dropsy (f1; BGB; BIB; DEM; KAP; MAD); Dysentery (f;
AKT); Dyskinesia (f1; VAD); Dysmenorrhea (f; DEM); Dyspepsia (f12; APA; KAP;
KOM; PH2; PIP; VAD); Dyspnea (f; HJP); Eczema (f; CRC; HH2; KOM; PH2; VAD);
Fever (f1; AKT; BIB; MAD); Flatulence (f12; BIB; KOM); Flu (f; AKT); Fracture
(f; MKK); Furuncle (f; VAD); Gallstone (f; AKT; APA; CAN; MKK; PH2); Gas (2;
APA; PH2); Gastrosis (f; BGB; APA; CRC; NPM); Gonorrhea (f; BIB); Gout (f; CRC;
KOM; PH2); Gravel (f1; BGB; BIB HH2); Headache (f; HJP; MKK); Heart (f; CRC);
Heartburn (f; BGB; CRC; SKY); Hemorrhoid (f; CRC; KOM; MKK; PH2); Hepatosis (f12;
JFM; KAP; HH3; KOM; PH2; SUW; WAM); Herpes (f; VAD); High Blood Pressure (1;
CRC; VAD); Hypochondria (f; MAD); Impetigo (f; BUR); Induration (f; JLH);
Infection (f; AKT; APA); Inflammation (f1; BIB; PH2); Insomnia (f; BIB); Itch
(f; BUR; CRC; LMP); Jaundice (f1; CAN; CRC; HJP; MAD; PH2); Kidneystone (2;
KOM; PH2; X7860196); Liver Spots (f; DEM); Malaria (f; BIB); Mastosis (f; APA;
PH2); Mucososis (f; MAD); Nephrosis (f1; BGB; BIB; DEM; KAB; PH2; SUW);
Neurosis (f; DEM; HJP)); Obesity (f; APA; FAD); Oliguria (1; CAN; VAD);
Osteoporosis (1; FNF); Pain (1; BGB; CEC; DEM; MAD); Pancreatitis (1; X15641154);
Phthisis (f; JEB79:57); PMS (f; APA); Pneumonia (2; AYL; LAF); Psoriasis (f;
VAD); Pulmonosis (f; DEM); Pyelosis (f1;VAD); Respirosis (2; APA; LAF);
Rheumatism (f; APA; BGB; PHR); Scirrhus (f; JLH); Sclerosis (f; JLH); Scrofula
(f; CRC; LMP); Scurvy (f1; BIB); Snakebite (f; CRC); Sores (1; APA; CRC);
Splenosis (f; AKT; BGB; BUR); Stitch (f; MAD); Stomachache (f; AAH; DEM); Stone
(f12; BIB; PHR; PH2; SHT; VAD); Swelling (f; DEM); Thrush (f; AAH); Toothache
(f; AAH; DEM); Tuberculosis (f1; BIB; MAD; PH2; WOI); Tumor (f; JLH); Ulcer (f;
CRC); Urethritis (f1; VAD); Urolithiasis (f1; VAD); UTI (f12 KOM; PH2; SHT;
VAD); Uterosis (f; BUR); Venereal Disease (f; BIB); Vertigo (f; MKK); Vomiting
(f; AKT); Wart (f; CRC); Wound (f; BIB); Yeast (f1; AAH; CRC).
PHARMACOLOGY
(Kraft, K and Hobbs, C. 2004)
–
Herb: Dandelion
root and herb (Taraxaci radix cum herba). The herb consists of whole-plant
material from Taraxacum
officinale G. H. Weber ex Wigger s.l.,
collected at the time of flowering, and preparations of the same.
–
Important constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones
(tannins), triterpenes (taraxasterol, γ-sitosterol,
taraxerol, taraxol), flavonoids (luteolin-7-Oglucoside), and inulin (2–40
%).
–
Pharmacological properties: The tannins contained in
dandelion root and herb have cholagogic and secretagogic action. In animals,
dandelion root was found to have a saluretic effect attributable to its high
concentrations of minerals.
IN VITRO AND ANIMAL STUDIES (Barnes, J. L. et al., 2007)
A diuretic effect in rats and mice has been documented for
dandelion extracts, following oral administration.(6) Herb extracts
were found to produce greater diuresis than root extracts; a dose of 50 mL
(equivalent to 2 g dried herb/kg body weight) produced an effect comparable to
that of furosemide 80 mg/kg. By contrast, no significant increases in urine
volume or sodium excretion were observed in mice following oral administration
of either leaf or root extracts, or of purified fractions.(3)
Similarly, oral and intravenous administration of an ethanolic extract of
dandelion root failed to produce a diuretic effect in laboratory animals.(7)
Moderate anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenaninduced
rat paw oedema has been documented for a dandelion root extract.(8)
An 80% ethanol extract of root (100 mg/kg orally) inhibited oedema by 43% in the
carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test at 3 hours.(7) Bile
secretion was doubled in dogs by a decoction of fresh root (equivalent to 5 g
dried plant); similar activity has been observed for rats.(G52) Hypoglycaemic
activity has been described in normal, but not in diabetic rabbits, following
oesophageal administration of dandelion.(9) Doses greater than 500
mg/kg produced a significant blood glucose concentration which had returned to
normal after 24 hours. The maximum decrease produced by a dose of 2 g/kg was
reported to be 65% of the effect produced by tolbutamide 500 mg/kg.
Sulfonylureas (e.g. tolbutamide) act by stimulating pancreatic beta-cells and a
similar mechanism was proposed for dandelion.
In vitro antitumour activity has been documented for an aqueous
extract of dandelion, given by intraperitoneal injection, in the tumour systems
ddY-Ehrlich and C3H/He-MM46.(10) The mechanism of action was thought
to be similar to that of tumour polysaccharides such as lentinan.
CLINICAL STUDIES (Barnes,
J. L. et al., 2007)
There is a lack of clinical research assessing the effects of
dandelion and rigorous randomised controlled clinical trials are required.
Figure
2. Dandelion – dried drug substance (leaf) Figure 3. Dandelion – dried drug substance (root)
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS
FOOD USE (Barnes, J. L. et al., 2007)
Dandelion is used as a food, mainly in salads and soups. The roasted
root and its extract have been used as a coffee substitute.(G41) Dandelion
is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring
(category N2). This category indicates that dandelion can be added to foodstuffs
in small quantities, with a possible limitation of an active principle (as yet unspecified)
in the final product.(G16) Previously in the USA, dandelion has been
listed as GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe).(G41)
HERBAL USE (Barnes, J. L. et al., 2007)
Dandelion is stated to possess diuretic, laxative, cholagogue
and antirheumatic properties. It has been used for cholecystitis, gallstones,
jaundice, atonic dyspepsia with constipation, muscular rheumatism, oliguria,
and specifically for cholecystitis and dyspepsia. The German Commission E
approved use of root and herb for disturbance of bile flow, stimulation of
diuresis, loss of appetite and dyspepsia.(G3) Root is used in
combination with celandine herb and artichoke for epigastric discomfort due to functional
disorders of the biliary system.(G3)
DOSAGE (Barnes,
J. L. et al., 2007)
Dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses
recommended in older and contemporary standard herbal reference texts are given
below.
–
Dried leaf 4–10 g as an infusion three times daily.(G6,
G7)
–
Leaf, liquid
extract 4–10 mL (1 : 1 in 25%
alcohol) three times daily.(G6, G7)
–
Leaf tincture 2–5 mL.(G3)
–
Leaf, fresh juice 5–10 mL.(G52)
–
Dried root 2–8 g or by infusion or decoction three times
daily.(G6, G7)
–
Root, tincture 5–10mL (1 : 5 in 45% alcohol) three times
daily.(G6, G7)
–
Liquid Extract of Taraxacum (BPC 1949) 2–8
mL.
–
Juice of Taraxacum (BPC 1949) 4–8 mL.
DOSAGES (Duke, J. A et al., 2003)
FNFF = !!
Food farmacy; tender leaves valued as
potherb; Winnebago make wine from the flowers when someone marries. Dandelion is
sometimes eaten raw in salads, but often blanched like endive and used as a
green; frequently cooked with salt pork or bacon to enhance the flavor. Roots
are sometimes pickled. Ground roasted roots used for dandelion coffee, and
sometimes mixed with real coffee. Dried leaves are an ingredient in many
digestive or diet drinks and herb beers (BIB; NPM; WIN).
0.5 oz dry leaf/cup water (APA); 1–3
tsp powdered root/cup water (APA); 3–5 g dry root 3 x/day (APA);
1–2 tsp tincture to 3 x/day
(APA); 1 Tbsp dandelion juice morning and evening (APA); 4–10 g dry leaf, as
tea, 3 x/day
(CAN); 4–10 ml liquid leaf extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol) 3 x/day (CAN);
2–8 g dry root, as tea, 3 x/day
(CAN); 5–10 ml root tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol) 3 x/day (CAN);
4–10 ml dandelion juice (CAN; PNC; SKY); 0.5–1 g powdered root (KAP); 28–56 ml
root decoction (KAP) three 510-mg capsules 3 x/day (NH); 2 tsp root juice 3 x/day for
stomach (NPM); 1/4–1/2 cup fresh root (PED); 6–12 g dry root (PED); 9 g dry
root:45 ml alcohol/45 ml water (PED); 1–2 tsp (for tea) to 3–4 tsp (for
decoction) cut herb/150 ml water (PH2.). 4–10 g dry leaf 3 x/day; 1–2 tsp
root/cup/ morning and evening; 3–4 g powdered root (PIP); 10–15 drops root
tincture (PIP); 2–8 ml liquid extract (PNC); 3–4 g/day (SHT); 2–5 ml leaf
tincture 3x/day (SKY).
DOSAGE
AND DURATION OF USE (Kraft, K and Hobbs, C. 2004)
– Tea: Add
3–4 g (1 tablespoon) of the finely chopped herb to 150 mL of water, bring to a
boil and steep for 15 minutes.
•
Dosage: One cup of the tea in the
morning and at night.
·
Asian
Indians suggest 10 to 15 grains root as hepatic stimulant (NAD).
·
Asian
Indians, suggestive of Carter’s Little Liver Pills, recommend 1 to 2 oz root
(fluid extract or decoction) with podophyllin (a bit dangerous in my opinion)
for dyspepsia, hepatitis, and jaundice (NAD).
·
British
regard this universally as a diuretic, but also use for colds, coughs,
respirosis, and warts (AAH).
·
Irish
have even more uses for dandelion than British, adding boils, consumption,
cuts, dermatosis, diabetes, fractures, hepatosis, nervousness, sore eyes,
sprains, swellings, and thrush (AAH).
·
Irish,
because of its many “lion’s teeth,” believe it good for toothache (AAH).
·
Italians
apply dandelions to warts (X15664457).
·
Lebanese
extract the root in wine as a laxative or purgative, depending on the strength.
Noting that “medical usage of dandelion came to western civilization through
the Arabs,”
·
Philips
says that gypsies use the root infusion as a depurative, and laxative, for the
liver, rheumatism and sciatica, the raw leaf for a spring tonic, and the leaf
tea for heavy breathing and kidney ailments (HJP).
·
Limerick
citizenry believe that eating a leaf with red midvein is tonic for a woman,
white vein tonic for a man (AAH).
·
Nepali
suggest 2 tsp root juice 3 x/day for gastrosis (NPM).
PREPARATIONS
(Longe, J. L et al., 2004)
All
parts of the dandelion have culinary and
medicinal value. It is best to harvest fresh young dandelion leaves in the
spring. The small, young leaves are less bitter, and may be eaten uncooked in
salads. Larger leaves can be lightly steamed to reduce bitterness. Leaves
gathered in the fall are naturally less bitter. Dandelion blossoms,
traditionally used in wine making, may be gathered throughout the flowering
season. The deep, fleshy taproot should be gathered in the fall. It takes
careful digging and loosening to extract the root intact, although any root
parts left in the soil will eventually produce another plant. The root should
be washed. Thicker roots should be sliced down their length to facilitate
drying. The pieces should be spread out on a paper-lined tray in a light, airy
room out of direct sunlight and stored in tightly sealed dark glass containers.
Dried dandelion root may be somewhat less potent than the fresh root.
Leaf
infusion: Place 2 oz of fresh dandelion leaf, less if dried, in a warmed glass
container. Bring 2.5 cups of fresh nonchlorinated water to the boiling point
and add it to the herbs. Cover the mixture and steep for 15–20 minutes, then
strain. Drink the infusion warm or cold throughout the day, up to three cups
per day. The prepared tea can be kept for about two days in the refrigerator.
Tincture:
Combine 4 oz of finely-cut fresh dandelion root and leaf (or 2 oz of dry
powdered herb) with 1 pt of brandy, gin, or vodka in a glass container. The
alcohol should be enough to cover the plant parts and have a 50/50 ratio of
alcohol to water.
Cover
and store the mixture away from light for about two weeks, shaking several
times each day. Strain and store in a tightly capped dark glass bottle. A
standard dose is 10–15 drops of the tincture in water, up to three times a day.
CONTRAINDICATIONS, INDICATIONS, AND SIDE EFFECTS
(Duke, J.A et
al., 2002)
Class 2d (AHP). “Health hazards
not known with proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Commission E reports
contraindications: biliary obstruction, empyema of gallbladder, ileus; adverse
effects: gastric complaints and ulcers (AEH; CAN; SKY). Other contraindications
reported: biliary inflammation (AEH). CAN cautions that the sesquiterpene
lactones are allergenic and may cause dermatosis. May interfere with diuretic
and hypoglycemic therapies (CAN). Herbs with diuretic properties, such as
juniper and dandelion, can cause elevations in blood levels of lithium
(D’epiro, 1997). Not for use with acute gallbladder problems (WAM). Use in
cholelithiasis only under a doctor’s supervision (PIP). Blumenthal et al. (1998) caution that, “As with all
drugs containing bitter substances, discomfort due to gastric hyperacidity may
occur” (KOM). Do I need to write out this caveat for all the salubrious bitter
herbs of the Bible; Warning: may cause hyperacidity and gastric distress?
Flavonoids antiinflammatory; increase urine flow. Inulin and mucilage sooth
digestive tract, absorb toxins, and regulate intestinal flora (help friendly
flora thrive and inhibit unfriendly bacteria according to Pedersen (I’d like to
see the proof; it is part of the prebiotic/probiotic story)), and relieve
muscle spasm (PED). PH2 says the amaroids (bitter compounds) in dandelion are
cholagogue (agreed) and secretolytic (disagreed; I think they are secretagogue
rather than secretolytic; PH2 also says the drug is “secretion-stimulating”).
Tillotson (AKT) notes that clinically, the leaf is a more effective diuretic
than the root and a safer alternative to Lasix™. LD50 herb 28,800 ipr mouse
(CAN); LD50 root 36,800 ipr mouse (CAN); Diuretic (herb>root).
SIDE-EFFECTS,
TOXICITY (Barnes, J. L. et al., 2007)
There is a lack of clinical
safety and toxicity data for dandelion and further investigation of these
aspects is required. Contact allergic reactions to dandelion have been
documented ( 11, G51) and animal studies have reported dandelion to
have a weak sensitising capacity.(12) Sesquiterpene lactones are
thought to be the allergenic principles in dandelion.(4) These
compounds contain an exocyclic a-methylene b-lactone moiety, which is thought
to be a prerequisite for allergenic activity of sesquiterpene lactones.
The acute toxicity of dandelion
appears to be low, with LD50 values (mice, intraperitoneal injection) estimated
at 36.8 g/kg and 28.8 g/kg for the root and herb, respectively.(6) No
visible signs of toxicity were observed in rabbits administered dandelion 3, 4,
5 and 6 g/kg body weight by mouth for up to seven days.(9) In
addition, no behavioural changes were recorded.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS,
WARNINGS (Barnes, J. L. et al., 2007)
Treatment with dandelion is
contraindicated for patients with occlusion of bile duct, gall bladder empyema
and obstructive ileus.(G3, G52) Dandelion may precipitate an
allergic reaction in susceptible individuals, although no reports following the
ingestion of dandelion have been documented.
Drug
interactions
None documented. However, the potential for preparations of dandelion to
interact with other medicines administered concurrently, particularly those
with similar or opposing effects, should be considered. There is limited
evidence from preclinical studies that dandelion has diuretic and hypoglycaemic
activities.
Pregnancy
and lactation There are no known problems with the use of
dandelion during pregnancy, provided that doses do not greatly exceed the
amounts used in foods.
REFERENCE
Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., and Phillipson, J. D. 2007. Herbal
Medicines Third Edition.
Pharmaceutical
Press. Auckland and London.
Duke, J. A. with Mary
Jo Bogenschutz-Godwin, Judi duCellier, Peggy-Ann K. Duke. 2002. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs 2nd Ed.
CRC Press LLC. USA.
Duke, J. A. with Judi
duCellier, Peggy-Ann K. Duke. 2003.Duke’s Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the Bible. CRC Press
Taylor & Francis Group. USA.
Kraft,
K and Hobbs, C. 2004 . Pocket Guide to Herbal Medicine.
Thieme. Stuttgart New York.
Linda
S-Roth. 2010. Mosby’s Handbook Of Herbs &
Natural Supplements, Fourth Edition.
Mosby Elsevier. USA.
Longe,
J. L. 2005. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Second Edition. Vol.
2 (D-K). Thomson Gale. USA.
Note :
The following is compiled
from several sources, including General References
-----------------------------------------------------uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu----------------------------------------------------------
BREASTFEEDING CATEGORIES
Category 1A No
data available.
Category 2A Compatible
with breastfeeding.
Category 3A Compatible
with breastfeeding but use caution.
Category 4A Strongly
discouraged in breastfeeding.
Category 5A Contraindicated
in breastfeeding.
HERBAL CLASSIFICATION
The
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) created a rating system that classifi
es herbal products according to their relative safety and potential toxicity based
on the following four categories:
Class 1 Herbs
that can be consumed safely when used appropriately.
Class 2 Herbs for which the following
use restrictions apply, unless otherwise directed by an expert qualifi ed in
the use of the described substance:
·
2a
For external use only.
·
2b
Not to be used during pregnancy.
·
2c
Not to be used while nursing.
·
2d
Other specifi c use restrictions as noted.
Class 3 Herbs for which signifi cant
data exist to recommend the following labeling: “To be used only under the
supervision of an expert qualifi ed in the appropriate use of this substance.” Labeling
must include proper use information as follows: dosage, contraindications, potential
adverse effects and drug interactions, and any other relevant information
related to the safe use of the substance.
Class 4 Herbs
for which insuffi cient data are available for classifi cation.
From the American Herbal
Products Association: Botanical
Safety Handbook, Boca Raton, Fla, 1997, CRC
Press.
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