Papadia capata acceptare stiintifica in calitate de antioxidant si “noutate” in terapia cancerului
Papadia este blestemul entuziastilor pentru peluze imaculate, dar detine secrete vindecatoare pe care putini oameni le realizeaza. Papadia este un delicios superaliment ce trebuie adaugat la salate si supe. Contine vitamine substantiale si o armata de minerale de baza in plante, in special potasiu. Planta stimuleaza fluxul de bila de la ficat la vezica biliara, acest lucru facand din papadie un ingredient cheie in formulele de purificare hepatica. Ea ajuta la descompunerea grasimilor hepatice si este un diuretic eficient. Comunitatea stiintifica a inceput recent sa studieze in mod frenetic papadia, datorita dovezilor incurajatoare ca papadia suprima cresterea si comportamentul invaziv in cateva tipuri de cancer.
Oamenii de stiinta “aproba” papadia si extractul de papadie ca inhibitor eficient al stresului oxidativ
Oamenii de stiinta de la Universitatea din Annunzio Chieti-Pasaca, Italia, au comparat extractele de curcuma(sofran de India), papadie, rozmarin si anghinare intr-un studiu publicat in 2010. Cercetatorii au recunoscut efectul pozitiv pe care aceste plante le au asupra ficatului si vezicii
biliare, si au vrut sa compare efectele lor anti-proliferativ (raspandire), antioxidant(combaterea activitatii radicalilor liberi) si protector. Desi curcuma are cel mai mare efect antioxidant, si papadia are aceste calitati. Savantii au confirmat ca aceste plante sunt ajutoare folositoare la vindecare in fitomedicina moderna.
Efectele de reducere a stresului oxidativ ale extractului de papadie au fost testate pe cobai cu ficatul afectat de la tetraclorura de carbon(CCl4), un chimical utilizat in stingatoarele de flacari si in agenti de refrigerare care este de o inalta toxicitate pentru ficat. S-a observat ca extractul de papadie solubil in apa, sau ceaiul de papadie reduce semnificativ stresul oxidativ si inflamatia prezenta in ficatul cobailor.
Cercetatorii medicali sunt entuziasti in legatura cu efectele pe care le are papadia asupra diferitelor forme de cancer
Stiinta medicala incepe in sfarsit sa accepte rezultatele pozitive ale suplimentelor alimentare naturale in vindecarea cancerului. Numai in ultimii cativa ani au fost publicate cercetari clinice afirmand beneficiile suplimentelor de plante precum papadia pentru cancer. Aici prezentam cateva studii:
The International Journal of Oncology(Jurnalul International de Oncologie) a publicat un studiu clinic din 2008 demonstrand efectele pozitive ale ceaiului de frunze de papadie. Ceaiul de frunze de papadie a micsorat numarul celulelor canceroase in cazul cancerului la san, dar ceaiul de radacina de papadie nu. Cercetatorii au continuat testarile pe celulele de cancer la prostata si au gasit rezultate similare. Savantii au tras concluzia ca extractul de papadie ar putea fi considerat o “noutate” printre agentii anticancerigeni.
The Journal of Ethnopharmacology(Jurnalul de Etnofarmacologie) a publicat in ianuarie 2011 un studiu prin care a testat efectele ceaiului din radacina de papadie asupra celulelor leucemice. Studiul a demonstrat ca ceaiul din radacina de papadie a omorat celulele afectate de leucemie printr-un proces numit apoptoza. Se crede ca ceaiul din radacina de papadie declanseaza un “releu ucigas” in receptorii celulelor leucemice. Cercetatorii au gasit interesant faptul ca ceaiul din radacina de papadie nu transmite acelasi semnal pentru “releu ucigas” si celulelor sanatoase. Acesti savanti mai credeau de asemenea ca papadia ar trebui considerata un “nou” agent anticancerigen netoxic.
The International Journal of Oncology(Jurnalul International de Oncologie) a publicat un raport in 2011 in care a aratat ca un supliment alimentar, ce continea papadie ca unul dintre ingrediente, suprima cresterea celulelor canceroase la prostata.
In inca un studiu din 2011 efectuat pe papadie, extract din radacina de papadie s-a dovedit ca induce apoptoza in celulele melanomului cu rezistenta la medicamente fara a otravi sau a afecta celulele sanatoase. Inca o data testele au dovedit ca extractul din radacina de papadie ar trebui considerat o terapie “noua” si netoxica chiar si pentru formele rezistente la medicamente ale cancerului.
Sursele pentru acest articol includ:
Medline.gov. "Antiproliferative, protective and antioxidant effects of artichoke, dandelion, tumeric, and rosemary extracts and their formulation," L. Menghini, et al. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology April-June 2010; 23(2): 601-10.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20646355
Wiley Online Library.com. "Amelioration of oxidative stress by dandelion extract through CYP2E1 suppression against acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in Sprague-Dawley rats," Chung My Park, et al.Phytotherapy Research, September 2010; 24(9): 1347-1353.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.3121/abstract
Spandidos Publications.com. "Suppression of growth and invasive behavior of human prostate cancer cells by ProstaCaidTM: Mechanism of activity," J. Jang, et al. International Journal of Oncology. June 2011; 38(6): 1675-82.http://www.spandidos-publications.com/ijo/38/6/1675
Pubmed.gov. "Evaluation of aqueous extracts of Taraxacum officinale [dandelion] on growth and invasion of breast and prostate cancer cells," S.C. Sigstedt, et al. International Journal of Oncology, May 2008; 32(5): 1085-90.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18425335
Pubmed.gov. "Selective induction of apoptosis through activation of caspase-8 in human leukemia cells (Jurkat) by dandelion root extract," P. Ovadie, et al. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology. January 2011; 133(1): 86-91.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20849941
Pubmed.gov. "The efficacy of dandelion root extract in inducing apoptosis in drug-resistant human melanoma cells," S.J. Chatterjee, et al. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011; 2011: 129045.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21234313 - papadia
Păpădia a fost folosită încă din cele mai vechi timpuri în medicina tradițională, pentru numeroasele sale beneficii aduse sănătății. Site-ul wisdomawakened.com scrie că, recent, cercetătorii au descoperit că păpădia, această plantă considerată buruiană, are proprietăți deosebite care distrug celulele canceroase.
Rădăcina de păpădie întărește sistemul imunitar, ajută la vindecarea prostatei, iar pentru unele tipuri de cancer este mai eficientă decât chimioterapia. Conform Dr. Carolyn Hamm, de la Windsor Regional Centre din Ontario, extractul din rădăcină de păpădie a fost singurul remediu care a dat rezultate în cazul leucemiei mielomonocitară cronică, scrie aceași sursă. Această formă de cancer afectează în special vârstnicii.
John Di Carlo, un pacient în vârstă de 72 de ani, bolnav de cancer, a fost trimis acasă din spital fără să i se mai dea vreo șansă la viață, după toate eforturile doctorilor de a-l trata de leucemie. El a povestit pentru CBC News, că a fost sfătuit să recurgă la un remediu natural, adică să bea ceai din rădăcină de păpădie. După patru luni de când a început să consume frecvent acest ceai, cancerul a intrat în remisie. Doctorii au fost de părere că acest fapt se datorează ceaiului din rădăcină de păpădie pe care pacientul l-a consumat.
Studiile recente au arătat că extractul din rădăcină de păpădie are efecte rapide asupra celulelor canceroase, la fel cum s-a demonstrat în cazul pacientului Di Carlo. Într-un interval de 48 ore de la primul consum al acestui extract, celulele canceroase încep să se dezintegreze, organismul reproducând celule noi.
Studii suplimentare au demonstrat că rădăcina de păpădie are, de asemenea, efecte și împotriva celorlalte tipuri de cancer precum cel de sân, colon, prostată, ficat sau cancer pulmonar. Rădăcina de păpădie ajută la întărirea sistemului imunitar și distruge celulele canceroase.
Dr Hamm avertizează, totuși, că acest remediu natural făcut din rădăcina de păpădie poate avea efecte negative în cazul în care pacientul este sub tratament chimioterapeutic, scrie wisdomawakened.com. De aceea, recomandă ca pacientul să se consulte mereu cu doctorul și să-i aducă la cunoștință acestuia în cazul în care consumă anumite tipuri de suplimente, inclusiv alimentele pe care le consumă regulat.
Ceaiul din rădăcină de păpădie este indicat inclusiv celor care nu suferă de cancer, pentru întărirea sistemului imunitar și o sănătate bună. De exemplu, rădăcina și tulpina de păpădie sunt recomandate și în cazul diabeticilor, deoarece stimulează pancreasul să producă insulină, care la rândul său stabilizează nivelul zahărului din sânge.
Dacă suferiți de probleme digestive sau doriți să faceți o detoxifiere, ceaiul de păpădie este un foarte bun detoxifiant pentru organism. Ficatul ajută sistemul digestiv prin producerea de bilă și filtrează sângele de substanțele chimice și alte impurități. Conform Dr. Axe, vitaminele și mineralele ce se găsesc în păpădie ajută la curățarea ficatului, menținându-l sănătos, lucru ce ajută implicit la sănătatea întregului organism.
Păpădia este bogată în antioxidanți și vitamina C, care sunt esențiale, deoarece ajută organismul să lupte împotriva infecțiilor, cum ar fi bacteriile care cauzează infecții ale tractului urinar. Astfel, dacă suferiți frecvent de infecții urinare, ceaiul de păpădie este ideal pentru a trata și a împiedica recidiva.
Dacă alegeți să consumați frunzele verzi ale păpădiei, le puteți amesteca în salate, alături de alte legume, pentru a nu simți gustul amărui. Aceasta este foarte bună pentru sănătatea intestinală, fiind bogată în fibre. S-a demonstrat că dietele bogate în fibre sunt recomandate pentru reducerea riscului de obezitate, în cazul bolilor de inimă și a colonului iritabil.
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Păpădia verde este, de asemenea, bogată în vitamina A. Doar o ceașcă de păpădii verzi, pe zi, conțin 100% din doza zilnică de vitamina A recomandată. Vitamina A se știe că este esențială pentru menținerea vederii sănătoase și pentru îmbătrânirea prematură a pielii.
Dacă nu suportați gustul amar al acesteia, o puteți amesteca cu fructul sau legumele preferate, astfel atenuându-se gustul amărui.
Sursa: wisdomawakened.com0
NUTRITION
Evidence Based
13 Potential Health Benefits of Dandelion
Written by Ansley Hill, RD, LD on July 18, 2018
Dandelion are a family of flowering plants that grow in many parts of the world.
They’re also known as Taraxacum spp., though Taraxacum officinale is the most common species.
You may be most familiar with dandelion as a stubborn weed that never seems to leave your lawn or garden.
However, in traditional herbal medicine practices, dandelion are revered for their wide array of medicinal properties.
For centuries, they’ve been used to treat a myriad of physical ailments, including cancer, acne, liver disease and digestive disorders.
Here are 13 potential health benefits of dandelion, and what science has to say about them.
1. Highly Nutritious
Share on PinterestIn terms of nutritional content, the dandelion patch in your backyard can join the rankings with the rest of your vegetable garden.
From root to flower, dandelion are highly nutritious plants, loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and serve as an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate and small amounts of other B vitamins (1).
What’s more, dandelion greens provide a substantial amount of several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium (1).
The root of the dandelion is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, which is a type of soluble fiber found in plants that supports the growth and maintenance of a healthy bacterial flora in your intestinal tract (2Trusted Source).
Dandelion root is often dried and consumed as a tea but can also be eaten in its whole form.
SUMMARYThe nutritional content of dandelion extends to all parts of the plant. It’s a rich source of many vitamins, minerals and fiber.
2. Contain Potent Antioxidants
Dandelion are full of potent antioxidants, which may explain why this plant has such broad applications for health.
Antioxidants are molecules that help neutralize or prevent the negative effects of free radicals in your body.
Free radicals are a product of normal metabolism but can be very destructive. The presence of too many free radicals contributes to disease development and accelerated aging. Therefore, antioxidants are essential for keeping your body healthy.
Dandelion contain high levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is known to provide strong protection against cellular damage and oxidative stress (3Trusted Source).
They’re also rich in another category of antioxidants called polyphenols, which are found in the highest concentration in the flower but are present in the roots, leaves and stems as well (4Trusted Source).
SUMMARYDandelion are a rich source of beta-carotene and polyphenolic compounds, both of which are known to have strong antioxidant capabilities that can prevent aging and certain diseases.
3. May Help Fight Inflammation
Dandelion may be effective in reducing inflammation caused by disease due to the presence of various bioactive compounds like polyphenols within the plant.
Inflammation is one of your body’s natural responses to injury or illness. Over time, excessive inflammation can lead to permanent damage to your body’s tissues and DNA.
Some test-tube studies have revealed significantly reduced inflammation markers in cells treated with dandelion compounds (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
A study in mice with artificially induced inflammatory lung disease showed a significant reduction of lung inflammation in those animals that received dandelion (7Trusted Source).
Ultimately, more research is needed to clearly define dandelion’s role in reducing inflammation in humans.
SUMMARYSmall animal and test-tube studies suggest that dandelion have a significant anti-inflammatory capacity, though more research is needed to better understand how dandelion affect inflammation in humans.
4. May Aid Blood Sugar Control
Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds in dandelion. They’re found in all parts of the plant and may help reduce blood sugar.
Test-tube and animal studies show that these compounds can improve insulin secretion from the pancreas while simultaneously improving the absorption of glucose (sugar) in muscle tissue.
This process leads to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels (8Trusted Source).
In some animal studies, chicoric and chlorogenic acid limited the digestion of starchy carbohydrate foods, which may also contribute to dandelion’s potential ability to reduce blood sugar (4Trusted Source).
While these early study results are encouraging, more research is needed to determine if dandelion work the same way in humans.
SUMMARYThe dandelion plant contains bioactive compounds that have been shown to reduce blood sugar in animal and test-tube studies. More research is needed to determine if the same effect would be seen in humans.
5. May Reduce Cholesterol
Some of the bioactive compounds in dandelion may lower cholesterol, which may decrease heart disease risk.
One animal study resulted in dramatically reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice that were treated with dandelion extract (9Trusted Source).
A rabbit study evaluated the impact of adding dandelion roots and leaves to a high-cholesterol diet. Rabbits that received dandelion had noticeably reduced cholesterol levels (10Trusted Source).
Though these outcomes are intriguing, more research is needed to determine dandelion’s potential effects on cholesterol in humans.
SUMMARYSome animal studies have shown reduced cholesterol levels after consuming dandelion. More research is needed to understand how this plant affects levels in humans.
6. May Lower Blood Pressure
Some people claim that dandelion may reduce blood pressure, but supporting evidence is limited.
Traditional herbal medicine practices use dandelion for their diuretic effect based on the belief that this can detoxify certain organs.
In Western medicine, diuretic medications are used to rid the body of excess fluid, which can lead to lowered blood pressure.
One human study found dandelion to be an effective diuretic. However, this study was done over a short period and involved only 17 people (11Trusted Source).
Dandelion contain potassium, a mineral associated with lowered blood pressure in those with previously elevated levels. Thus, dandelion may have an indirect effect on blood pressure due to their potassium content (12Trusted Source).
It’s important to keep in mind that this effect is not unique to dandelion but applies to any potassium-rich food consumed as part of a healthy diet.
SUMMARYDandelion may lower blood pressure due to their diuretic effect and potassium content. However, very little formal research has been conducted to support this claim.
7. May Promote a Healthy Liver
Animal studies have found that dandelion have a protective effect on liver tissue in the presence of toxic substances and stress.
One study revealed significant protection of liver tissue in mice exposed to toxic levels of acetaminophen (Tylenol). Researchers attributed this finding to dandelion’s antioxidant content (13Trusted Source).
Other animal studies have shown that dandelion extract may reduce levels of excess fat stored in the liver and protect against oxidative stress in liver tissue (4Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).
However, the same results should not be expected in humans due to differences in human and animal metabolism.
Further research is needed to determine how dandelion impact liver health in humans.
SUMMARYAnimal studies have shown that dandelion protect liver tissue from toxic substances and oxidative stress, but more research is needed to determine their effect on liver health in humans.
8. May Aid Weight Loss
Some research indicates that dandelion and their bioactive components may support weight loss and maintenance, though the data is not entirely conclusive.
Some researchers theorize that dandelion’s ability to improve carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption may lead to weight loss. However, this notion has yet to be scientifically proven (14Trusted Source).
One study in mice showed weight loss associated with dandelion supplementation, though it should be noted that this was an accidental finding and not the main focus of the study (9Trusted Source).
Another study in obese mice revealed that chlorogenic acid, a compound found in dandelion, was able to reduce body weight and levels of some fat-storage hormones (15Trusted Source).
Yet again, this research did not specifically evaluate dandelion’s role in weight loss and obesity prevention.
More focused, human-based research is needed to determine a clear cause-and-effect relationship between dandelion and weight management.
SUMMARYSome animal studies have shown that bioactive components in dandelion may support weight loss, but no human studies have evaluated this effect.
9. May Fight Cancer
Perhaps one of the most intriguing health claims of dandelion is their potential to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in many different organ systems.
One test-tube study revealed significantly reduced growth of cancerous cells that were treated with dandelion leaf extract. However, extracts from dandelion flower or root did not lead to the same result (16Trusted Source).
Other test-tube studies have shown that dandelion root extract has the capacity to dramatically slow the growth of cancer cells in liver, colon and pancreatic tissue (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
These findings are encouraging, but more research is fundamental to fully understand how dandelion may be useful in treating or preventing cancer in humans.
SUMMARYSeveral test-tube studies have found that dandelion is effective in reducing the growth of cancer cells in various organ tissues. More research is needed to draw conclusions about its efficacy for preventing or treating cancer in humans.
10. May Support Healthy Digestion and Treat Constipation
Traditional herbal medicine utilizes dandelion to treat constipation and other symptoms of impaired digestion. Some early research seems to support these claims.
One animal study revealed a significant increase in the rates of stomach contractions and emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine in rats who were treated with dandelion extract (20Trusted Source).
Additionally, dandelion root is a rich source of the prebiotic fiber inulin. Research indicates that inulin has a strong capacity to reduce constipation and increase intestinal movement (21Trusted Source).
SUMMARYResearch indicates that dandelion may increase contractions and movement of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, acting as a treatment for constipation and indigestion. This effect is likely due to the prebiotic fiber inulin.
11. May Boost Your Immune System
Some research indicates that dandelion may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which could support your body’s ability to fight infection.
Several test-tube studies found that dandelion extract significantly reduced the ability of viruses to replicate (22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).
Research also indicates that some of the active compounds in dandelion protect against various harmful bacteria (4Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).
Ultimately, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions about dandelion’s ability to fight viral and bacterial infection in humans.
SUMMARYEarly research indicates that dandelion have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, though clear applications for medicinal use have yet to be determined.
12. May Be a Useful Skincare Treatment
Animal and test-tube research indicate that dandelion may protect against skin damage from sunlight, aging and acne.
In one study, dandelion leaf and flower extracts protected against skin damage when applied just prior to or immediately after exposure to UVB radiation (sunlight). Interestingly, dandelion root was not effective in the same way (27Trusted Source).
One of the characteristics of aging skin is a decrease in the production of healthy, new skin cells.
One test-tube study showed that dandelion root extract increased the generation of new skin cells, which could slow the aging process (28Trusted Source).
Additional research indicates that dandelion extract may reduce skin inflammation and irritation while also increasing hydration and collagen production. This may be useful in preventing and treating certain types of acne (29Trusted Source).
Reliable human research is still needed to better understand how dandelion may support skin health.
SUMMARYAnimal and test-tube studies indicate that dandelion may protect against harmful sun rays, aging and skin irritations, such as acne. Currently, reliable human studies are unavailable.
13. May Support Healthy Bones
Very little research has been conducted on dandelion’s effect on bone health, though some of its individual nutritional components contribute to the maintenance of strong, healthy bones.
Dandelion greens are a good source of calcium and vitamin K — both of which are associated with the prevention of bone loss (30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).
Inulin, a fiber found in dandelion root, may also support healthy bones through improved digestion and the promotion of healthy gut bacteria (32Trusted Source).
SUMMARYResearch directly relating dandelion to bone health is lacking, though some nutritional components of the plant are known to support the maintenance of strong bones.
Dosage and Supplement Forms
Dandelion leaves, stems and flowers are often consumed in their natural state and can be eaten cooked or raw. The root is usually dried, ground and consumed as a tea or coffee substitute.
Dandelion is also available in supplemental forms, such as capsules, extracts and tinctures.
Currently, there are no clear dosage guidelines, as very little human research has been conducted on dandelion as a supplement.
According to some available data, suggested dosages for different forms of dandelion are (4Trusted Source):
Fresh leaves: 4–10 grams, daily.
Dried leaves: 4–10 grams, daily.
Leaf tincture: 0.4–1 teaspoon (2–5 ml), three times a day.
Fresh leaf juice: 1 teaspoon (5 ml), twice daily.
Fluid extract: 1–2 teaspoon (5–10 ml), daily.
Fresh roots: 2–8 grams, daily.
Dried powder: 250–1,000 mg, four times a day.
SUMMARYThere are currently no clear dosage guidelines for dandelion supplements, as research is limited. Different forms of dandelion require different suggested doses.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Dandelion have low toxicity and are likely safe for most people, especially when consumed as a food in its whole form (4Trusted Source).
However, keep in mind that research is still very limited and its use is not 100% risk-free.
Dandelion can cause allergic reactions, particularly in people with allergies to related plants like ragweed. Contact dermatitis can also occur in people with sensitive skin (4Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
Dandelion may interact unfavorably with some medications, especially certain diuretics and antibiotics (33Trusted Source).
If you’re taking any prescription medications, always consult your healthcare provider prior to taking dandelion.
SUMMARYDandelion have low toxicity and are likely safe for most people. They can cause allergic reactions in some and may interact negatively with certain medications, particularly diuretics and antibiotics.
Dandelion are not a replacement for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, especially with regard to disease prevention and treatment.
Yet, they could be a unique and nutritious addition to your wellness routine.
Dandelion have the potential to provide some therapeutic health benefits — but don’t count on it. Research on specific applications for dandelion is lacking, especially in human studies.
Dandelion are unlikely to cause harm, as long as you’re not allergic or taking certain medications.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before adding a new herbal supplement to your diet.
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Traditional and Modern Uses of Dandelion
According to Chinese old medical text (659 A.D), this plant was used at the time for example to treat indigestion, inflammation of the caecum and inflammation of the breast. In the West, the dandelion became known as a medicinal plant around the 10th and 11th centuries, when an Arab healer wrote about the usefulness of this plant in his medical journal. Once introduced in Europe, dandelion became a valued medicinal plant throughout Europe.
In folk medicine, dandelion is referred to as the elixir of life because it purifies the body of residues and negative energies. Because of its cleansing effect, it is also called blood purifier, laxative agent, liver cleanser and fatigue remover.
Today, dandelion is used to treat skin conditions, lymphatic inflammation, anemia, to improve gastrointestinal tract function and liver metabolism. The bitter ingredients in dandelion flowers are extremely beneficial to the body by stimulating the activity of the stomach and digestive glands, thus promoting the digestion of food. This flower surpasses any vegetable in its richness of nutrients.
Dandelion contains:
various acids necessary for organism (eg amino acids and fatty acids),
sugars (eg inulin – which is necessary to form fructose),
minerals such as iron, zinc, boron, calcium, silicon,
vitamins A, B, C, K and E.
You can eat all parts of the dandelion – flowers, stems, leaves and roots. However, the root contains the most active ingredients just at the time of flowering. In addition, the roots contain many beneficial substances that have a general strengthening effect on the body, such as 10% glycoside taraxacin, up to 15% protein, inulin, bitter substances, and unsaturated acids.
Diuretic Effect of Dandelion
Dandelion has been recommended to use as a diuretic. However, it is not yet known which substances are responsible for the diuretic effect (the increased production of urine). Some scientists have suggested that the diuretic activity of this plant may be due to the high potassium content of the leaves and roots.
Although most conventional diuretics reduce the amount of potassium in the body, dandelion contains so much potassium that, despite its diuretic action, it does not lower potassium levels.
What is a Diuretic?
Diuretics are substances that promote diuresis, the increased production of urine. They are also anti swelling agents. Diuretics promote the elimination of electrolytes and water from the body through a variety of mechanisms, thereby reducing the amount of extracellular water.
Some animal studies have shown that dandelion can help to normalize blood glucose levels. Also, it has an antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Tube studies have shown that dandelion extracts also have antitumor activity in liver, colon, and melanoma cancer cell lines.
Dandelion Can Potentially Cure Cancer
This powerful root improves blood and immune system – better than chemotherapy for prostate, lung and other cancers. According to Dr. Carolyn Hamm from the Windsor Regional Cancer Center in Ontario, Canada – dandelion root extract is the only thing that helped with chronic myelomonocytes. This form of cancer usually affects older people.
For example, John Di Carlo, a 72-year-old cancer patient in a hospital, was sent home to die after all efforts to cure his leukemia failed. He told CBC News that as a last chance, it was suggested to him drink dandelion tea. Maybe it should have been the first choice in his treatment plan, because the cancer came back only four months later. His doctors associated it with drinking of dandelion tea.
Recent studies have shown that dandelion root extract can work very effectively on cancer cells, as demonstrated by Di Carlo’s practice. Within 48 hours after contact with the dandelion extract, the cancer cells began to degrade. The body replaced them with whole new cells.
Further studies have shown that the extract is also useful for other cancers such as breast, colon, prostate, liver and lung cancer. The taste of dandelion root tea is not as pleasant as other teas, but it is certainly more comfortable than undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Traditional cancer therapies damage the immune system by killing all cells, even the healthy cells. Dandelion root has the opposite effect – it strengthens the immune system and only kills diseased cells.
However, Dr. Hamm warns that the root extract can negatively affect the effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, it is always better to consult your doctor about your diet and consumed food supplements (Trusted Source).
Eating Green Vegetables and Drinking Dandelion Tea Will Strengthen Your Health
For example, dandelion roots and stems help fight diabetes. It`s because they stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin, which in turn stabilizes the blood sugar level.
If you have digestive problems or you need to get rid of toxins, the dandelion tea may be exactly what your doctor prescribes as a herbal remedy. The liver produces bile in the digestive system and also filters blood from chemicals and other impurities. According to Dr. Ax, vitamins and minerals found in this plant help to cleanse and maintain the liver.
These beautiful yellow flowers are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help the body fight infections such as bacteria that cause urinary tract infection. However, drinking dandelion tea daily can eliminate this problem.
Leaves are bitter but perfectly edible. The leaves are high in fiber, which helps improve bowel function. In addition, fiber reduces the risk of obesity, heart disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The leaves are also high in vitamin A – one cup contains 100% of your daily requirement. Vitamin A is critical for maintaining healthy eyesight and also helps prevent premature skin aging.
If you don’t want to eat a cup of bitter leaves, you can add them to your morning smoothie or salad. Mix them in your blender with your favorite fruits or vegetables that balance the bitter taste.
18 Benefits of Dandelion Backed by Science
1. One of the most effective toxin removers (blood, lymph and liver cleanser)
2. Highly nutritious
Dandelion is a source of fibres and vitamins A, C, K, E, folate and small amounts of other B vitamins. It provides minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
3. Dandelion are full of antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that help neutralize or prevent the negative effects of free radicals in your body. In addition, antioxidant capabilities can prevent aging and certain diseases (Trusted Source).
4. Boosts immune system
Studies have found that dandelion extract has an antiviral and antimicrobial effect, thus, making it an antibacterial agent (Trusted Source).
5. May fight against HIV
Studies have shown that dandelion extract has strong activity against HIV-1 (Trusted Source).
6. Promotes liver function and is an excellent liver cleanser
Animal studies have found that dandelion has a protective effect on liver tissue in the presence of toxic substances and stress. The results of the Studies have also indicated, that this plant may represent a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (Trusted Source).
7. May help fight inflammation
Inflammation is one of your body’s natural responses to illness. However, excessive inflammation can lead to permanent damage to your body’s tissues and DNA. Studies have revealed that dandelion can be an anti-inflammatory agent (Trusted Source).
8. May help to treat anemia
Because of its high iron and zinc content, it is used to support the treatment of anemia.
9. Support the treatment of chronic ulcers, joint stiffness and tuberculosis
10. May help to control blood sugar and type 2 diabetes
Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds in dandelion which may help reduce blood sugar (Trusted Source).
11. Dandelion are used as a diuretic, for increasing the production of urine
12. May lower blood pressure
Dandelion may lower blood pressure due to their diuretic effect and potassium content.
13. May reduce cholesterol
Some of the bioactive compounds in this plant may lower cholesterol, which may decrease heart disease risk.
14. Relieves the body of excess heat
15. May help to lose weight
Some researchers theorize that dandelion’s ability to improve carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption may lead to weight loss. However, this notion needs further studies (Trusted Source).
16. Kills cancer cells
Other test-tube studies have shown that dandelion root extract has the capacity to dramatically slow the growth of cancer cells in liver, colon and pancreatic tissue (Trusted Source).
17. Supports bile secretion, healthy digestion and fights constipation
One animal study revealed a significant increase in the rates of stomach contractions and emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine in rats who were treated with dandelion extract (Trusted Source).
18. May be a useful skincare treatment
Animal and test-tube research indicate that dandelion may protect against skin damage from sunlight, aging and acne. (Trusted Source).
19. May support healthy bones
Green parts of this plant are a good source of calcium and vitamin K — both of which are associated with the prevention of bone loss (Trusted Source).
Caution
Be careful when you consume dandelion root as the plant can cause excessive excitement. In addition, dandelion can cause cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. We recommend to consult with a qualified therapist or physician when you are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking other different medications.
Dosage and Supplement Forms
You can eat dandelion leaves, stems and flowers in their natural state – raw or cooked. Roots are usually dried, ground and consumed as a tea or extract. Dandelion is also available in dietary supplemental forms, such as extracts, tinctures and capsules, see the availability online. However, there are no clear consensus on dosage guidelines.
Suggested dosages for different forms of dandelion are:
Fresh leaves: 4–10 grams, daily.
Fresh roots: 2–8 grams, daily.
Dried leaves: 4–10 grams, daily.
Fresh leaf juice: 1 teaspoon (5 ml), twice daily.
Leaf tincture: 0.4–1 teaspoon (2–5 ml), three times a day.
Fluid extract: 1–2 teaspoon (5–10 ml), daily or 2 capsules a day if you take Ecosh Dandelion Root Extract.
Dried powder: 250–1,000 mg, four times a day or 2 capsules a day if you take Ecosh Dandelion Root Extract.
Maria-Helena Loik
Pictures: Pexels.com, Pixabay.com
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