Dandelion for Liver Health

Widespread flowering plant dandelion may have liver-protective effects, but clinical research is lacking.

Dandelion is a common flower that possesses medicinal properties. Dandelion has been suggested to help with liver health through:

• Antioxidant effects. Antioxidant compounds in dandelion protect the liver from oxidative stress involved in liver disorders and injury.
• Anti-inflammatory effects. Dandelion also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that decrease the inflammation involved in liver damage.

Overview

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is one of the most widespread flowering plants in the world, recognized for its yellow flowers and “blowballs” that disperse in the wind.

Although considered a weed by most people, dandelions are also used as a food source. In fact, dandelion contains a number of nutrients, such as vitamins A, B, C, and D, and are sometimes used in salads and teas. In addition, dandelion roots can be used as a substitute for coffee, while the flowers are used to make wine.

More importantly, dandelion also has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, particularly as a diuretic and for helping with stomach, kidney, and liver problems. Today, supplements made from dandelion leaves, roots, and the whole plant continue to be popular as a liver health “tonic.” Despite this, there are no human studies on dandelion’s liver effects.

How Dandelion Might Help With Liver Health

Antioxidant activity

Oxidative stress caused by free radicals is known to play a critical role in liver disorders and injuries.¹ Multiple studies have shown that dandelion extract has potent antioxidant activity that can help neutralize this oxidative stress. ² In addition, compounds in dandelion can also protect against reactive nitrogen species (RNS) – a related type of molecule that also causes damage to cells.

Anti-inflammatory

Compounds in dandelion also have anti-inflammatory effects that can help protect the liver. Specifically, research has shown that dandelion extract reduces the activity of the pro-inflammatory pathway NF-kappaB and related pro-inflammatory compounds such as nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin (IL)-1beta. ³

Dandelion Uses & Potential Benefits for Liver Health

Some people take dandelion supplements to protect against fatty liver, hepatitis, and support overall liver health. It is also frequently combined with other liver-supportive herbs such as milk thistle.

Animal studies support dandelion’s liver-protective effects, with evidence of reduced liver enzyme levels, and protection against alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver conditions, and fibrosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in particular. However, there are currently no human studies of dandelion for liver concerns. As such, clinical research is needed to confirm the benefits seen in animal experiments.

In addition, like most herbal liver remedies, dandelion is advertised as a way to “cleanse” or “detox” the liver. It is important to keep in mind that these are marketing terms without clinical backing.

Research

Animal Research

Animal studies of dandelion suggest that it protects the liver from alcoholic and nonalcoholic damage, including fibrosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Dandelion compounds may protect against oxidative liver damage

This animal study examined the hepatoprotective (liver-protective) effects of two compounds isolated from dandelion roots – DRP1 and DRP2. The researchers administered the compounds to mice with acetaminophen-induced liver injury, demonstrating protection against oxidative liver damage.

• The researchers concluded that “…DRP1 and DRP2 might be suitable as functional foods and natural drugs in preventing APAP-induced liver injury.” ⁵

Dandelion root extract appears to protect against alcohol liver damage

This two-part study examined the use of dandelion extract for alcoholic liver damage. In the first part, the researchers applied dandelion extract to isolated liver cells that had increased oxidative stress. The extract protected the cells from damage. In the second part, mice were given dandelion extract (1 g/kg body weight) daily while consuming alcohol. The extract prevented alcohol-induced liver toxicity and damage, demonstrated by reduced levels of liver enzymes, which remained elevated in the alcohol-only group. In addition, the extract-treated mice also had higher levels of liver antioxidant activity.

• The researchers concluded that “…extract of T. officinale root has protective action against alcohol-induced toxicity in the liver…” ⁶

Dandelion root extract may protect against liver fibrosis

This animal study examined the protective effects of dandelion root extract in liver fibrosis. Mice were treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) to induce liver fibrosis. Next, they were given dandelion extract (200 or 600 mg/kg of body weight) daily for 10 days. Compared to the untreated group, the dandelion group experienced reduction in fibrosis, which was accompanied by reduced oxidative stress.

• The researchers concluded that “The present results provide scientific evidence to substantiate the traditional use of Taraxacum officinale root in hepatic disorders.” ⁷

Dandelion leaf extract appears to protect rats from acetaminophen toxicity

This animal study examined the effects of dandelion on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver toxicity. Rats given dandelion leaf extract were protected from liver damage, as demonstrated by normalization of increased levels of liver enzymes and reduction of oxidative stress.

• The researchers concluded that “Our results clearly demonstrate the hepatoprotective effect of T. officinale against the toxicity induced by APAP.” ⁸

Dandelion leaf extract appears to improve nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

This animal study examined the effects of dandelion leaf extract (EDL) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Mice with NASH were given a diet with or without EDL (200 or 500 mg/kg body weight daily) for 4 weeks. The EDL diet improved the severity of NASH, marked by increased levels of the antioxidant glutathione, decreased levels of liver enzymes, triglycerides, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6.

• The researchers concluded that “…the beneficial effects of EDL on NASH are mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.” ⁹

Dosage for Liver Health

• There are no study-backed dosages of dandelion for liver health
• Standalone dandelion supplements typically provide 1200-2000 mg dosages
• Multi-ingredient supplements usually include much smaller dandelion dosages (50 mg)

Available Forms

• Most dandelion preparations use the plant’s root, and less commonly the leaves.
• Dandelion tea. Dried dandelion root used to brew tea.
• Dandelion powder. The most common form of dandelion in supplements, which is sold in capsules and usually made from the roots or leaves.
• Dandelion extract. Some products contain dandelion in a concentrated extract form (e.g. 4:1).
• Dandelion fluid extract. A fluid extract made from dandelion root, leaf, or whole plant.