Dandelion Root
Also known as: Taraxacum officinale, Taraxacum root, lion's tooth, blowball root
Effective Dosage
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
Dandelion root is the underground portion of the common dandelion plant, long used in folk medicine for digestive and liver complaints. Lab and animal studies suggest its active compounds — including taraxasterol, inulin, and chlorogenic acid — may reduce inflammation, protect the gut lining, and inhibit certain cancer cell lines in a dish. One animal study found dandelion root extract helped reduce colitis symptoms by suppressing inflammatory signaling pathways, and another suggested it may protect the liver and kidneys from chemical-induced damage. However, none of these findings have been tested in human clinical trials, so it is unknown whether these effects translate to real-world benefits in people.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to detox your liver in humans — that claim is based on rat studies only. Won't cure or treat cancer — the anti-cancer results are from cells in a lab dish, not people. No proven diuretic effect based on the provided studies. No evidence it aids weight loss. Not a replacement for any prescribed medication.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Traditional use as diuretic and digestive aid. Very limited clinical evidence for liver benefits.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established effective dose
Source: NIH ODS
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic or bioavailability studies were included in the provided data. Active compounds like taraxasterol and chlorogenic acid have been identified via LC-MS in extracts, but absorption in humans is unstudied here.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Zero human clinical trials in the provided evidence base — all findings come from cell cultures or animal models
- Doses used in animal studies cannot be directly translated to safe or effective human doses
- Over 1,000 supplement products on the market despite no clinical proof of efficacy in humans
- Potential interactions with medications (e.g., diuretics, blood thinners) are not addressed in the provided studies
- Extracts vary widely by species, plant part, and preparation method — product consistency is not guaranteed
Products Containing Dandelion Root
See how Dandelion Root is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06