Dandelion leaf

What is dandelion?

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is the familiar yellow-flowered plant found in lawns throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Its leaves are eaten as a bitter salad green, its roots are roasted as a coffee substitute, and its flowers are used in teas and wines. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the flowers, leaves and root have traditionally been used in Mexican and other North American medicine, and today oral dandelion products are promoted for indigestion.

Dandelion leaves are rich in vitamins A and K and potassium, and they have a mild diuretic reputation. Bitter herbs like dandelion are thought to stimulate digestive secretions, which is the traditional rationale for using them before meals.

What the research says

NCCIH is direct about the state of the evidence: we know very little about dandelion’s effect on human health, very little research exists, and there is no compelling scientific evidence supporting the use of dandelion for any health condition. Preliminary laboratory studies have looked at dandelion extracts for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties, but those findings have not been confirmed in people.

That means claims that dandelion “detoxes” the body, supports the liver or improves gut health remain unproven. Dandelion greens are a nutritious food, and that may be their most reliable benefit.

We rate the evidence as preliminary.

How it’s used in supplements

Dandelion appears in teas, tinctures, capsules and digestive or “detox” blends. NCCIH considers dandelion likely safe in the amounts commonly found in food, while less is known about larger amounts. Some evidence suggests topical dandelion may cause allergic reactions in people with eczema, and there is conflicting evidence on whether people allergic to related plants, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies, may react to it. There are theoretical reasons to suspect dandelion could interact with diabetes medicines, anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, and water pills. Little is known about its safety above food amounts during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In PrimeBiome, dandelion leaf powder is the last ingredient listed in a 430 mg proprietary blend, which on supplement labels usually means it is present in the smallest amount.

If you enjoy dandelion, the simplest and best-supported way to use it is as food: young leaves in a salad, sauteed greens or a roasted root beverage. These provide fiber, vitamins and minerals without the uncertainty of supplement dosing, and they let you notice whether the bitter taste agrees with your digestion.