Dandelion

Rx for liver disease (e.g., liver congestion, hepatitis, jaundice)

Rx for gallbladder disease

Rx for appendicitis

Rx for fluid retention (diuretic)

Rx for appetite stimulate

Less commonly used for mastitis, heartburn, boils, fevers, heart failure, among other uses

Dietary supplement as a source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B, C, and D as well as minerals iron, potassium, and zinc

No clinical trial to date on hemodynamic instability.

There is no clinical trial to date, but dandelion use may include risk of bleeding secondary to decreased clotting, especially if pt already taking blood thinners.

Potential for lyte imbalances due to diuretic effects.

Potential increase in stomach acid.

If used in combination with prescription diuretic drugs, effects of either or both drugs may be enhanced, leading to a hypovolemic state.

Multiple minerals in dandelion may ↓ systemic absorption of PO-administered drugs (e.g., ciprofloxacin, famotidine, and esomeprazole).

Given dandelion’s ability to lower blood glucose, if used in combination with diabetic medications, there is risk for hypoglycemia.

May worsen side effects of lithium.

Too much vitamin A.

Dandelion leaves and root contain quercetin, luteolin, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, germacranolide acids, chlorogenic acid, cichoric acid, and monocaffeyltartaric acid. The leaves contain scopoletin, aesculetin, aesculin, cichoriin, arnidiol, and faradiol. The roots contain caffeic acid, taraxacoside, taraxasterol, and the polysaccharide inulin.

Primary effect in relieving dyspepsia disorder is caused by taraxerol.

Stimulates bile release by the liver and gallbladder, hence improving both bile flow (choleretic effect) and release (cholagogue effect).

Diuretic activity comparable to that of furosemide has been demonstrated in mice; however, because dandelion replaces potassium lost through diuresis, metabolic complications occur only rarely.

Insulin, a polysaccharide fiber composed of long chains of fructose-containing molecules contained in the plant, may act to buffer fluctuations in blood sugar levels.