Common names in 32 European languages →
The complete database record: 4 documented constituents, 16 pharmacological actions, 17 traditional / indicated uses, with 57 cited sources.
Botanical Description
Perennial herb (Asteraceae) with a deep taproot, forming a basal rosette of deeply toothed, lance-shaped leaves - the name 'dandelion' comes from the French 'dent-de-lion', lion's tooth. Hollow flowering stalks each bear a single, bright yellow composite flower head made entirely of ray florets, followed by the familiar spherical 'clock' of parachute-tufted seeds (achenes) that disperse on the wind.[50]
Habitat & Distribution
Native to Europe and Asia, now a cosmopolitan weed found on every continent except Antarctica; grows in lawns, meadows, roadsides, waste ground and disturbed soil of almost any type.[50]
Harvesting
Leaves are picked young in spring for the mildest flavour; the root is dug in autumn (traditionally after the first frost), when its inulin and bitter-principle content is considered optimal; flowers are picked as they open.[50, 53]
Key Constituents
Bitter principles (e.g. taraxacin) responsible for the characteristic bitterness and bitter-tonic action.
Including taraxasterol; contribute to anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective signals.
Antioxidant constituents (e.g. chicoric acid, luteolin derivatives).
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from bitter-tonic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from anticancer action
more plants for cancer (anticancer research) →detailed sources →
inferred from laxative action
inferred from hepatoprotective action
inferred from bitter-tonic action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from choleretic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
more plants for swelling / fluid retention →detailed sources →
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
more plants for urinary tract infection (uti) →detailed sources →
Dandelion root and leaf lowered serum lipids and oxidative stress (preclinical).
more plants for cardiovascular / heart health →detailed sources →
Taraxasterol modulated the inflammatory/immune response in endotoxic shock (preclinical).
Traditional Use & History
Dandelion is one of the most widely used bitter tonic herbs worldwide, traditionally taken as a digestive bitter and mild diuretic - the French name 'pissenlit' (wet-the-bed) reflects this - and the root specifically as a liver and gallbladder tonic. Every part is also used as food: spring greens, roasted-root coffee substitute, and flower wine.[50]
Preparations
Dosage
Traditional guidance suggests roughly 4-10 g dried leaf, or 2-8 g dried root, per day as an infusion or decoction, divided into 2-3 doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid in bile-duct obstruction or gallstones, and harvest away from polluted ground.
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Allergy risk in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants such as ragweed and chamomile.
Avoid medicinal use in anyone with a blocked bile duct or gallstones; use caution with gallbladder or serious liver disease.
May potentiate prescription diuretics; possible interactions with lithium and drugs metabolised by the liver.
Can accumulate soil pollutants and heavy metals; harvest from clean, unpolluted sites.
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be guided by a qualified practitioner. Herbal use should support, not replace, conventional medical care.
Harvest Readiness
[54]
[54]
[54]
External Identifiers
References & Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (n.d.) 'Dandelion identification (Taraxacum)'. Available at: https://bsbi.org/identification/taraxacum Traditional / reference
https://bsbi.org/identification/taraxacum - Farm and Dairy (2021) 'How to harvest and use dandelion roots, leaves and flowers'. Available at: https://www.farmanddairy.com/news/top-stories/how-to-harvest-and-use-dandelion-roots-leaves-and-flowers/656605.html Traditional / reference
https://www.farmanddairy.com/news/top-stories/how-to-harvest-and-use-dandelion-roots-leaves-and-flowers/656605.html - First Nature (n.d.) 'Taraxacum officinale, Dandelion: identification, distribution, habitat'. Available at: https://www.first-nature.com/flowers/taraxacum-officinale.php Traditional / reference
https://www.first-nature.com/flowers/taraxacum-officinale.php - Flora of the Southeastern United States (n.d.) 'Taraxacum officinale (Common Dandelion)'. Available at: https://fsus.ncbg.unc.edu/main.php?pg=show-taxon.php&plantname=taraxacum+officinale Traditional / reference
https://fsus.ncbg.unc.edu/main.php?pg=show-taxon.php&plantname=taraxacum+officinale - Good Grub (n.d.) 'Plant of the Month: Dandelion!'. Available at: https://www.goodgrub.org/post/plant-of-the-month-dandelion Traditional / reference
https://www.goodgrub.org/post/plant-of-the-month-dandelion - HerbaWave (2026) 'Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Origin, Phytochemistry, Traditional Use'. Available at: https://herbawave.com/en/learn/ingredients/dandelion Traditional / reference
https://herbawave.com/en/learn/ingredients/dandelion - Mossy Oak (2025) 'How to Forage for Dandelions'. Available at: https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/recipes/how-to-forage-for-dandelions Traditional / reference
https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/recipes/how-to-forage-for-dandelions - Practical Frugality (2024) 'Dandelion: Foraging Guide, Recipes & Harvesting Tips'. Available at: https://www.practicalfrugality.com/dandelion/ Traditional / reference
https://www.practicalfrugality.com/dandelion/ - Under A Tin Roof (2025) 'The Ultimate Guide to Foraging Dandelions'. Available at: https://underatinroof.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-foraging-dandelions-how-to-harvest-flowers-greens-and-roots Traditional / reference
https://underatinroof.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-foraging-dandelions-how-to-harvest-flowers-greens-and-roots - University of Massachusetts (n.d.) 'Taraxacum officinale'. Available at: https://extension.umass.edu/weed-herbarium/weeds/taraxacum-officinale/ Traditional / reference
https://extension.umass.edu/weed-herbarium/weeds/taraxacum-officinale/ - Wikipedia (n.d.) 'Taraxacum officinale'. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraxacum_officinale Traditional / reference
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraxacum_officinale - University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension (n.d.) 'Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale'. Available at: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dandelion-taraxacum-officinale/ Traditional / reference
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dandelion-taraxacum-officinale/ - Jeon, H.J. and Kang, H.J. and Jung, H.J. and Kang, Y.S. and Lim, C.J. and Kim, Y.M. and Park, E.H (2008) 'Anti-inflammatory activity of Taraxacum officinale', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 115(1), pp. 82-88. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.09.006 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.09.006 - Martinez, M. and Poirrier, P. and Chamy, R. and Prufer, D. and Schulze-Gronover, C. and Jorquera, L. and Ruiz, G (2015) 'Taraxacum officinale and related species - An ethnopharmacological review and its potential as a commercial medicinal plant', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 169, pp. 244-262. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.067 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.067 - Epure, A. and Parvu, A.E. and Vlase, L. and Benedec, D. and Hanganu, D. and Oniga, O. and Vlase, A.M. and Ielciu, I. and Toiu, A. and Oniga, I (2023) 'New Approaches on the Anti-Inflammatory and Cardioprotective Properties of Taraxacum officinale Tincture', Pharmaceuticals, 16(3), pp. 358. doi:10.3390/ph16030358 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16030358 - Laila, U. and Kaur, J. and Sharma, K. and Singh, J. and Rasane, P. and Kaur, S. and Bhadariya, V (2025) 'Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): A Promising Source of Nutritional and Therapeutic Compounds', Recent Advances in Food, Nutrition & Agriculture, 16(1), pp. 41-56. doi:10.2174/012772574X293072240217185616 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X293072240217185616 - Ahmadi, S. and Saberivand, A. and Jalili, C. and Asadpour, R. and Khordadmehr, M. and Saberivand, M (2023) 'Hydroalcoholic extract of Taraxacum officinale induces apoptosis and autophagy in 4T1 breast cancer cells', Veterinary Research Forum, 14(9), pp. 507-513. doi:10.30466/vrf.2023.1985987.3726 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2023.1985987.3726 - Wirngo, F.E. and Lambert, M.N. and Jeppesen, P.B (2016) 'The Physiological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in Type 2 Diabetes', The Review of Diabetic Studies, 13(2-3), pp. 113-131. doi:10.1900/RDS.2016.13.113 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1900/RDS.2016.13.113 - Choi, J. and Yoon, K.D. and Kim, J (2017) 'Chemical constituents from Taraxacum officinale and their alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities', Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 28(3), pp. 476-481. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.12.014 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.12.014 - Lis, B. and Jedrejek, D. and Rywaniak, J. and Soluch, A. and Stochmal, A. and Olas, B (2020) 'Flavonoid Preparations from Taraxacum officinale L. Fruits - A Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Hemostasis Studies', Molecules, 25(22), pp. 5402. doi:10.3390/molecules25225402 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225402 - Xu, P. and Xu, X. and Fotina, H. and Fotina, T (2023) 'Anti-inflammatory effects of chlorogenic acid from Taraxacum officinale on LTA-stimulated bovine mammary epithelial cells via the TLR2/NF-kB pathway', PLoS One, 18(3), pp. e0282343. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0282343 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282343 - Kamal, F.Z. and Lefter, R. and Mihai, C.T. and Farah, H. and Ciobica, A. and Ali, A. and Radu, I. and Mavroudis, I. and Ech-Chahad, A (2022) 'Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Taraxacum officinale Essential Oil', Molecules, 27(19), pp. 6477. doi:10.3390/molecules27196477 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196477 - Napoli, A.D. and Zucchetti, P (2021) 'A comprehensive review of the benefits of Taraxacum officinale on human health', Bulletin of the National Research Centre/Bulletin of the National Research Center. doi:10.1186/s42269-021-00567-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-021-00567-1 - Hamza, A.A. and Mohamed, M.G. and Lashin, F. and Amin, A (2020) 'Dandelion prevents liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in rats', The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology. doi:10.1186/s41936-020-00177-9 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s41936-020-00177-9 - Koh, Y. and Cha, D. and Ko, J. and Park, H. and Choi, H (2010) 'Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Taraxacum officinale Leaves on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in RAW 264.7 Cells', Journal of Medicinal Food. doi:10.1089/jmf.2009.1249 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2009.1249 - Sigstedt, S.C. and Hooten, C. and Callewaert, M. and Jenkins, A. and Romero, A.E. and Pullin, M.J. and Kornienko, A. and Lowrey, T.K. and slambrouck, S.V. and Steelant, W.F.A (2008) 'Evaluation of aqueous extracts of Taraxacum officinale on growth and invasion of breast and prostate cancer cells', International Journal of Oncology. doi:10.3892/ijo.32.5.1085 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.32.5.1085 - Hu, C. and Kitts, D.D (2002) 'Antioxidant, Prooxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Solvent-Fractionated Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Flower Extracts in Vitro', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. doi:10.1021/jf0258858 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/jf0258858 - Pfingstgraf, I.O. and Taulescu, M. and Pop, R.M. and Orăsan, R. and Vlase, L. and Uifălean, A. and Todea, D.A. and Alexescu, T. and Toma, C. and Pârvu, A.E (2021) 'Protective Effects of Taraxacum officinale L. (Dandelion) Root Extract in Experimental Acute on Chronic Liver Failure', Antioxidants. doi:10.3390/antiox10040504 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10040504 - Seo, S (2005) 'Taraxacum officinaleprotects against cholecystokinin-induced acute pancreatitis in rats', World Journal of Gastroenterology. doi:10.3748/wjg.v11.i4.597 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v11.i4.597 - Choi, U. and Lee, O. and Yim, J.H. and Cho, C. and Rhee, Y.K. and Lim, S. and Kim, Y (2010) 'Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Root and Leaf on Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits', International Journal of Molecular Sciences. doi:10.3390/ijms11010067 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms11010067 - Díaz, K. and Espinoza, L. and Madrid, A. and Pizarro, L. and Chamy, R (2018) 'Isolation and Identification of Compounds from Bioactive Extracts of Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F. H. Wigg. (Dandelion) as a Potential Source of Antibacterial Agents', Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. doi:10.1155/2018/2706417 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2706417 - González-Castejón, M. and Visioli, F. and Rodríguez‐Casado, A (2012) 'Diverse biological activities of dandelion', Nutrition Reviews. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00509.x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00509.x - Zhang, J. and Kang, M. and Kim, M. and Kim, M. and Song, J. and Lee, Y. and Kim, J (2008) 'Pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of taraxacum officinale in vitro and in vivo', Nutrition Research and Practice. doi:10.4162/nrp.2008.2.4.200 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2008.2.4.200 - Ren, F. and Zhang, Y. and Qin, Y. and Shang, J. and Wang, Y. and Wei, P. and Guo, J. and Jia, H. and Zhao, T (2022) 'Taraxasterol prompted the anti-tumor effect in mice burden hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating T lymphocytes', Cell Death Discovery. doi:10.1038/s41420-022-01059-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41420-022-01059-5 - Liu, W. and Yu, Q. and Wang, F. and Li, Y. and Zhang, G. and Tao, S (2022) 'Taraxasterol attenuates melanoma progression via inactivation of reactive oxygen species-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway', Human & Experimental Toxicology. doi:10.1177/09603271211069034 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/09603271211069034 - Liu, J. and Liu, J. and Yang, H. and Liu, R. and Sun, D. and Liu, Y. and Lü, J. and Lü, J. and Liu, J. and Liu, J. and Lu, J. and Lu, J (2025) 'Investigation of the Anti-Lung Cancer Mechanisms of Taraxacum officinale Based on Network Pharmacology and Multidimensional Experimental Validation', Pharmaceuticals. doi:10.3390/ph18050663 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050663 - Al-Eisawi, Z. and Abderrahman, S.M. and Al-khalaf, I.F. and Al-Abbassi, R. and Bustanji, Y (2020) 'Taraxacum officinale Extracts Exhibit Safe and Selective Anticancer Activity', The Natural Products Journal. doi:10.2174/2210315510999201109202255 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/2210315510999201109202255 - Nassan, M.A. and Soliman, M.M. and Ismail, S. and El‐Shazly, S.A (2018) 'Effect of Taraxacum officinale extract on PI3K/Akt pathway in DMBA-induced breast cancer in albino rats', Bioscience Reports. doi:10.1042/bsr20180334 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1042/bsr20180334 - Nguyen, C. and Mehaidli, A. and Baskaran, K. and Grewal, S. and Pupulin, A. and Ruvinov, I. and Scaria, B. and Parashar, K. and Vegh, C. and Pandey, S (2019) 'Dandelion Root and Lemongrass Extracts Induce Apoptosis, Enhance Chemotherapeutic Efficacy, and Reduce Tumour Xenograft Growth In Vivo in Prostate Cancer', Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. doi:10.1155/2019/2951428 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2951428 - Renna, M (2026) 'Taraxacum officinale L. in leukemia and lymphoma: current knowledge and prospects for horticulture', Frontiers in Plant Science. doi:10.3389/fpls.2025.1740142 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1740142 - Yang, Y. and Ying, G. and Wu, S. and Wu, F. and Chen, Z (2020) 'In vitro inhibition effects of hepatitis B virus by dandelion and taraxasterol', Infectious Agents and Cancer. doi:10.1186/s13027-020-00309-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13027-020-00309-4 - Zhang, X. and Xiong, H. and Li, H. and Cheng, Y (2013) 'Protective effect of taraxasterol against LPS-induced endotoxic shock by modulating inflammatory responses in mice', Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. doi:10.3109/08923973.2013.861482 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/08923973.2013.861482 - Dong, L. and Dongzhi, Z. and Jin, Y. and Kim, Y. and Lee, D. and Huang, S. and Panichayupakaranant, P. and Li, B (2020) 'Taraxacum officinale Wigg. Attenuates Inflammatory Responses in Murine Microglia through the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. doi:10.1142/s0192415x20500238 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1142/s0192415x20500238 - Kim, J. and Choi, G. and Hwang, H.S. and Ku, H.J. and Choi, C. and Jung, G.T. and So, B (2010) 'Characterization of immunostimulatory activities of fractions obtained from Taraxacum officinale', Planta Medica. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1264719 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1264719 - Aremu, O.O. and Tata, C.M. and Sewani-Rusike, C.R. and Oyedeji, A.O. and Oyedeji, O.O. and Gwebu, E.T. and Nkeh-Chungag, B.N (2019) 'Acute and sub-chronic antihypertensive properties of Taraxacum officinale leaf (TOL) and root (TOR)', Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa. doi:10.1080/0035919x.2019.1592031 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/0035919x.2019.1592031 - Hook, I. and McGee, A. and Henman, M (1993) 'Evaluation of Dandelion for Diuretic Activity and Variation in Potassium Content', International Journal of Pharmacognosy. doi:10.3109/13880209309082914 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209309082914 - European Medicines Agency (2009) 'Community herbal monograph on Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wigg., radix cum herba'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Community%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Taraxacum%20officinale%20Weber%20ex%20Wigg.%2C%20radix%20cum%20herba - Schütz, K., Carle, R. and Schieber, A (2006) 'Taraxacum — a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile', 107(3), pp. 313--323. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2006.07.021 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.07.021 - Hao, F., Deng, X., Yu, X., Wang, W., Yan, W., Zhao, X., Wang, X., Bai, C., Wang, Z. and Han, L (2024) 'Taraxacum: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity', 52(1), pp. 183--215. doi:10.1142/S0192415X24500083 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X24500083 - Wu, J., Sun, J., Liu, M., Zhang, X., Kong, L., Ma, L., Jiang, S., Liu, X. and Ma, W (2024) 'Botany, Traditional Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Quality Control of Taraxaci Herba: A Comprehensive Review', 17(9). doi:10.3390/ph17091113 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17091113 - Sharifi-Rad, M., Roberts, T.H., Matthews, K.R., Bezerra, C.F., Morais-Braga, M.F.B., Coutinho, H.D.M., Sharopov, F., Salehi, B., Yousaf, Z., Sharifi-Rad, M., del Mar Contreras, M., Varoni, E.M., Verma, D.R., Iriti, M. and Sharifi-Rad, J (2018) 'Ethnobotany of the genus Taraxacum – Phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity', 32(11), pp. 2131--2145. doi:10.1002/ptr.6157 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6157 - Kania-Dobrowolska, M. and Baraniak, J (2022) 'Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds Supporting the Therapy of Co-Existing Diseases in Metabolic Syndrome', 11(18). doi:10.3390/foods11182858 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11182858 - Plants For A Future 'Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)'. Available at: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Taraxacum+officinale Traditional / reference
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Taraxacum+officinale - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Benefits, Safety, Uses'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/dandelion/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/dandelion/ - Clare, B.A., Conroy, R.S. and Spelman, K (2009) 'The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day', 15(8), pp. 929--934. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0152 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0152 - Rodriguez-Fragoso, L., Reyes-Esparza, J., Burchiel, S.W., Herrera-Ruiz, D. and Torres, E (2007) 'Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico', 227(1), pp. 125--135. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2007.10.005 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2007.10.005
Selected studies & references
All 57 studies in the Knowledge Finder →
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