Dr. Johnston looks at a 2016 laboratory study of dandelion root extract in human colon cancer cells, and a follow-up test in mice carrying human colon tumors. He notes there are still no adequate human cancer trials of dandelion root extract.
I remember picking dandelion flowers for my mom when I was a child. They littered the one-acre treeless property on which our trailer was situated in Florida. I remember being frustrated at how quickly they wilted in my hand. In the right time of year, this field would be covered with dandelion flowers.
But decades later, researchers are looking at dandelion root extract in cancer research. In 2016, researchers looked at dandelion root extract in colon cancer cells in a laboratory. And within 48 hours, 95% of the colon cancer cells had undergone programmed cell death, while normal colon cells were relatively unaffected.
They tested it in mice carrying human colon tumors. Taken orally, the extract suppressed tumor growth by more than 90%.
And researchers aren't studying only the crude root extract. They've isolated compounds from dandelion, including one called taraxasterol, and preclinical studies have reported anti-cancer effects from taraxasterol in models including liver, gastric, colorectal, breast, and other cancers.
We still don't have adequate human cancer trials showing that dandelion root extract or taraxasterol treats cancer. However, when dandelion root was tested in humans for various other diseases, the safety data was extraordinary. With preclinical results this interesting, I think this ordinary little plant deserves much better human research.
Here's the research. You decide.
Educational research summary, not medical advice. Talk with your oncologist and pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment or supplement.