Role of Dandelion Extract in Treating Gastrointestinal Diseases

1. Introduction

Dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.), as a medicinal and edible plant, is classified as a "heat-clearing and detoxifying" herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), commonly used to treat boils, sores, toxins, damp-heat jaundice, etc. In recent years, its modern pharmacological effects in gastrointestinal diseases have been gradually revealed, showing unique advantages especially in gastritis, gastric ulcers, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, and intestinal flora imbalance. This article systematically reviews the active components, gastrointestinal protective mechanisms, pharmacological research, and safety of dandelion extract to provide references for its clinical application.

2. Active Components and Metabolism

2.1 Active Components

The chemical composition of dandelion extract is complex, mainly including flavonoids, triterpenes, polysaccharides, and phenolic acids:

Flavonoids (e.g., luteolin, quercetin): Possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, can scavenge free radicals and inhibit the 

release of inflammatory mediators.

Triterpenes (e.g., taraxasterol, taraxeric acid): Involved in regulating gastrointestinal motility, promoting bile secretion, and improving digestive function.

Polysaccharides (e.g., inulin): Act as prebiotics to promote the proliferation of beneficial intestinal bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) and regulate microecological balance.

2.2 Metabolic Characteristics

After oral administration, the flavonoid components of dandelion extract act locally in the gastrointestinal tract, with partial absorption into the bloodstream through the intestines; polysaccharides (e.g., inulin), due to their large molecular weight, are mainly fermented and utilized by the colonic flora. Animal experiments show that the active components of dandelion extract are distributed in relatively high concentrations in gastric and intestinal tissues, suggesting a direct targeting effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Mechanisms of Gastrointestinal Protection

3.1 Anti-Helicobacter pylori Infection

Direct inhibition of Hp growth: Research from Wuhan University confirmed that dandelion extract has an Hp inhibition rate of 82.6%. Its component chlorogenic acid can disrupt bacterial biofilms, and taraxasterol interferes with bacterial energy metabolism, with synergistic effects equivalent to antibiotics like metronidazole and amoxicillin.Reducing resistance in combination therapy: Combined use with antibiotics can reduce Hp resistance by 4-8 times, overcoming the limitations of traditional therapy.

3.2 Repairing Gastrointestinal Mucosa

Promoting epithelial cell proliferation: Cichoric acid and triterpenes accelerate gastric mucosal healing. Clinical studies show they can increase the gastric mucosal repair rate by 2.7 times.

Inhibiting gastric acid secretion: Taraxacerin and chlorogenic acid reduce pepsin activity and decrease gastric acid stimulation of inflamed areas.

3.3 Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Inhibit the release of inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), reducing mucosal inflammatory responses; rich in antioxidant substances like β-carotene and vitamin E, which scavenge free radicals and alleviate oxidative stress damage.

3.4 Regulating Intestinal Flora

Inulin acts as a prebiotic to promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and improve intestinal microecology; inhibits harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, maintaining intestinal barrier function.

4. Pharmacological Research

4.1 Animal Studies

Gastritis models: Dandelion extract can reduce the gastric mucosal damage index, inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, and promote ulcer healing.

Intestinal flora imbalance models: After supplementation with dandelion extract, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio improved, and the number of Bifidobacterium increased by 4.2 times.

4.2 Clinical Studies:

Hp infection: Studies show that taking dandelion extract for 4 consecutive weeks can reduce Hp antibody titers by 42%. A combination preparation with Hericium erinaceus extract and fucoidan significantly improved the eradication rate.

Chronic gastritis: 30g/d of dandelion extract can alleviate mucosal damage in patients with gastric erosion, with a clinical effective rate of 89%.

5. Safety Assessment

Acute toxicity: Animal experiments show the safe dosage range of dandelion extract is 0.5-1.0 g/kg body weight. Exceeding this dose may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Long-term toxicity: No significant toxic reactions were observed after 90 days of continuous administration, suggesting safety for long-term use.

Allergic reactions: The incidence is about 0.5%, manifesting as skin itching and redness; individuals with allergic constitutions should be cautious.

Drug interactions: May affect the metabolism of anticoagulant drugs (e.g., warfarin); coagulation function should be monitored during combined use.

6. Conclusion and Prospects

6.1 Conclusion

Dandelion extract demonstrates great potential in treating gastrointestinal diseases through its multi-target effects, including anti-Hp infection, mucosal repair, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and flora regulation. Its advantages lie in: natural origin, high safety, suitable for long-term conditioning; can be combined with antibiotics to reduce resistance and improve Hp eradication rate; polysaccharide components act as prebiotics, offering dual value of "treatment" and "conditioning".

6.2 Future Research Directions

In-depth exploration of pharmacokinetics to optimize dosing regimens; development of sustained-release and targeted formulations (e.g., microspheres, nanoparticles) to improve bioavailability; conduct large-sample clinical studies to verify its efficacy in different gastrointestinal diseases. Dandelion extract provides new ideas for the "natural therapy" of gastrointestinal diseases and is expected to become an important candidate drug for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment.

References

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