Dandelion

Dandelion/Drug Interactions:

  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In vitro, dandelion flower extract may suppress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression (1).
  • AnestheticsAnesthetics: According to secondary sources, dandelion has weak anesthetic properties.
  • AntacidsAntacids: Lactones in dandelion may increase gastric acid secretion (4). It is possible that dandelion may reduce the effectiveness of antacids or drugs commonly used to treat peptic ulcer disease, such as famotidine (Pepcid?) or esomeprazole (Nexium?).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In human research, benzylpenicillin combined with compound dandelion soup was more effective than benzylpenicillin alone for acute purulent tonsillitis (26).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In theory, due to coumarins found in dandelion leaf extracts, dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Platelet aggregation may also be inhibited (10).
  • Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: In animal research, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels (17; 18), although other research has noted a lack of change (41).
  • Antigout agentsAntigout agents: According to secondary sources, dandelion is an effective treatment for gout because of its ability to reduce high uric acid levels.
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In theory, dandelion may increase the effects and toxicity of lithium, diuretics, niacin, or drugs that lower blood pressure.
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: Research in laboratory animals suggests that dandelion root may possess anti-inflammatory properties (46). According to laboratory research, dandelion flower extract may suppress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression (1).
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: Dandelion is suggested as a choleretic (to increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder) and a cholagogue (to exert a direct effect on the gallbladder, causing contraction and release of stored bile) (4). In human research, 60 days of Cinarepa supplementation, a combination product containing dandelion, decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (47).
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: In vitro, dandelion and other species of Taraxacum may have antineoplastic activity (48; 49; 50; 51; 52). In human research, the selective apoptosis and autophagy effects of dandelion have been reported in pancreatic cancer cells and leukemia cells (53; 54; 55; 56). The antiproliferative, protective, and antioxidant effects of dandelion have been reported (57).
  • Antiviral agentsAntiviral agents: In vitro, dandelion extracts inhibited infections in numerous cell lines, inhibited polymerase activity, and lowered virus nucleoprotein (NP) RNA levels, suggesting anti-influenza properties (58). Additionally, dandelion extract inhibited human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) replication and reverse transcriptase activity (59).
  • Appetite stimulantsAppetite stimulants: According to a review, dandelion leaves may contain appetite-stimulating substances (4).
  • Bile acid sequestrantsBile acid sequestrants: Dandelion is suggested as a choleretic (to increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder) and a cholagogue (to exert a direct effect on the gallbladder, causing contraction and release of stored bile) (4). In human research, 60 days of Cinarepa supplementation, a combination product containing dandelion, decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (47).
  • Cardiac glycosidesCardiac glycosides: When used with dandelion, cardiac glycosides such as digoxin (Lanoxin?) may increase the tendency for lower potassium levels. As a result, periodic monitoring of potassium levels may be recommended.
  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro?)Ciprofloxacin (Cipro?): According to animal research, dandelion may reduce the effects of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro?) due to reduced absorption of the drug (60). In theory, dandelion may reduce the absorption of other drugs taken at the same time.
  • CorticosteroidsCorticosteroids: According to secondary sources, in combination with dandelion, corticosteroids such as prednisone may increase the tendency for lowering potassium levels. As a result, periodic monitoring of potassium levels may be recommended.
  • Cytochrome P450-modifying agentsCytochrome P450-modifying agents: In animal research, dandelion interfered with the way the liver breaks down certain drugs using the P450 1A2 and 2E enzyme systems (61).
  • Dermatologic agentsDermatologic agents: In human research, skin allergy, eczema, and increased sun sensitivity following direct contact with dandelion were the most commonly reported adverse effects (12; 13; 14; 15; 16).
  • DigoxinDigoxin: When used with dandelion, cardiac glycosides such as digoxin (Lanoxin?) may increase the tendency for lower potassium levels. As a result, periodic monitoring of potassium levels may be recommended.
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse?)Disulfiram (Antabuse?): According to secondary sources, many tinctures consisting of dandelion contain high levels of alcohol and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with disulfiram (Antabuse?).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: Historically, dandelion has been believed to possess diuretic properties and to lower blood potassium levels. However, dandelion also contains potassium. Sesquiterpene lactones are responsible for diuretic effects and may contribute to dandelion's mild anti-inflammatory activity (46). In human research, a significant increase in urination frequency, volume, and excretion ratio was reported following dandelion leaf extract administration (19).
  • DoxylamineDoxylamine: Gastric analysis of a deceased body has revealed poisoning with excess doxylamine homogenized with dandelion in order to attempt to mask the sleeping agent's effects (62).
  • EstrogensEstrogens: According to animal and human research, dandelion may upregulate estrogen receptor (alpha and beta), progesterone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression but decrease androstenedione and estrone-sulfate levels (5; 63).
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: According to a survey of women and traditional accounts, dandelion may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and heartburn (11). Cinarepa, a combination product of dry extracts of artichoke leaf, chlorogenic acid, dandelion radix, inulin, turmeric rhizome, curcumin, and rosemary bud essential oil, was reported to decrease functional dyspepsia symptoms (47).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In healthy premenopausal women, dandelion may decrease dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androstenedione, and estrone-sulfate levels (63). According to animal and human research, dandelion may upregulate estrogen receptor (alpha and beta), progesterone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression (5; 63).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: According to traditional use, dandelion is a laxative.
  • LithiumLithium: In theory, dandelion may increase the effects and toxicity of lithium due to sodium depletion.
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl?)Metronidazole (Flagyl?): According to secondary sources, many tinctures consisting of dandelion contain high levels of alcohol and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl?).
  • Niacin/nicotinic acidNiacin/nicotinic acid: The effects or side effects of niacin or nicotinic acid, such as flushing and gastrointestinal upset, may be increased, due to small amounts of nicotinic acid present in dandelion.
  • Photosensitizing agentsPhotosensitizing agents: In human research, skin allergy, eczema, and increased sun sensitivity following direct contact with dandelion were the most commonly reported adverse effects (12; 13; 14; 15; 16).
  • PotassiumPotassium: Historically, dandelion is believed to possess diuretic (urination-increasing) properties and to lower blood potassium levels.
  • QuinolonesQuinolones: Dandelion may reduce the effectiveness of fluoroquinolones. There is evidence that Taraxacum mongolicum reduces the absorption of ciprofloxacin (Cipro?) (60).

    • Dandelion/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In vitro, dandelion flower extract may suppress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression (1).
  • AnestheticsAnesthetics: According to secondary sources, dandelion has weak anesthetic properties.
  • AntacidsAntacids: Lactones in dandelion may increase gastric acid secretion (4). It is possible that dandelion may reduce the effectiveness of antacids commonly used to treat peptic ulcer disease.
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Dandelion may reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro?), and thus may have interactions with other antibacterial agents (60).
  • Anticoagulant and antiplateletsAnticoagulant and antiplatelets: In theory, due to coumarins found in dandelion leaf extracts, dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Platelet aggregation may also be inhibited (10).
  • AntiestrogensAntiestrogens: According to animal and human research, dandelion may upregulate estrogen receptor (alpha and beta), progesterone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression but decrease androstenedione and estrone-sulfate levels (5; 63).
  • Antigout herbs and supplementsAntigout herbs and supplements: According to secondary sources, dandelion is an effective treatment for gout because of its ability to reduce high uric acid levels.
  • Anti-inflammatory herbsAnti-inflammatory herbs: Research in laboratory animals suggests that dandelion root may possess anti-inflammatory properties (46). According to laboratory research, dandelion flower extract may suppress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression (1).
  • Antilipemic herbs and supplementsAntilipemic herbs and supplements: Dandelion is suggested as a choleretic (to increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder) and a cholagogue (to exert a direct effect on the gallbladder, causing contraction and release of stored bile) (4). In human research, 60 days of Cinarepa supplementation, a combination product containing dandelion, decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (47).
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: In vitro, dandelion and other species of Taraxacum may have antineoplastic activity (48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 64). In human research, the selective apoptosis and autophagy effects of dandelion have been reported in pancreatic cancer cells and leukemia cells (53; 54; 55; 56). The antiproliferative, protective, and antioxidant effects of dandelion have been reported (57).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Several laboratory studies have reported antioxidant properties of dandelion flower extract (65; 66; 67; 68; 69). In human research, the antioxidant effects of dandelion have been reported (57).
  • Antiviral agentsAntiviral agents: In vitro, dandelion extracts inhibited infections in numerous cell lines, inhibited polymerase activity, and lowered virus nucleoprotein (NP) RNA levels, suggesting anti-influenza properties (58). Additionally, dandelion extract inhibited human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) replication and reverse transcriptase activity (59).
  • Appetite stimulantsAppetite stimulants: According to a review, dandelion leaves may contain appetite-stimulating substances (4).
  • Beta-caroteneBeta-carotene: Dandelion leaves contain vitamin A, lutein, and beta-carotene, and theoretically supplemental doses of these agents may have additive effects or toxicity.
  • Cardiac glycosidesCardiac glycosides: According to secondary sources, dandelion may increase the toxic effects associated with herbs such as foxglove.
  • Cytochrome P450-modifying agentsCytochrome P450-modifying agents: In animal research dandelion interfered with the way the liver breaks down certain drugs using the P450 1A2 and 2E enzyme systems. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. In theory, dandelion may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system, such as bloodroot, cat's claw, chamomile, chaparral, chasteberry, damiana, Echinacea angustifolia, goldenseal, grapefruit juice, licorice, oregano, red clover, St. John's wort, wild cherry, and yucca.
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): In healthy premenopausal women, dandelion may decrease dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androstenedione, and estrone-sulfate levels (63).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: Historically, dandelion has been believed to possess diuretic properties and to lower blood potassium levels. However, dandelion also contains potassium. Sesquiterpene lactones are responsible for diuretic effects and may contribute to dandelion's mild anti-inflammatory activity (46). In human research, a significant increase in urination frequency, volume, and excretion ratio was reported following dandelion leaf extract administration (19).
  • FoxgloveFoxglove: According to secondary sources, dandelion may increase the toxic effects associated with herbs such as foxglove.
  • Gastrointestinal herbs and supplementsGastrointestinal herbs and supplements: According to a survey of women and traditional accounts, dandelion may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and heartburn (11). Cinarepa, a combination product of dry extracts of artichoke leaf, chlorogenic acid, dandelion radix, inulin, turmeric rhizome, curcumin, and rosemary bud essential oil, was reported to decrease functional dyspepsia symptoms (47).
  • Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: In healthy premenopausal women, dandelion may decrease dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androstenedione, and estrone-sulfate levels (63). According to animal and human research, dandelion may upregulate estrogen receptor (alpha and beta), progesterone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression (5; 63).
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): In healthy premenopausal women, dandelion may decrease dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androstenedione, and estrone-sulfate levels (63). According to animal and human research, dandelion may upregulate estrogen receptor (alpha and beta), progesterone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression (5; 63).
  • HyperglycemicsHyperglycemics: According to animal research, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels (17; 18), although other research reported a lack of change (41).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: According to animal research, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels (17; 18), although other research reported a lack of change (41).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In theory, dandelion may increase the toxic effects when taken with supplements that lower blood pressure, such as hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: According to traditional use, dandelion is a laxative.
  • LuteinLutein: Dandelion leaves contain vitamin A, lutein, and beta-carotene, and theoretically supplemental doses of these agents may have additive effects or toxicity.
  • NiacinNiacin: The effects or side effects of niacin or nicotinic acid, such as flushing and gastrointestinal upset, may be increased, due to small amounts of nicotinic acid present in dandelion.
  • Nondigestible oligosaccharides.Nondigestible oligosaccharides: Dandelion contains inulin, which is considered a nondigestible oligosaccharide (18).
  • Photosensitizing agentsPhotosensitizing agents: In human research, skin allergy, eczema, and increased sun sensitivity following direct contact with dandelion were the most commonly reported adverse effects (12; 13; 14; 15; 16).
  • PhytoestrogensPhytoestrogens: According to animal and human research, dandelion may upregulate estrogen receptors (alpha and beta), progesterone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression, but decrease androstenedione and estrone-sulfate levels (5; 63).
  • PotassiumPotassium: Dandelion may alter the effects of potassium. Dandelion has historically been used as a diuretic, and it may lower blood potassium levels. However, dandelion also contains potassium. Human clinical evidence on the effect of dandelion on potassium levels is lacking.
  • Urine alkalinizersUrine alkalinizers: According to traditional use, dandelion has an alkalinizing effect on urine.
  • Vitamin AVitamin A: Dandelion leaves contain vitamin A, lutein, and beta-carotene, and theoretically, supplemental doses of these agents may have additive effects or toxicity. Vitamin A is fat soluble and may accumulate in tissues.

    • Dandelion/Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • Dandelion/Lab Interactions:

  • AndrostenedioneAndrostenedione: According to human research, dandelion may decrease androstenedione and estrone-sulfate levels (63).
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): In healthy premenopausal women, dandelion may decrease dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androstenedione, and estrone-sulfate levels (63).
  • ElectrolytesElectrolytes: Historically, dandelion has been believed to possess diuretic (urination-increasing) properties and may increase the effects of other herbs with potential diuretic effects. Therefore, plasma sodium or potassium concentrations may decrease with dandelion use. However, no such effects have been found in the available literature.
  • EstrogenEstrogen: According to human research, dandelion may decrease androstenedione and estrone-sulfate levels (63).
  • GlucoseGlucose: According to animal research, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels (17; 18), although other research reported a lack of change (41).
  • PT/INRPT/INR: In theory, due to coumarins found in dandelion leaf extracts, dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Platelet aggregation may also be inhibited (10).
  • Serum levels of cytochrome P450 metabolized agentsSerum levels of cytochrome P450 metabolized agents: In animal research, dandelion interfered with the way the liver breaks down certain drugs (using the P450 1A2 and 2E enzyme systems) (61).
  • Uric acidUric acid: According to secondary sources, dandelion is an effective treatment for gout because of its ability to reduce high uric acid levels.
  • Urine drug screensUrine drug screens: Dandelion has been used historically by substance abusers with the intention of masking illicit substances in urine drug screens (anecdotally). However, studies are lacking in this area.