Herbal Monograph: Dandelion

Dandelion Extract Showed Promise in Blocking Interaction Between ACE2 Receptors and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutations in Lab Study

Common Name: Dandelion

Other Names: Blowball, Lion’s Tooth, Cankerwort, Puffball

Latin Name: Taraxacum Officinale

Origin: Native to Europe and Asia, but can now be found all over the world

Herbal Actions:

Diuretic, hepatic, cholagogue, anti-inflammatory, and laxative

Ayurveda Doshas:

Balances Pitta and Kapha doshas while increasing Vata dosha.

Description:

Dandelion is a perennial herb that grows around 12 inches tall with bright yellow flowers that later form into round, fluffy seed heads. The leaves of the plant form a basal rosette that is often used for herbal preparations. Dandelion root is also extracted for herbal usage.

Common Uses:

Dandelion is used to promote digestion by stimulating bile production in the liver and gallbladder. It is also often employed as a diuretic to help rid the body of excess fluid and to stimulate the kidneys. In addition, dandelion has been used to relieve joint pain and inflammation, as well as to support healthy skin. Some holistic practitioners recommend dandelion extract to “detox” from spike protein (see below).

Dandelion as an Antiviral

Dandelion has been found to have antiviral properties, particularly in inhibiting the replication of certain viruses. Studies have demonstrated that extracts from dandelion roots and leaves may have antiviral activity against influenza virus, herpes simplex virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1).

Dandelion extracts have also been found to inhibit the binding and replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 (see below). This antiviral effect is likely due to the presence of various bioactive compounds in dandelion, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones.

While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind dandelion’s antiviral properties, these findings suggest that dandelion may have potential as a natural treatment option for certain viral infections.

Dandelion and Blood Sugar Control

Dandelion has been traditionally used as a natural treatment for various medical conditions, including blood sugar control. There are several ways in which dandelion may help manage blood sugar levels:

1. Insulin production and secretion: Dandelion root and leaf contain compounds that may stimulate insulin production and release from the pancreas. This can help to lower blood sugar levels by improving the uptake of glucose by cells while reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

2. Insulin sensitivity: Dandelion may also improve insulin sensitivity, which is how effectively cells respond to the presence of insulin. This can help to reduce blood sugar levels by increasing the uptake of glucose by cells.

3. Glycemic control: Dandelion may improve glycemic control by slowing down the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down and absorbed by the body. This can help to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.

Additionally, dandelion is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. While there is some evidence to suggest that dandelion may be beneficial for blood sugar control, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage, effectiveness, and safety of dandelion for managing blood sugar levels.

As with any natural remedy or supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using dandelion for blood sugar control.

Warning: If you are already on blood sugar medication, dandelion could potentially drop your blood sugar levels too low.

How to Use:

Dandelion can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as making teas, tinctures, or adding the leaves to salads. The root can also be dried and powdered in order to create capsules or tablets.

Cautions:

While generally considered safe, dandelion may cause an allergic reaction in individuals who are sensitive to the Asteraceae family or ragweed. Dandelion root may also interfere with certain medications such as antibiotics, blood thinners, and blood sugar medications, so it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before use.

It is important to be cautious when making dandelion extract. Avoid using dandelion plants that have been picked from chemically treated lawns or other areas known to have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Dandelions are capable of absorbing contaminants from the soil, which can lead to serious health risks.

When collecting dandelions for use in extract preparation, it is advised to pick them from areas that have not been subjected to any chemical treatments. If sourcing from such areas is not possible, the dandelions should be carefully washed and cleaned to eliminate potential contaminants. It is vital to prioritize safety, so avoid using dandelions that have been exposed to chemicals, as the potential risks to health may outweigh the benefits of the extract.

Contraindications:

Dandelion should be avoided by those who have gallstones or bile duct obstruction. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid the use of dandelion. Avoid taking dandelion if on blood sugar medications like metformin. Also speak to your doctor if you are on blood thinners or need antibiotics.

Dandelion and Spike Protein:

Many people recommend spike protein detox following a 2021 study showing that dandelion inhibited covid from infecting humans due to blocking ACE2 cell receptor engagement:

Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) efficiently blocks the interaction between ACE2 cell surface receptor and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein D614, mutants D614G, N501Y, K417N and E484K in vitro

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.19.435959v1

Dandelion is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. The water-based extract used in the study contained high molecular weight compounds that were believed to account for the observed effect. The dandelion extract was tested in vitro using human kidney and lung cells that overexpress the ACE2 receptor.

The study examined the ability of common dandelion to prevent the interaction between the ACE2 cell surface receptor and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, including five mutations found in new variants of the virus. The interaction between the ACE2 cell surface receptor and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is crucial for the virus to infect human cells.

The results showed that a water-based extract of dandelion effectively blocked this interaction (in laboratory conditions) using human kidney and lung cells. The extract was also able to prevent the infection of lung cells by SARS-CoV-2.

The study results suggest that dandelion extract may be a promising candidate as a preventive strategy against COVID-19.

Further research is needed to determine the clinical relevance and applicability of dandelion extract for COVID-19 prevention. However, dandelion is generally considered safe for medicinal use and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Thus, dandelion extract could provide an affordable and widely available option for COVID-19 prevention.

Does this study prove that dandelion can help with spike protein detox?

The short answer is, no.

The study mentioned does not focus on the ability of dandelion to help someone “detox” from spike protein. Instead, it highlights the potential of dandelion extract to prevent the interaction between the ACE2 receptor and the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. While this action may prevent covid from infecting cells, it says nothing about whether dandelion helps the body destroy and/or expel spike proteins.

Thus, while dandelion has been traditionally used for its detox properties, this study does not provide evidence that dandelion can help someone “detox” specifically from the spike protein, especially after exposure from vaccination. However, other properties of dandelion may be therapeutic to people who want holistic support for suspected spike protein injury.