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Review

Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects

by
Min Fan
1,*,†,
Xiao Zhang
2,†,
Huaping Song
1 and
Yakong Zhang
2,*
1
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu Medical College, Pingliang 744000, China
2
Sanitation Test Center, Pingliang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Pingliang 744000, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5022; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135022
Submission received: 26 May 2023 / Revised: 17 June 2023 / Accepted: 19 June 2023 / Published: 27 June 2023
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Dandelion (Taraxacum genus) is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. As a well-known and extensively studied genus, dandelion comprises numerous species. Some species have been widely used in both complementary and alternative medicine to clear heat, detoxify, activate blood circulation, dispel stasis, and discharge urine. Multiple pharmacological studies have highlighted its therapeutic potential, including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-rheumatic activities. Furthermore, bioactive compounds associated with these effects include sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils, saccharides, flavonoids, sphingolipids, triterpenoids, sterols, coumarins, etc. Based on recent studies about the Taraxacum genus, the present review critically evaluates the current state of dandelion utilization and summarizes the significant roles of dandelion and its constituents in different diseases. We also focus on the reported phytology, chemical composition, pharmacology, and toxicity of dandelion, along with the main possible action mechanisms behind their therapeutic activities. Meanwhile, the challenges and future directions of the Taraxacum genus are also prospected in this review, thus highlighting its pharmaceutical research and practical clinical applications.

1. Introduction

Dandelion (Taraxacum genus), named “Pugongying” in China, is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It has a complex classification, comprising over three hundred species [1]. In Asia, the Taraxacum genus is widely cultivated and also found wild in most parts of China, North Korea, Mongolia, and Russia [2]. It grows in temperate regions globally, including on lawns, on roadsides, on disturbed banks and shores of waterways, and in other areas with moist soils.
As an edible medicinal herb and vegetable, dandelion (Taraxacum genus) has long been utilized in traditional medicine, folk remedies, and substitution therapies in many countries to treat diverse diseases (Figure 1) [3]. Taraxacum genus as a drug was first used to treat liver and spleen diseases in Arabian medicine. In the 16th century, the German botanist Fuchs discovered that Taraxacum can be used to treat gout, diarrhea, blisters, and spleen and liver diseases. It has been used as a common drug for detoxification, swelling, and lactation since the 16th century in China. Since the 19th century, several authors have relied on the existing traditional knowledge to provide scientific explanations about how Taraxacum works on diseases and their symptoms [4]. Taraxacum can be used as diuretics, antioxidants, bile agents, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-cancer agents. Corresponding studies in the 20th century revealed that Taraxacum can be used medicinally, while its inflorescences, leaves, and roots can be processed into different foods. For example, the leaves of cultivated or wild Taraxacum species can be eaten in salads, while roots are baked and used as a coffee substitute [5]. Additionally, the Taraxacum leaf extract can be used as a flavoring agent for various foods, including alcoholic and soft drinks, frozen dairy desserts, candies, baked goods, pudding, and cheese [6,7].
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) records over forty Chinese patent medicines containing Taraxacum genus, which can be clinically utilized for treating over fifty types of diseases. Since Taraxacum genus could clear away heat, remove toxicity, disperse swelling, dissipate binds, and induce diuresis, dandelion in clinic is commonly used to cure inflammation, stomach trouble, tumors, gynecological diseases, male urinary system diseases, etc. For example, clinical studies demonstrated that the Kangfuxiaoyan suppository containing dandelion could attenuate symptoms and improve immunity in pelvic inflammatory patients; Rupixiao granule containing dandelion possessed the beneficial activity to induce diuresis so as to mitigate edema and resolve hard lumps, which had a satisfactory effective rate for treating breast hyperplasia. Additionally, according to the ClinicalTrials.gov database resource (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov, accessed on 14 June 2023) supported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, for the interventional clinical trials of Taraxacum genus, one clinical study (NCT00442091) has also been conducted by Odense University Hospital to explore the beneficial effect of dandelion juice on dyshidrotic hand eczema.
Therefore, a comprehensive review of the Taraxacum genus studies is necessary considering its numerous benefits. In this work, we reviewed the recent studies of the Taraxacum genus. Firstly, we introduced the dandelion herbs and described them both botanically and ethnopharmacologically. We then discussed the main chemical composition of Taraxacum genus and outlined its pharmacological effects and toxicity, as these previously have not been fully reviewed to date. Finally, we focused on the challenges and future directions of Taraxacum genus, which could elucidate their pharmaceutical research and practical clinical applications. Thus, this review will provide a better understanding of the Taraxacum genus and its biological activities by comprehensively summarizing the existing literature.

2. Materials and Methods

The literature review was performed using several resources, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, Europe PMC, Baidu Scholar, American Chemical Society (ACS), and SpringerLink as well as books on Chinese Pharmacopoeia and China Flora, by using different relevant keywords. Additionally, we used Ph.D. and M.S. dissertations, local magazines, and books on toxicology, such as Ben Cao Gang Mu and the Handbook for the Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The keywords used included Taraxacum, dandelion, phytology, genus, ethnopharmacology, sesquiterpenoids, phenolics, other main active components, toxicology, and pharmacological and clinical study. We verified the Latin names of all plants mentioned in this paper from http://www.theplantlist.org/, accessed on 1 January 2023 or http://mpns.kew.org/mpns-portal/, accessed on 1 January 2023 and also provided their validated species names.

3. Phytology and Ethnopharmacology

3.1. Phytology

Dandelion is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere and belongs to the Asteraceae family. The whole grass possesses medicinal values, such as clearing away heat, detoxification, reduction of swelling, and phlegm dispersion. Generally, the leaves of various dandelions are ≥5–25 cm long, simple, lobed, and form a basal rosette above the central taproot. Their flower heads open during the daytime and close at night, and have colors ranging from yellow to orange. The heads are borne singly on a hollow stem (scape), which is usually leafless and rises 1–10 cm or more above the leaves. Stems and leaves exude white and milky latex when broken. A rosette may simultaneously produce several flowering stems. The flower heads are 2–5 cm in diameter and entirely comprise ray florets. The flower heads mature into spherical seed heads, sometimes called blowballs or clocks, which contain many single-seeded fruits called achenes. Each achene is attached to a pappus with fine hair-like material, which facilitates wind-aided dispersal over long distances (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraxacum/, accessed on 1 January 2023 ).

3.2. Ethnopharmacology

In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion was first recorded in Tang Bencao—the oldest classical medical book written in the Tang Dynasty (657–659 AD). In this book, dandelion was regarded as a powerful medicine to treat breast swelling and pain. Later, the Yunnan Materia Medica written by Ren Lanmao (in the Ming Dynasty) described that dandelion displayed a great detoxification effect and could treat various sores. Additionally, dandelion has also been included in the Ming Dynasty masterpiece Compendium of Materia Medica edited by Chinese pharmacologist Li Shizhen. This book describes the detailed functions of dandelion and its wide use in many Chinese medicinal prescriptions.
Currently, dandelion has been recorded in the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. Thirty-nine prescriptions included dandelion as the principal active component, and these are listed in the Chinese Pharmacopeia and approved by the state administration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of the People’s Republic of China (Table 1). Furthermore, many countries also recognize the medical applications of dandelion ever since the advent of ancient medicine, especially in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Ancient medicine records showed that every part of the dandelion could be used. Based on the symptoms, the usage forms of dandelion may be countless, including infusion, decoction, tincture, plaster, and powder. Furthermore, the administration route may either be oral or topical. The main therapeutic indications include gastrointestinal, skin, and respiratory diseases [1]. Table 2 lists the different uses of the various species of Taraxacum.

4. Chemical Compounds

Traditional medicinal plants have a corresponding therapeutic effect depending on their constituent compounds [32]. Dandelion is highly regarded for its unique biological characteristics and good biological activity. Considering its excellent pharmacological properties, researchers have isolated their active ingredients over the past few decades. Its biological activity is determined by complex chemical components, mainly sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils, saccharides, flavonoids, sphingolipids, triterpenoids, sterols, coumarins, etc. In vivo and in vitro studies have displayed outstanding bioactivities of dandelion, such as anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-rheumatic, etc. Undoubtedly, it is the diverse phytoconstituents that provide dandelion with remarkable pharmacological properties. For example, phenolic acids such as caffeic acid, coumaric acid, dihydrosyingin, chicoric acid, vanillin, etc., in dandelion possess anti-oxidative and immunostimulant properties. The main sesquiterpene compounds in dandelion are sesquiterpene lactones, usually in the form of glycosides, such as sonchuside, cichorioside C, ixerin D, taraxafolide, and so on, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities. Triterpenoids and sterols in dandelion such as lupenyl acetate, α-amyin acetate, β-amyin acetate, β-sitosterol, daucosterol, etc., can alleviate cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoids in dandelion such as quercetin, chrysoeriol diosmetin, luteolin, etc., usually have anti-oxidative activity; While coumarins in dandelion such as aesculin, cichoriin, esculetin, scopoletin, etc., possess anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, anti-coagulant, and anti-cancer effects.

4.1. Sesquiterpenoids and Phenolic Compounds

Dandelion contains different sesquiterpenoid and phenolic compounds. The bitter taste of dandelion is mainly imparted by sesquiterpenoids (Figure 2). The only known sesquiterpene lactone components in this plant are two germacranolides, namely, taraxinic acid and the β-glucopyranosyl ester and its 11, 13-dihydroderivative and two eudesmanolides (4a(15),11β(13)-tetrahydroridentin B, and taraxacolide-1-O-β-glucopyranoside), which were isolated from T. officinale [33]. From the ethanolic root extracts of two different species of the Taraxacum genus (T. laevigatum and T. disseminatum), eight types of germacrane and eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, including 1β,3β,6α-trihydroxy-4α(15)-dihydrocosticacid methyl ester and its 1-O-β-glucopyranoside, were obtained [34]. A sesquiterpenoid ketolactone and a new guaianolide were isolated from an ethyl acetate-soluble part of a methanolic extract of T. wallichii [35]. Furthermore, eight sesquiterpenes, including 1β,3β-dihydroxy-eudesman-11(13)-en-6α,12-olide, 1β,3β-dihydroxyeudesman-6α,12-olide, loliolide, 1β,3β-dihydroxyeudesman-11(13)-en-6α,12-olide, ainslioside 1β,3β-dihydroxyeudesman-6α,12-olide, and 11β,13-dihydrotaraxinic acid were successfully obtained from T. mongolicum [36,37,38]. Five germacrane- and guaiane-type sesquiterpene lactones together with benzyl glucoside, dihydroconiferin, syringing, and dihydrosyringin were isolated from the roots of T. officinale [39]. Eleven sesquiterpene lactones, including the new guaianolide 11β-hydroxydeacetylmatricarin-8-O-β-glucopyranoside and four other known phenolic glucosides, were also isolated from the roots of T. hondoense [40]. T. erythrospermum, T. serotinum, T. obovatum, T. alpinum, and T. udum are species of the Taraxacum genus. Additionally, sixteen sesquiterpenoids were also isolated from the aforementioned varieties [41,42,43,44,45]. Two eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones, (2β-hydroxysantamarine-1β-D-glucopyranoside and 3β-hydroxy-4αH-3-dihydrosantamarine-β-d-glucopyranoside) were successfully isolated from the methanolic extract of T. linearisquameum [46]. New sesquiterpenoids were also obtained from the roots of T. platycarpum [47]. In 1998, a guaianolide sesquiterpene, desacetylmatricarin, was isolated from T. platycarpum and reported as an active ingredient with the anti-allergic property [48]. 14-O-β-d-Glucosyl-l1,13-dihydro-taraxinic acid and 14-O-β-d-glucosyl-taraxinic acid were extracted from the roots of T. officinale [49].
Polyphenolic compounds are widely present in plants. Many potentially active phenolic compounds are isolated from different species of the Taraxacum genus [50,51,52] (Figure 3).

4.2. Essential Oils

Bylka et al. analyzed T. officinale L. by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and obtained 25 volatile compounds, with 1,3-dimethylbenzene, 1,2-dimethylbenzene, 1-ethyl-3-methylbenzene, heneicosane, and tricosane as the main components [53]. The separated compounds also included straight-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (nonadecane, hexadecane, heneicosane, pentadecane, tricosane, eicosane, and 1-tridecyne), branched aliphatic hydrocarbons (2,5,5-trimethylheptane and 6-ethyl-2-methyloctane), esters (benzyl benzoate), alkylated benzenes (1,3-dimethylbenzene, 1,2-dimethylbenzene, 1-ethyl-3-methylbenzene, and 1-hydroxymethyl-4-methylbenzene), alcohols (2-nonen-1-ol, 1,9-nonanediol, and 1-tridecanol), aldehydes (octanal, phenylacetaldehyde, 2-methylbenzaldehyde, nonanal, pentadecanal, and 10-undecenal), and ketones (5-methyl-2-hexanone and hexadecanoic acid). Upon analyzing the volatile components of T. officinale using GC–MS, the essential oil components obtained were butyl acetate, 2-methyl-propanol, n-butanol, 4-phenyl-1-butanol, 4-hydroxyl 4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetic acid, 4-terpineol, fluoro-terpineol, and alpha-terpineol [54].

4.3. Saccharides

A recent study reported the successful extraction of a water-soluble heteropolysaccharide from T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz comprising three monosaccharides, namely pika, arabinose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 1.0:10.7:11.9 [55]. Schütz et al. isolated fructooligosaccharides and fructopolysaccharides from the root of T. officinale WEB. ex WIGG [56].

4.4. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a class of natural compounds with a 2-phenylchromanthone structure and a ketone carbonyl group. The oxygen atom in the first position is basic and can form a salt with a strong acid. The hydroxy derivative has a yellow color and is called a xanthophyll or a flavonoid. Dandelion contains diverse flavonoids, which are important in plant growth, development, flowering, fruiting, and anti-bacterial defense (Figure 4). Six flavonoids, including apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, luteolin-7-β-d-glucopyranoside, quercetin-7-β-d-glucopyranoside, and quercetin-37-O-β-d-diglucopyranoside, were obtained and identified from T. mongolicum [57]. Two new flavone glycosides, namely, isoetin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-2′-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside and isoetin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-2′-O-α-d-glucopyranoside, were isolated from the aerial part of T. mongolicum. The structures of these compounds were elucidated mainly by spectral analyses [58]. Shi et al. established an online rapid screening method, namely, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) diode array for detection and electrospray mass spectrometry system for separation and identification of free radical scavengers in T. mongolicum methanol extract. Additionally, the detected anti-oxidant was directly separated by preparative HPLC (PHPLC) and Sephadex LH-20. The purified compound was sampled using an off-line nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer to obtain the corresponding spectrum. Thirty-two kinds of free radical scavenging compounds were screened, isolated, and identified, including 16 flavonoids, 10 phenylpropyl compounds, and 6 benzoic acid compounds. Among them, 17 compounds were isolated for the first time from T. mongolicum, including three new compounds [59]. Five flavonoid glycosides were isolated and purified from the gas phase of T. mongolicum (a traditional Chinese medicinal herb) using high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) [60,61,62]. Moreover, two polymethoxylated flavones were isolated from T. mongolicum in 2009 [63]. In 1996, three flavonoid glycosides, including luteolin 7-glycoside and two luteolin 7-diglucosides, were isolated from the flowers and leaves, while free luteolin was isolated from the flower tissues of T. officinale [63]. Eight flavones and eight flavonol glycosides were isolated from T. officinale WEB. ex WIGG. and identified using HPLC/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry [50]. Ten flavonoids were identified from T. formosanum and quantified with concentrations of 9.9–325.8 μg g−1 [51].

4.5. Sphingolipids

A sphingolipid comprises a long-chain fatty acid, a sphingosine molecule or its derivative, and a polar head alcohol. The polar head group of the sphingolipid binds to the hydroxyl group of the sphingosine, while the fatty acid moiety forms an amide bond with its amino group. Two sphingolipids, namely, gynuramide II and phytolacca cerebroside, were obtained and identified from the root of T. mongolicum [57] (Figure 5).

4.6. Triterpenoids and Sterols

Triterpenoids are substances formed by the end-to-end joining of several isoprenes with their hydroxyl groups being removed. Most triterpenoids comprise a chain of 30 carbon atoms, while few contain 27 carbon atoms. In dandelion, pentacyclic triterpenoids are the main type. A sterol, which is a general term for a group of compounds with a fluorene nucleus, has a cyclopentane polyhydrophenanthrene skeleton. There are different kinds of sterols in different parts of the dandelion. In dandelions, triterpenoids and sterols exhibit remarkable anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities (Figure 6). Six triterpenoids and sterols, such as gigantursenol A, taraxasterol, β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucoside, stigmasterol, and β-sigmasterol-3-O-β-d-glucoside were successfully obtained from the root of T. mongolicum [57]. Warashina et al. extracted eight new triterpenes from dandelion roots [47]. Later, three novel triterpenoids, including the lupane-, bauerane-, and euphane-type triterpenoids were isolated from the roots of T. officinale [64].

4.7. Coumarins

Coumarin-based compounds are relatively less distributed in dandelions (Figure 7); 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin (escin) and scutellarin were isolated from the stems and leaves of T. officinale in 1981 [65]. Nine coumarin compounds (including umbelliferone, coumestrol, lactucin, hachibate, east azlactone, resveratrol, lactucin, chicory, and esculin) were isolated from T. officinale and T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz [30,63,66].

4.8. Others

Some studies have reported that T. mongolicum also contains glycerin, inositol, polysaccharides, and other compounds that are indispensable for plant growth [67,68] (Figure 8). With the advancement of identification techniques, different classes of compounds can be assigned by comparing them with standards. Ma et al. employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and identified three compounds, namely, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and taraxasterol [69]. Oh et al. used HPLC to identify quercetin from the ethanolic extract of T. mongolicum [70]. Lignans, including mongolicumin A and rufescidride, were obtained from T. mongolicum [38,60]. The leaf extract of T. officinale contained houttuyin and aescin. This study is the first to report the discovery of free pterin (luteolin 3′-methyl ether). The contents of cichoric acid, chlorogenic acid, houttuyin, and aescin in chicory plants were initially identified. Chicoric acid and its related monocaffeine tartaric acid are major phenolics, which are also used in pharmaceutical preparations and found in alfalfa [63]. Jia et al. isolated two compounds, namely, caffeic acid and luteolin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, from T. mongolicum [71]. HPLC was used to identify an organic acid from T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; the acid plays an important role in the treatment of acute tracheobronchitis and has good anti-inflammatory activity [72,73]. Kao utilized HPLC–MS spectrometry and carotenoid column chromatography and successfully separated 25 carotenoids from T. formosanum. Furthermore, all-trans-canthaxanthin was found to be an appropriate internal standard for quantitation; all-trans-carotene and its cis isomers had the largest amount (413.6 μg·g−1), followed by all-trans-violoxanthin and its cis isomers (209.5 μg·g−1), all-trans-lutein and its cis isomers (212.4 μg·g−1), all-trans-neoxanthin and its cis isomers (134.6 μg·g−1), antheraxanthin (16.5 μg·g−1), all-trans-cryptoxanthin and its cis isomers (5.8 μg·g−1), all-trans-zeaxanthin (3.6 μg·g−1), and neochrome (0.1 μg·g−1). Two inositol derivatives, namely, (1S,2S,4R,5S)-2,3,4,6-tetrahydroxy-5-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl] oxycyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetate and (2S,3R,5R,6S)-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxy-4-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetyl]oxycyclohexyl-2-(4-hydroxy- phenyl) acetate, were successfully isolated from the methanolic extract of T. linearisquameum [74]. Additionally, the known compound taraxinic acid β-D-glucopyranosyl ester was isolated [46]. Kenny et al. used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to separate and identify different 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid derivatives, including, 9-hydroxyoctadecatrienoic acid and 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, from the root fraction of T. officinale and characterized these compounds using spectroscopy [75,76]. Lutein epoxide was successfully isolated from the petals of T. officinale F. Weber ex Wiggers. Moreover, all-E-lutein epoxide was the major carotenoid and had high amounts of (9Z)- and (9′Z)-isomers [77]. Phytochemical investigation of the roots of T. coreanum led to the isolation of two new inositol derivatives [52].

5. Pharmacological Effects

Dandelion has been reported to have multiple pharmacological effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-rheumatic, etc. This section reviews recent findings on the pharmacological effects of Taraxacum (Figure 9) (Table 3).

5.1. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Oxidant Effects

Dandelion reportedly possesses excellent anti-bacterial activity. Díaz and his colleagues isolated diverse chemical compounds from T. officinale leaves, mainly triterpenoids and other unknown compounds. Subsequently, the leaves’ extract could markedly inhibit Gram-positive bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 200 g mL−1), thus suggesting dandelion had promising anti-bacterial potential [127]. In another experiment, the content, anti-oxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of phenols and flavonoids in three different types of dandelion methanolic extracts were investigated. The total phenolic content was 1000 mg·kg−1, with the aboveground content being higher than the root. T. mongolicum had the highest phenolic content in the stems (76.8 mg·kg−1) and roots (40.0 mg·kg−1), followed by T. coreanum and T. officinale (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the total flavonoid content also showed a consistent trend with the total phenolic content. The anti-oxidant activity of each methanolic extract increased in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities of T. mongolicum shoot and root extracts (89.6% and 83.4%) were obtained at a concentration of 1000 mg·kg−1. The overall experimental results proved that the total phenolic and flavonoid levels were highly correlated with anti-oxidant activity, but their content and activity varied across species [87,89]. In another study of the anti-bacterial activity of the extracts of T. mongolicum in different solvents, Gao reported that only the ethanolic extract had varying degrees of anti-bacterial activity (inhibition zone >7 mm in diameter), while the aqueous extract did not [78].
Flavonoids and coumaric acid derivatives were extracted from dandelion flowers. In the study of anti-oxidant properties, the extracts had scavenged effects on superoxide and hydroxyl radical-induced damage; meanwhile, the inhibition of hydroxyl radicals was nonspecific. The reduction in the phenolic content of the extract reduced the DPPH capacity and showed a synergistic effect with α-tocopherol. After the addition of the corresponding extract, the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophage RAW264.7 cells in mice, thereby significantly reducing the NO concentration in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, adding a certain extract concentration significantly inhibited the peroxide radical-induced intracellular oxidation of RAW264.7 cells. The extract demonstrated a significant anti-oxidant activity in biological and chemical models. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the extract on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO was related to its phenolic content [93].
T. mongolicum extract inhibited four Gram-negative bacteria and two Gram-positive bacteria, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, with MIC values of 125 and 62.5 μg·mL−1, respectively. The ethyl acetate soluble component extracted from dandelion had high anti-bacterial activity and can be used as a natural preservative in the pharmaceutical industry [79]. The relationship between osteoporosis and oxidative stress induced by ROS was also studied and food and plants with anti-oxidant effects are being increasingly focused upon to reduce the ROS-induced damage caused during bone metabolism. The anti-oxidative effect of T. mongolicum on the proliferation and the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells induced by hydrogen peroxide was investigated, and the total contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were 33.65 and 4.45 mg·g−1, respectively. Under hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress, dandelion extract promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and differentiation of osteoblasts. Hence, dandelion extract can inhibit oxidative stress-induced damage to osteoblasts and serve as a potential anti-oxidant material for preventing bone diseases [94].
With the increasing resistance of cow mastitis to bacteria and considering the safety of dairy products, anti-bacterial extracts should be used instead of antibiotics for the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows. The anti-bacterial effects of purslane and T. mongolicum aqueous and ethanolic extracts on the main pathogens of cow mastitis (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus agalactiae) were studied using disk diffusion method. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the two traditional Chinese medicines had different inhibitory effects on the four pathogens of cow mastitis. The anti-bacterial activity of the two Chinese herbal extracts against E. coli was higher than that against other bacteria. The ethanolic extract had higher anti-bacterial activity against E. coli than purslane. However, the anti-bacterial activity of the T. mongolicum ethanol extract was lower than that of the aqueous extract. Hence, purslane and the T. mongolicum extract may be used for the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows [66].

5.2. Anti-Cancer Effects

A previous report investigating the use of T. mongolicum extracts for the prevention and treatment of bovine mastitis discovered that different concentrations of the extract had no noticeable cytotoxic effect on MAC-T cells, thus being the first to report that the T. mongolicum extract significantly inhibited the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines in MAC-T cells. This finding has a certain clinical application value for the prevention and treatment of bovine mastitis [108]. Breast cancer is an aggressive and fatal breast disease with limited treatment options. Although T. mongolicum (a Chinese herbal medicine with anti-cancer activity) has been used for the treatment of breast abscess and breast hyperplasia since ancient times, its mechanism of action needs further scientific studies [128]. T. mongolicum extract significantly inhibited the activity of MDA-MB-231 cells by causing the G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. The extract also significantly increased the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP proteins, with the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK inhibiting T. mongolicum extract-induced apoptosis. Three ER stress-related signals were strongly induced by the T. mongolicum treatment, including increased expression of ATF4, ATF6, XBP1s, GRP78, and cleavage-related genes along with elevated phosphorylation levels of proteins, eIF-2αIRE1, and downstream molecular GRP78 impermanence. MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with CHOP siRNA significantly inhibited the T. mongolicum extract-induced apoptosis. The underlying mechanism is partially attributed to the strong activation of the active/p-eIF2α/ATF4/cut axis. In conclusion, apoptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress generates the anti-cancer effect of the T. mongolicum extract, thereby suggesting that the T. mongolicum extract may be a potential treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) [57]. However, the use of dandelion for breast cancer treatment is mainly based on anecdotal evidence and has no sufficient scientific evidence. Therefore, Oh et al. hypothesized that T. mongolicum can act as a selective estrogenic receptor modulator and hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women. T. mongolicum ethanol extract significantly increased the cell proliferation and estrogenic response element-driven luciferase activity. Hence, T. mongolicum ethanol extract can induce estrogenic activity mediated by the classical estrogenic receptor pathway, thereby providing a scientific basis for its anti-cancer application in traditional medicine [70].

5.3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute tracheobronchitis. The main component of T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz—an organic acid, has good anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, organic acids can improve the regulation of the TLR4/NF-κB (TLR4/IKK/NF-κB) signaling pathway in LPS-mediated histopathological damage, which may provide a basis for the treatment of acute tracheobronchitis [72,73].
T. mongolicum is widely used in the Eastern Hemisphere. Since T. mongolicum has a high mineral content, it causes potential problems with the absorption of quinolones. Since a previous study reported the occurrence of multifactorial drug interactions between T. mongolicum and ciprofloxacin, the effects of their simultaneous use should not be ignored. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that has good anti-bacterial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and mycobacteria. However, its oral absorption greatly diminished the effect of simultaneous administration of metal-containing cations. This phenomenon has been extensively studied for antacids, mineral supplements, and dairy products. However, information about this interaction is not yet available in mineral-rich herbal and health foods. Drug–drug interactions may occur between ciprofloxacin and a mineral-rich anti-inflammatory/anti-bacterial herb, T. mongolicum Hand-Mazz. Traditionally, T. mongolian dried plants are used for the treatment of lice, ulcers, mastitis, lymphadenitis, inflamed eyes, sore throat, lung and breast abscesses, acute appendicitis, jaundice, and urinary tract infections. Furthermore, this herb exerts a bactericidal effect on multiple pathogens, and its water extract has MIC values ranging from 1:10 to 1:640. In addition, the in vitro antifungal, anti-leptospiral, and antiviral effects of the herbs have been proven. Chemical testing of T. mongolicum indicates the presence of triterpenoids (such as tartaric alcohol and tartaric acid), inulin, pectin, asparagine, and phenolic compounds. A comprehensive pharmacokinetic assessment of the rat was performed and demonstrated the potential of drug–drug interactions between T. mongolicum and ciprofloxacin [80].
Different solvent extracts of T. officinale were successfully prepared by Jeon et al. in a carrageenan-induced balloon model [104]. The ethanolic extract inhibited the production of exudates and significantly reduced the NO and leukocyte levels in the exudate. The extract also inhibited acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in a dose-dependent manner in acetic acid-induced abdominal peristalsis in mice. In summary, medicinal dandelion has anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptive properties by inhibiting NO production and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and/or its anti-oxidant activity.
Mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) were used to study the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of the methanolic extract of T. officinale leaves on LPS induction. The methanolic extract and its components inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and prostaglandin (PG) E2 in a dose-dependent manner. However, the chloroform soluble fraction significantly inhibited the production of NO, PG E2, and two pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)) in a dose-dependent manner, with MIC values of 66.51, 90.96, 114.76, and 171.06 μg·mL−1, respectively. Hence, the anti-inflammatory effects of leaf extract may be due to the down-regulation of NO, PG, E2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines along with the inactivation of the MAP kinase signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and COX-2 [107]. Therefore, in the anti-inflammatory mechanism study, the aqueous extract of T. mongolicum exerted certain protective effects on acute lung injury-induced inflammation in mice [69].

6. Other Effects

Baek examined the methanolic extract of T. mongolicum and its fraction for their scavenging effects on DPPH and superoxide radicals and also their hepatoprotective effects on tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2 cells. The extract had free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective effects [129]. The novel homogenous polysaccharide DPSW-A was obtained from T. mongolicum and its derivative demonstrated limited anti-coagulant function [55]. Furthermore, the newly isolated compound 1β,3β-dihydroxy-eudesman-11(13)-en-6α from T. mongolicum inhibited the NO production, with an IC50 of 38.9 μM [36].
In the study of its hypolipidemic action and mechanism, T. mongolicum was extracted separately with water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol. The 50% ethanolic extract was the most effective among the 13 extracts. Prolonged administration of the 50% ethanolic extract significantly reduced the body weight of rats and the serum levels of triglyceride LDL-C and total cholesterol. Hence, T. mongolicum helps in lowering blood lipid levels [68]. Moreover, the T. mongolicum methanol extract strongly inhibited monoamine oxidase. Therefore, the extract can potentially affect diseases, such as depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease [95].
Skin whitening is becoming popular among people. Melanin is an important factor that determines skin color. In the study of melanin synthesis inhibition by T. mongolicum extract, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to analyze the protein and mRNA levels of tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, TRP-2, tyrosinase, MITF, ERK, and PKA, and it was found to inhibit melanin synthesis [110].
To verify the antiviral effect of T. mongolicum on the hepatitis B virus, researchers found that 50–100 g·mL−1 T. mongolicum extract could protect the rat hepatocytes as compared with D-galactosamine (D-GalN), thioacetamide (TAA), and t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). The protective effect of 100 g·mL−1 T. mongolicum extract on rat hepatocytes was enhanced. Furthermore, the T. mongolicum extract significantly inhibited DNA replication at 1–100 g·mL−1, and reduced the levels of HBsAg and HBeAg at 25–100 g·mL−1, with inhibition rates of 91.39% and 91.72% at 100 g·mL−1, respectively. The T. mongolicum extract significantly inhibited DNA replication at 25–100 g·mL−1, thus exerting a strong antiviral effect on HBV. The protective effect of T. mongolicum extract on hepatocytes may be achieved by inhibiting oxidative stress. However, the antiviral properties of the T. mongolicum extract may help block protein synthesis and DNA replication. The main components of the T. mongolicum extract were quantitatively analyzed to provide a scientific basis for its use in the treatment of hepatitis [71].

7. Toxicity

When a plant or a compound isolated from a plant has no significant toxicity or side effects, its potential therapeutic effect should be studied further. This is particularly important for dandelion [130]. In daily life, the recommended dosage of dandelion is 10–15 g [1]. In 1974, Râcz–Kotilla et al. [114] studied the diuretic effect of a 4% aqueous extract of dandelion. Firstly, they performed acute toxicity tests on different parts of dandelion and fluid extracts of grass (DL50 = 27.2 g·kg−1 body weight). In the diuretic experiment, the aqueous extract of dandelion was administered at a dose of 8 g·kg−1 body weight for one month, and the body weight of the mice and rats were found to be reduced by ~30%. In the study of the protective effect of renal oxidative damage caused by CCl4, the oral administration of 100, 250, 300, 500, and 750 mg·kg−1 dandelion aqueous extract for the duration of the test was considered safe. In addition, the corresponding lesions in mice showed a good prognosis, thus indicating that these dosages are within the normal range [115,122,131]. In terms of cytotoxicity, HepG2, HeLa, HL60, and Vero E6 cells had different IC50 values (0.015 ± 0.001, 0.023 ± 0.002, >0.25) [92].

8. Conclusions and Future Prospects

As a well-known complementary and alternative medicine, the whole dandelion herb, including its roots, stem, leaf, flower, and seed is rich in diverse bioactive ingredients including sesquiterpenes, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, triterpenes, etc. However, previous studies have mainly focused on extracting and identifying active ingredient structures from different kinds of dandelion. At present, most research focuses on studying the biological activity of partial extracts such as the root extracts, while the research on the biological activity of other effective active ingredients of dandelion are relatively fewer. Moreover, the pharmacological research of the effective active ingredients of dandelion mostly focuses on the basic pharmacological mechanism, and the form of mechanism research is relatively simple. For example, in order to clarify the specific anti-cancer mechanism of dandelion, more advanced strategies including network pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, and metabolomics methods can be flexibly used to comprehensively demonstrate the multi-target anti-cancer action mechanism of dandelion, which will provide new insights for further accurate search, and confirmation and optimization of the relationship between the active ingredient of dandelion and the target. Additionally, most of the current studies focus on in vitro cell experiments, and the research results lack clinical applicability. In the future, a large number of in vivo animal models are needed to deeply study the pharmacological mechanisms and targets of active ingredients of dandelion, so that they can realize clinical application as soon as possible and offer new ideas and methods for precise treatment.
To be more specific, T. mongolicum, T. borealisinense, T. coreanum Nakai, and T. officinale are the most frequently utilized species for complementary and alternative medicine. Additionally, in terms of pharmacological effects, dandelion could exert potent anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-rheumatic activities. Moreover, the extracts from different parts all displayed excellent aforementioned activities, which provided strong evidence regarding the use of the traditional medicinal herb as an anti-bacterial drug. However, the anti-bacterial effect differed between the different types of dandelion. Although dandelion is a traditional medicinal plant used for different treatments, its mechanism of action and its corresponding biological activity and safety should be further studied. Furthermore, when dandelion is clinically applied, in-depth research and investigation should be conducted regarding its distribution and metabolism. Therefore, we believe that with further developments in science and technology, novel drug technologies can be combined with traditional therapeutic medicinal plants, such as dandelion, to achieve better treatment outcomes.

Funding

This research was supported by the Innovation Ability Improvement Project of Colleges and Universities of Gansu Province (Project No.: 2020B-262), Higher Education Teaching Achievements Cultivation Project of Gansu Province in 2021 (Project No.: JXCGPY2021145), and College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project of Gansu Province in 2019.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Sample Availability

Not applicable.

Abbreviations

COX-2: cyclooxygenase-2; D-GalN: D-galactosamine; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; HSCCC: high-speed counter-current chromatography; IL-1β: interleukin-1β; iNOS: inducible NO synthase; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; MIC: minimum inhibitory concentration; MTT: tetrazolium salt colorimetric; NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance; PG: prostaglandin; PHPLC: preparative HPLC; TAA: thioacetamide; t-BHP: t-butyl hydroperoxide; TCM: traditional Chinese medicine; TNBC: triple-negative breast cancer; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-α; UPLC: ultra-performance liquid chromatography.

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Molecules 28 05022 g001 550
Figure 1. The morphology of Taraxacum officinale.
Figure 1. The morphology of Taraxacum officinale.
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Molecules 28 05022 g002a 550Molecules 28 05022 g002b 550
Figure 2. The chemical structures of representative sesquiterpenoids from Taraxacum genus.
Figure 2. The chemical structures of representative sesquiterpenoids from Taraxacum genus.
Molecules 28 05022 g002aMolecules 28 05022 g002b
Molecules 28 05022 g003a 550Molecules 28 05022 g003b 550
Figure 3. The chemical structures of representative phenolic compounds from Taraxacum genus.
Figure 3. The chemical structures of representative phenolic compounds from Taraxacum genus.
Molecules 28 05022 g003aMolecules 28 05022 g003b
Molecules 28 05022 g004a 550Molecules 28 05022 g004b 550
Figure 4. The chemical structures of representative flavonoids from Taraxacum genus.
Figure 4. The chemical structures of representative flavonoids from Taraxacum genus.
Molecules 28 05022 g004aMolecules 28 05022 g004b
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Figure 5. The chemical structures of representative sphingolipids from Taraxacum genus.
Figure 5. The chemical structures of representative sphingolipids from Taraxacum genus.
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Molecules 28 05022 g006 550
Figure 6. The chemical structures of representative triterpenoids and sterols from Taraxacum genus.
Figure 6. The chemical structures of representative triterpenoids and sterols from Taraxacum genus.
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Molecules 28 05022 g007 550
Figure 7. The chemical structures of representative coumarins from Taraxacum genus.
Figure 7. The chemical structures of representative coumarins from Taraxacum genus.
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Molecules 28 05022 g008a 550Molecules 28 05022 g008b 550
Figure 8. The chemical structures of other types of compounds from Taraxacum genus.
Figure 8. The chemical structures of other types of compounds from Taraxacum genus.
Molecules 28 05022 g008aMolecules 28 05022 g008b
Molecules 28 05022 g009 550
Figure 9. The pharmacological mechanisms of the key chemical constituents of the dandelion.
Figure 9. The pharmacological mechanisms of the key chemical constituents of the dandelion.
Molecules 28 05022 g009
Table
Table 1. Preparations in which Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. is the main component listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and approved by the government.
Table 1. Preparations in which Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. is the main component listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and approved by the government.
Preparation NameTypeMain CompositionsFunctionAdministrationStorage
Yiganning KeliGranulesHedyotis diffusa; Artemisia capillaris Thunb.; Lysimachia christinae Hance; Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.; Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke; Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.; Smilax glabra Roxb.; Paeonia lactiflora Pall.; Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc.Invigorating the qi and strengthening the spleen, activating blood and removing phlegm, removing heat, detoxificationOrallySealed storage
Erding KeliGranulesViola yedoensis Makino; Lobelia chinensis Lour.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.; Strobilanthes cusiaDetoxificationOrallySealed storage
Xiao’er Baotaikang KeliGranulesForsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl; Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.; Bupleurum chinense DC.; Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.; Fritillaria thunbergii Miq.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Strobilanthes cusia; Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst.Clearing the heat, relieving cough and phlegmOrallySealed storage
Xiao’er Jiebiao KeliGranulesLonicera japonica Thunb.; Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl; Arctium lappa L.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk.; Perilla frutescens; Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq.; Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi; Cow-bezoarDiffusing the lungs, clearing heat, detoxificationOrallySealed storage
Niuhuang Jingnao PianTrocheCow-bezoar; Lonicera japonica Thunb.; Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl; Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; Coptis chinensis Franch.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Pearl; Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.Clearing away heat, detoxificationOrallySealed and protected from moisture
Shuanghu Qinggan KeliGranulesLonicera japonica Thunb.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Chrysanthemum indicum L.; Bunge Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge; Reynoutria japonica Houtt.; Coptis chinensis Franch.Clearing away heat and dampness, dispelling phlegm and widening the qi, promoting qi and promoting blood circulationOrallySealed storage
Baipuhuang PianTrochePulsatilla chinensis (Bge.) Regel; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; Phellodendron amurense Rupr.Heat and dampness, detoxification, cooling bloodOrallySealed storage
Dalitong KeliGranulesBupleurum chinense DC.; Citrus aurantium; Saussurea costus; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Citrus reticulata Blanco; Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr.; Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. WangClearing away heat, relieving depression, stomach downOrallySealed and stored in a dry place
Fule KeliGranulesLonicera japonica Thunb.; Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehder & E.H. Wilson; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Isatis indigotica; Paeonia veitchii Lynch; Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc.; Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. WangClearing heat, cooling blood, relieving phlegm and painOrallySealed storage
Lianpu Shuangqing PianTrocheBerberine salt; Extract of T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz;Detoxification, relieving dryness and dampnessOrallySealed storage
Kangyan Tuire PianTrocheTaraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Scutellaria baicalensis GeorgiClearing away heat, detoxification, eliminating and dispersing swellingOrallySealed and stored in a cool dry place
Kanggusuiyan PianTrocheLonicera japonica Thunb.; Viola yedoensis Makino; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Scutellaria barbata D. Don; Pulsatilla chinensis (Bge.) Regel; Hedyotis diffusa Willd.Clearing away heat, detoxification, dissipating swellingOrallySealed storage
Nankang PianTrocheHedyotis diffusa Willd.; Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Paeonia veitchii Lynch; Carthamus tinctorius L.; Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels; Cuscuta chinensis Lam.Tonifying kidney and activating blood circulation, clearing heat, detoxificationOrallySealed storage
Libi PianTrocheScutellaria baicalensis Georgi; Xanthium sibiricum Patr.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Magnolia biondii Pamp.; Angelica dahuricaDetoxificationOrallySealed storage
Shenyan Jiere PianTrocheSmilax glabra Roxb.; Imperata cylindrica var. major (Nees) C. E. Hubb.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl; Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl; Nepeta cataria L.Dispelling wind, relieving heat, diffusing the lungsOrallySealed storage
Jinpu JiaonangCapsuleLonicera japonica Thunb.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Scutellaria barbata D. Don; Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe; Boswellia carterii; Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao; Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.Clearing away heat, detoxification, reducing swelling and relieving pain, benefiting Qi, dissipating phlegmOrallySealed storage
Jinsang Sanjie WanPillStrobilanthes cusia; Lonicera japonica Thunb.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.; Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-GawlerClearing away heat, detoxification, promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasisOrallySealed storage
Rupixiao PianTrocheT. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Trichosanthes kirilowii; Spatholobus suberectus; Aucklandia lappa Decne.; Prunella vulgaris L.; Carthamus tinctorius L.Activating blood circulation, removing blood stasis, clearing away heat and toxic substancesOrallySealed storage
Rupixiao JiaonangCapsuleT. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Trichosanthes kirilowii; Aucklandia lappa Decne.; Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen; Paeonia veitchii Lynch; Carthamus tinctorius L.; Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.Activating blood circulation, removing blood stasis, clearing away heat and toxic substancesOrallySealed storage
Rupixiao KeliGranulesT. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Trichosanthes kirilowii; Aucklandia lappa Decne.; Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen; Paeonia veitchii Lynch; Carthamus tinctorius L.; Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.Activating blood circulation, removing blood stasis, clearing away heat and toxic substancesOrallySealed storage
Weichang Fuyuan GaoPastePseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax ex Pax et Hoffm.; Rheum palmatum L.; Raphanus sativus L.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Aucklandia lappa Decne.; Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bge.) HsiaoReplenishing qi, activating blood and qiOrallySealed and stored in a cool place
Fufang Qingdai WanPillIndigo Naturalis; Prunus mume (Sieb.) Sieb. et Zucc.; Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Portulaca oleracea L.; Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz.Clearing heat, cooling blood, detoxification, spottingOrallySealed storage
Fufang Jinhuanglian KeliGranulesForsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl; Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; Strobilanthes cusia; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Lonicera japonica Thunb.Clearing away heat, detoxificationOrallySealed and stored in a cool place
Fufang Zhenzhu Anchuang PianTrocheLonicera macranthoides Hand.-Mazz; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; Phellodendron amurense Rupr.; Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels; Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schm. ex Miq.; Pearl; Clematis armandii Franch.Clearing away heat, detoxification, cooling blood, eliminating erythemaOrallySealed storage
Fufang Yigan WanPillPanax ginseng C.A. Mey.; Strobilanthes cusia; Chrysanthemum indicum L.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Smilax glabra Roxb.; Plantago asiatica; Carthamus tinctorius L.Clearing away heat and dampness, soothing the liver and spleen, dissipating phlegmOrallySealed storage
Fufang Huangbaiye TujiLiquid
pharmaceutical
preparations;		Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl; Phellodendron amurense Rupr.; Lonicera japonica Thunb.; Centipede; T. mongolicum Hand.-MazzDetoxification, reducing swelling and rotExternalSealed and stored in a cool place
Danshitong JiaonangCapsuleT. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Artemisia capillaris Thunb.; Lysimachia christinae Hance; Bupleurum chinense DC.; Rheum palmatum L.; Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; Citrus aurantium L.Clearing away heat and dampness, cholagogic, stone removingOrallySealed storage
Dankang JiaonangCapsuleBupleurum chinense DC.; Rheum palmatum L.; Curcuma aromatica Salisb.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Artemisia capillaris Thunb.; Gardenia jasminoides Ellis; Mentha haplocalyx Briq.Soothing liver, cholagogic, clearing away heat and toxins, relieving inflammation and painOrallySealed and protected from moisture
Qianlietong PianTrocheVaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke; Plantago asiatica; Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Lycopus lucidus var. hirtus Regel; Illicium verum Hook. f.; Cinnamomum cassia PreslClearing away dampness and turbidity, removing blood stasis, dispersing stagnationOrallySealed storage
Reyanning PianTrocheT. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Reynoutria japonica Houtt.; Ixeris polycephala; Scutellaria barbata D. DonDetoxificationOrallySealed storage
Reyanning HejiLiquid
pharmaceutical
preparation		T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Reynoutria japonica Houtt.; Ixeris polycephala; Scutellaria barbata D. DonDetoxificationOrallySealed and stored in a cool place
Reyanning KeliGranulesT. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Reynoutria japonica Houtt.; Ixeris polycephala; Scutellaria barbata D. DonDetoxificationOrallySealed storage
Langchuang WanPillLonicera japonica Thunb.; Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl; Coptis chinensis Franch.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.; Paeonia veitchii Lynch; Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.Clearing away heat, detoxification, cooling blood, promoting blood circulationOrallySealed storage
Xiaoyan Tuire KeliGranulesIsatis indigotica; Viola yedoensis Makino; Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC.; T. mongolicum Hand.-MazzClearing away heat and detoxifying, cooling blood, reducing swellingOrallySealed storage
Xiaocuo WanPillCimicifuga foetida L.; Bupleurum chinense DC.; Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawler; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.; Dendrobium nobile Lindl.; Prunella vulgaris L.Clearing away heat and dampness, detoxification, dispersingOrallySealed storage
Sangge Jiangzhi WanPillTaxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser; Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi; Dioscorea opposita Thunb.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge; Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge; Alisma orientalis (Sam.) Juzep.Invigorating the kidney, strengthening the spleen, dissipating phlegm, clearing away heat and dampnessOrallySealed storage
Yinpujiedu PianTrocheLonicera macranthoides Hand.-Mazz; Chrysanthemum indicum L.; Prunella vulgaris L.; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Viola philippica Cav.DetoxificationOrallySealed storage
Kangfu Xiaoyan ShuanSuppositoryViola philippica Cav.; Sophora flavescens Aiton; Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fisch.; Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees; T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. Clearing away heat, detoxification, dampness and dispersing, killing insects and itchingRectal administrationSealed and stored in a cool place
Pudilan Xiaoyan KoufuyeLiquid
pharmaceutical
preparation		T. mongolicum Hand.-Mazz; Strobilanthes cusia; Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; Corydalis bungeanaClearing away heat, detoxification, reducing swellingOrallySealed storage
Table
Table 2. Use of Taraxacum spp. plants in traditional medicine.
Table 2. Use of Taraxacum spp. plants in traditional medicine.
Plant SpeciesFunctionsCountriesReferences
T. androssovii SchischkinWounds, stomach disordersTurkey[8]
T. cyprium H. Lindb.Anti-cough, expectorant, dyspepsiaCyprus[9]
T. fedtschenkoi Hand.- Mazz.Wounds, stomach disordersTurkey[8]
T. macrolepium SchischkinWounds, stomach disordersTurkey[8]
T. mongolicum Hand.-MazzTuberculosis, fever, acneChina[10]
T. oellgaardii C. C. Haw. synonym, T. officinale (L.) Weber ex F. H. WiggFever, cough, dysmenorrhea, headache, constipation, stomach, pain, digestive, stomachache, skin problems, toothache, wounds, swelling, digestive disorders, peptic ulcer, migraine, abdominal complaints, blisters and rash, treatment of gastrointestinal, diseases, eczemaIndia, Mexico, Pakistan, Kosovo, Romania, Bulgaria, Argentina, Italy, Serbia, Bolivia, Georgia, Peru, Turkey[11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29]
T. platycarpum Dahlst.FurunclesKorea[30]
T. Stevenii (Spreng.) DC.Toothache, abdominal spasmsTurkey[31]
Table
Table 3. The bioactivity of extracts from different species of Taraxacum.
Table 3. The bioactivity of extracts from different species of Taraxacum.
Extracts/CompoundsSpeciesFormulation/DosageResultsReferences
Anti-bacteria
Ethanol extractsT. mongolicumIn vitro; 1 g·mL−1T. mongolicum has a higher nutritional value, better antimicrobial effects and is an edible plant.[78]
Ethanol extracts from flowersT. mongolicumIn vitro; Gram-negative bacteria (125 to 250 μg·mL−1) and Gram-positive bacteria (62.5 to 250 μg·mL−1)The anti-bacterial test results showed that this fraction strongly inhibited the growth of all of the microorganisms, especially P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis (with MIC values of 125 μg·mL−1 and 62.5 μg·mL−1, respectively)[79]
Aqueous and ethanol extractsT. mongolicumIn vitro; 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 g·mL−1It could inhibit these bacteria at different level in which ethanolic extracts of P. oleracea L. generally had higher anti-bacterial activities than aqueous extracts.[66]
Water extractsT. mongolicumIn vivo; 20 mg·kg−1The possibility of a multifactorial drug−drug interaction existed between extracts and ciprofloxacin. Thus, the implications of concomitant dosing of the two agents should not be overlooked.[80]
Extracts from leavesT. officinaleIn vitroIt was found to be effective against all the tested Bacterial pathogens P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, B. Subtilis and M. luteus.[81]
Extracts from rootsT. officinaleIn vitro It exhibited considerable α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.[82]
Extracts from leavesT. officinaleIn vitro It displayed excellent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.[83]
PeptidesT. officinaleIn vitroIt displayed high antimicrobial activity both against fungal and bacterial pathogens.[84]
Ethanol extracts from leavesT. officinaleIn vitroIt had shown an antimicrobial activity against the bacterial strains of E. coli and S. abony, but had not shown any antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.[85]
Endophytic fungiT. coreanumIn vitroThe results indicated that the endophytic fungis had the ability to antifungal.[86]
Anti-oxidant
Methanol extractsT. coreanumIn vitroIts anti-oxidant activity was presented in a dose-dependent pattern.[87]
ExtractsT. officinaleIn vitroIt inhibited oxidative stress through elevated de novo synthesis of anti-oxidative enzymes and suppression of iNOS expression by NF-B inactivation.[88]
Methanol extractsT. mongolicumIn vitroThe anti-oxidant activity of T. mongolicum was presented in a dose-dependent pattern.[89]
ExtractsT. officinaleIn vitroDandelion root was a valuable source of dietary fibers and natural anti-oxidants.[90]
Ethanol extractsT. officinaleIn vivo; 50,100, and 200 mg·kg−1 (20 days)The study indicated efficacy of dandelion extract on RBC (group) and HB (group) in doses of 50,100, and 200 mg·kg−1 and in 200 mg·kg−1 on WBC (group) to achieve normal body balance.[91]
Methanol extractsT. officinaleIn vitroIts anti-oxidant activity was presented in a dose-dependent pattern.[87,89]
Methanol extractsT. obovatumIn vivo and in vitroThe results found the extracts to be the most promising species with anti-oxidative capacity and only T. lacistrum to present reliable cytotoxicity over HeLa and HepG2 cell lines, with an interesting SI. A proper species determination, using its distribution or deep botanical description, was required for plants of the genus Taraxacum, as pharmacological abilities mainly vary between species.[92]
Methanol extractsT. marginellumIn vivo and in vitro
Methanol extractsT. hispanicumIn vivo and in vitro
Methanol extractsT. lambinoniiIn vivo and in vitro
Methanol extractsT. lacistrumIn vivo and in vitro
Ethanol from flowersT. officinaleIn vitro; 50, 100, 150 μg·mL−1The prevention of living cells from peroxyl radical-induced oxidation in the presence of dandelion flower extract suggested that the standardized extract had biological anti-oxidant activity.[93]
ExtractsT. mongolicumIn vitroThe extracts suppressed the damage to osteoblasts under oxidative stress and are potential anti-oxidant materials for preventing bone diseases.[94]
Methanol extractsT. mongolicumIn vivo and in vitroThe extracts had significantly inhibitory activities on monoamine oxidase-A/B.[95]
Ethanol extracts from the roots and leavesT. officinaleIn vitro; 400, 500, and 600 µg·mL−1The extracts showed effective anti-oxidant activity correlating with total flavonoid and polyphenol contents.[96]
Ethanol extracts from fruitT. officinaleIn vivo; 1, 5, 10, and 20 μg·mL−1The extracts protected against SNP-induced decreases in cellular viability and increased in lipid peroxidation in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of rats.[97]
Ethanol extracts from leavesT. officinaleIn vivo; 0.1, 0.5 mg·kg−1The results clearly demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of extracts against the toxicity induced by acetaminophen.[98]
Granules of leaves and rootsT. officinaleIn vivo; 250 g·day−1 (4 weeks)The treatment with dandelion root and leaf positively changed plasma anti-oxidant enzyme activities in cholesterol-fed rabbits.[99]
Methanol extracts T. sect. RuderaliaIn vitroThe vegetative parts gave higher anti-oxidant activity, which could be related to its higher content in phenolic acids.[32]
Extracts from flowersT. officinaleIn vitro; 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 µg·mL−1The extracts possessed both anti-oxidant and cytotoxic properties which could, in part, be attributed to the presence of luteolin and luteolin 7-glucoside.[93,100]
Anti-cancer
Methanol extracts from shoots/rootsT. coreanumIn vitro
200, 400 mg·kg−1		Calu-6; IC50 = 140.2/101.6 mg·kg−1[87]
Methanol extracts from shoots/rootsT. mongolicumIn vitro
200/400 mg·kg−1		Calu-6; IC50 = 83.4/66.4 mg·kg−1[87]
Methanol extracts from shoots/rootsT. officinaleIn vitro
200, 400 mg·kg−1		Calu-6; IC50 = 165.6/978.4 mg·kg−1[87]
Ethanol extractsT. mongolicumIn vitroIt induced G2/M phase arrest and activated apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells through ER stress.[57]
Methanol–water extracts from rootsT. japonicumIn vivoAn extract of the roots of the plant could be a valuable chemopreventive agent against chemical carcinogenesis.[101]
Flavonoids extractionT. officinaleIn vitroThe anti-oxidant activity of the purified flavonoids displayed strong ablilty.[102]
ExtractsT. officinaleIn vitro; 2–0.02 mg·mL−1The extracts induced cytotoxicity through TNF-α and IL-1α secretion in HepG2 cells.[103]
Anti-inflammatory
Ethanol extractsT. officinaleIn vivo; 50, 100 and 200 mg·kg−1The extract possessed acute anti-inflammatory activity.[104]
PolysaccharidesT. officinaleIn vivo; 304, 92 mg·kg−1 (7 days)The polysaccharides had a hepatoprotective effect by modulating inflammatory responses and ameliorating oxidative stress.[105]
Ethanol extractsT. coreanumIn vitro and in vivo; 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg·mL−1The extracts possessed potent anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo, which occurred at least partly through inhibition of pro-inflammatory signaling and mediator release.[106]
Chloroform extractsT. officinaleIn vitroThe fraction significantly suppressed production of NO, PGE2, and two pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 66.51, 90.96, 114.76, and 171.06 μg·mL−1, respectively.[107]
Water extractsT. mongolicumIn vitro; 10, 100, 1000 μg·mL−1Treatment of extracts significantly inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated MACT cells.[108]
Water extractsT. mongolicumIn vivoT. mongolicum could exert some of its anti-inflammatory and pharmacological effects by affecting the activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.[69]
Organic acidT. mongolicumIn vivo; 5 mg·kg−1Organic acid could improve LPS-induced histopathological damage of tracheal tissues through the regulation of TLR4/NF-κB and TLR4/IKK/NF-κB signaling pathways and could be beneficial for the treatment of acute tracheobronchitis.[72,73]
Methanol extractsT. officinaleIn vitro; 50, 100, 200, 400 μg·mL−1The results of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells indicated the extracts had excellent anti-inflammatory effects.[109]
Methanol extractsT. hallaisanense
Methanol extractsT. ohwianum
Methanol extractsT. coreanum
Methanol extractsT. platycarpum
Ethanol extractsT. officinaleIn vitroThe extracts possessed marked anti-inflammatory activity.[104]
Other effects
Methanol extractsT. mongolicumIn vitro; 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000 μg·mL−1By the results of cytotoxicity of TAM on the B16F10 cell, little cytotoxicity was exhibited from every concentration from 5 g·mL−1 to 1000 g·mL−1.[110]
1β,3β-dihydroxy-eudesman-11(13)-en-6α,12-olideT. mongolicumIn vitroThis compound was found to have an inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production with an IC50 of 38.9 µM in activated RAW 264.7 cells.[36]
1β,3β-dihydroxyeudesman-6α,12-olideT. mongolicumIn vitroThis compound was found to have an inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production with an IC50 of 32.4 µM in activated RAW 264.7 cells.[36]
Water extractsT. mongolicumIn vitroThe results showed no significantly cytotoxic effects on the MAC-T cells at 1–1000 μg·mL−1 of extracts.[108]
Ethanol extractsT. mongolicumIn vitro; 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg·mL−1It possessed the most effective hypolipidemic activity in HepG2 cells.[111]
Chlorogenic acidsT. antungenseIn vitroTaHQT1 and TaHQT2 function in the biosynthesis of 5-caffeoylquinic acid, but the genes showed tissue-specific expression patterns, suggesting a mechanism for the regulation of 5-caffeoylquinic acid production.[112]
Ethanol extractsT. mongolicumIn vitroThe results demonstrated the potential estrogenic activities of the extract, providing scientific evidence supporting their use in traditional medicine.[70]
Ethanol extractsT. mongolicumIn vitroThe extracts at 50–100 µg·mL−1 improved D-galactosamine, thioacetamide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-injured rat hepatocytes, and produced protection rates of 42.2, 34.6, and 43.8% at 100 µg·mL−1, respectively. [71]
Water–ethanol extracts from rootsT. officinaleIn vivo; 200, 600 mg·kg−1 (10 days)Hepatic Cu/Zn SOD activity decreased in intoxicated mice and normalized in extract-treated groups.[113]
Extracts T. officinaleIn vivo; 50 mg·kg−1 (30 days)The body weight of mice and rats was decreased after administration of extracts.[114]
ExtractsT. officinaleIn vivo; 100 mg·kg−1 (20 days)The extracts which were used against histopathological changes in the kidney caused by toxication showed a corrective effect, which were supported by biochemical parameters.[115]
Water extracts of leavesT. officinaleIn vitro; 25 mg·kg−1 (14 days)The study revealed that leaf extract could afford a significant protection against CCl4-induced hepatocellular injury.[116]
Extracts of leavesT. officinaleIn vitro; 0.2 g·mL−1The methylene chloride inhibited as much as 97% of proliferation of the SGT cells and only about 7% of the RAW 246.7 cells. Ethyl acetate and butanol fractions inhibited 42.03% and 24.35% proliferation of the SGT cells, respectively, and only 12% and 8% of the RAW 246.7 cells.[83]
Taraxinic acidT. coreanumin vitroThe induction of HL-60 cell maturation by taraxinic acid may have potential as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of leukemia.[117]
Methanol extractsT. platycarpumIn vitroThe triterpene fraction had an effect on the proliferation of normal skin fibroblasts at a concentration of 10 or 5.0 μg·mL−1, but some compounds showed cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative activity toward fibroblasts at the same concentration.[47]
The water extracts from roots and leavesT. officinaleIn vivo; 50, 100, and 200 mg·kg−1The results clearly demonstrated the antidepressant effects of extracts in animal models of behavioral despair and suggested the mechanism involved in the neuroendocrine system.[118]
Methanol extracts from leavesT. officinaleIn vivo; 150, 300 mg·kg−1The results revealed that leaf extracts had protective effects against CCl4- induced liver toxicity and damage. [119]
Granules of leaves and rootsT. officinaleIn vivo; 250 g·day−1 (4 weeks)The treatment with dandelion root and leaf positively changed lipid profiles in cholesterol-fed rabbits.[99]
Ethanol extracts T. officinaleIn vivo; 1 g·mL−1 (1 day)It showed promising potential as a diuretic in humans.[120]
Extracts from leavesT. officinaleIn vivo; 2 g·kg−1 (10 weeks)The extracts may represent a promising approach for the prevention of high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver.[121]
Root extractsT. officinaleIn vivo; 250, 500, 750 mg·kg−1The administration of extracts ameliorated CCl4 induced liver damage.[122]
DesacetylmatricarinT. platycarpumIn vitroThe results showed a potent inhibitory activity upon the β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells in a dose-dependent manner and the IC50 was 7.5 μM.[48]
ExtractsT. officinaleIn vivo; 100 mg·kg−1n-Butanol fraction-induced increase in gastric emptying was related to smooth muscle contraction. [123]
Water extractsT. officinaleIn vivo; 2.5, 5, and 10 mg·kg−1The extracts protected against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice.[124]
Ethanol extracts T. officinaleIn vivo; 150 mg·kg−1 (1 week)The extracts exhibited hepatoprotective activity in CCl4- induced hepatic damage in mice.[125]
Water extractsT. officinaleIn vivo; 10, 100 mg·kg−1 (10 days)The extracts improved fatigue-related indicators and immunological parameters in mice.[126]
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Fan, M.; Zhang, X.; Song, H.; Zhang, Y. Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects. Molecules 2023, 28, 5022. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135022

AMA Style

Fan M, Zhang X, Song H, Zhang Y. Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects. Molecules. 2023; 28(13):5022. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135022

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fan, Min, Xiao Zhang, Huaping Song, and Yakong Zhang. 2023. "Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects" Molecules 28, no. 13: 5022. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135022

APA Style

Fan, M., Zhang, X., Song, H., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects. Molecules, 28(13), 5022. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135022

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