Search Results (216)

Sustainable agricultural techniques can ensure food security around the world. Hydrogel based soilless culture is an ecological and efficient alternative compared to conventional agriculture. Here, a multi-component hydrogel (pectin, Kelcogel, and chitosan/Se hydrogel, PKCH) was prepared by synthesizing natural biomolecules to cultivate dandelion for stimulate dandelion growth and improve nutritional value. The germination percentage of dandelion on PKCH (88.89%), was significantly higher than that in traditional hydroponics and pure Kelcogel (p < 0.05). Compared with hydroponics, the long-term dandelion cultivation experiments demonstrated that the PKCH cultivation mode enhanced root vitality, further increasing the growth and yield of dandelions (shoot length: 18.36 ± 0.30 cm, root length: 9.28 ± 0.21 cm, main root diameter: 0.94 ± 0.02 cm). The hydrogel substrate was associated with improved nutrient solubilization and sustained release, which may be linked to the accumulation of low-molecular-weight organic acids in the rhizosphere. Exogenous Se was effectively assimilated and transported to the above-ground parts of dandelion, which stimulated the photosynthetic efficiency and nutritional accumulation of dandelion. The polysaccharide content of dandelion reached 69.40 ± 0.13% (expressed as glucose-equivalent total sugars), which demonstrated the potential antioxidant properties and medicinal value. Technical economic analysis revealed the cost-effectiveness of PKCH synthesis and application. This study enriches the application of hydrogels in dandelion cultivation and provides an alternative approach for cultivating dandelion in soilless environments and medicinal crop production techniques. Full article

Traditional Yuluxiang pear cultivation employs wide row spacing to facilitate sunlight penetration and ventilation, but this reduces land use efficiency. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of intercropping dandelions in Yuluxiang pear orchards on soil environment, pear tree growth, and fruit quality. The experiment included three treatments: monoculture (M), dandelion intercropping (DI), and dandelion intercropping combined with microbial organic fertilizer application (DI + MF). Results indicated that the combined DI + MF treatment enhanced soil nutrients by increasing the content of Alkaline Hydrolyzable Nitrogen (AN), Total phosphorus (TP), and Available phosphorus (AP). The DI treatment altered the microbial community structure, enriching beneficial bacteria (such as the phyla Acidobacteriota and Actinomycetota) and fungi (such as the phyla Mucorales and Basidiomycota), thereby enhancing nutrient cycling. Treatment effects were most pronounced in the topsoil layer (0–20 cm) and diminished with increasing depth. Regarding tree physiology, DI treatment increased leaf Symbolic Consistency (Gs) and Intercellular CO₂ Concentration (Ci). The DI + MF treatment significantly boosted leaf chlorophyll content, with both intercropping treatments improving tree photosynthesis and nutritional status. In terms of fruit quality, the DI + MF treatment demonstrated the best overall performance. Its single fruit weight reached the highest values at all stages (143.86 g, 315.48 g, and 515.03 g), while the soluble solids content peaked at 130 days post-flowering, with increased levels of sugars, Vitamin C (VC), total phenols, and flavonoids in the fruit. This significantly enhanced both the external appearance and internal quality of the fruit. Research indicates that the DI + MF treatment can systematically enhance soil quality, tree vitality, and fruit quality in Yuluxiang pear orchards by improving soil physicochemical properties, regulating microbial communities, and boosting tree physiological functions. Full article

Dandelion flowers are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with well-documented health-promoting properties. However, their high water content and delicate tissue structure make them highly perishable; therefore, appropriate preservation methods are essential to maintain their biological activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of convective drying and freeze drying, as well as drying temperature, on the drying kinetics and grinding behavior of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F.H. Wigg.) flowers and on the color and antioxidant properties of the resulting dried material. Convective hot-air drying was several times faster than freeze drying, and drying temperature significantly affected both the duration of the process and the properties of the dried flowers. Moreover, freeze-dried samples exhibited greater grindability and higher antioxidant activity than convectively dried flowers. In addition, powder obtained from freeze-dried dandelion flowers was lighter in color and exhibited lower redness and higher yellowness compared with samples obtained by hot-air drying. Both color coordinates and particle size after grinding were correlated with the antioxidant activity of the dried material. Full article

Selenium (Se) biofortification of vegetables can improve dietary Se intake; however, the dose-dependent balance between inorganic Se retention and organic Se assimilation following foliar selenate application remains insufficiently resolved across species. Five leafy vegetable species (garden rocket, wild rocket, dandelion, and two chicory cultivars) were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions and treated twice with foliar sodium selenate at increasing application rates (1 + 1, 2 + 2, 5 + 5, 10 + 0, 10 + 10, and 10 + 50 mg Se L⁻¹) across two experiments. Total Se and Se species were determined by HPLC-UV-HG-AFS following enzymatic extraction and cross-checked on selected extracts by HPLC-ICP-MS. Foliar selenate induced substantial Se accumulation in all species, reaching up to 102 µg g⁻¹ DW in garden rocket. At moderate application rates (notably 2 + 2 and 5 + 5 mg Se L⁻¹), a considerable proportion of extracted Se was converted into organic forms, with selenomethionine (SeMet) accounting for up to ~40% of total extracted Se. In contrast, at the highest application rate (10 + 50 mg Se L⁻¹), inorganic Se(VI) became predominant (often >40%), while SeMet proportion declined sharply to ~2–4%, indicating a saturation of metabolic assimilation capacity under high Se exposure. Leaf biomass was promoted at intermediate treatments (e.g., 5 + 5 and 10 + 0/10 + 10 mg Se L⁻¹), whereas the highest rate reduced growth. Overall, foliar selenate effectively biofortifies chicory, rocket, and dandelion leaves, but excessive application rates shift Se speciation toward inorganic storage and markedly suppress SeMet formation. These findings highlight the importance of dose optimization to maximize nutritional quality while avoiding metabolic overload. Full article

Taraxacum is a genus of flowering plants comprising species commonly known as dandelions. All parts of the dandelion (flowers, stems, roots, and leaves) contain valuable bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, amino, fatty, organic, and phenolic acids, coumarins, lignans, polysaccharides, phytosterols, terpenes, glycoproteins, oligosaccharides, and alkaloids. Dandelion extracts represent a promising feedstock for diverse applications across the food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries. The extraction of bioactive compounds from dandelion is essential to access its therapeutic properties, with different techniques used to isolate its various phytochemicals. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the application of various techniques for the extraction of bioactive compounds from dandelion. Both conventional and innovative extraction techniques are discussed, with particular emphasis on their respective advantages and limitations. Full article

The agar diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial activity of 12 plant species against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, the bacterium that is responsible for crown gall disease. Leaf, root, or flower extracts were prepared, but not all parts were used for each of the 12 plants listed. Plant extracts from leaves exhibited higher antibacterial activity than those from flowers and roots. Furthermore, the type of solvent had a significant influence on both the antibacterial activity and the flavonoid and polyphenol content. Acetone and alcohol extracts contained higher contents of these compounds than water extracts. The strongest bacteriostatic effect was of the leaf extracts of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus nicholii L.) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Based on HPTLC analysis, eucalyptus extracts contained, among others, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and quercetin, while St. John’s wort extracts contained rutin, hyperoside, and quercetin. The tansy leaf extracts (Tanacetum vulgare L.) were also rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, such as kaempferol-3-glucoside, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, cynarine, and rutin. However, a moderate inhibitory effect against the tested bacterium was found in tansy extracts, as well as hop (Humulus lupulus L.), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), and nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extracts. The least effective were the root extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wiggers coll.) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), as well as the flower extracts of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). Given the lack of effective chemical products and the unavailability of commercially resistant cultivars, the use of plant-based extracts for protecting against crown gall appears to be of particular interest. The preliminary results are promising and suggest that eucalyptus and St. John’s wort extracts are the most promising for controlling A. tumefaciens. Full article

To address the soil degradation and growth inhibition caused by long-term monoculture of the medicinal plant Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (Hangju), we conducted a controlled experiment comparing a monoculture (control) with seven different intercropping combinations. The intercropping treatments consisted of the main crop paired with pepper, schizonepeta, edible amaranth, dandelion, maize, soya, and purple perilla. Comprehensive assessments were conducted, encompassing plant growth parameters and rhizospheric soil properties. The soil properties included physicochemical characteristics, enzyme activities, and phenolic acid content (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and ferulic acid). The results indicated that intercropping significantly altered the rhizosphere environment of Hangju (p < 0.05). Purple perilla and maize emerged as particularly effective companion plants. Intercropping with purple perilla enhanced the aboveground biomass accumulation of Hangju and increased the activities of rhizosphere catalase, sucrase, β-glucosidase, and neutral phosphatase, although it also elevated the contents of three autotoxic phenolic acids. In contrast, intercropping with maize improved Hangju biomass and enhanced the activities of sucrase, urease, neutral phosphatase, and protease, while concurrently reducing the concentrations of all three phenolic acids. Overall, maize demonstrated optimal performance in comprehensively improving soil health by modulating enzyme activities, whereas purple perilla showed a distinct advantage in directly promoting plant growth. Full article

This study aimed to develop a sustainable approach for isolating bioactive lipophilic components from Taraxacum officinale flowers using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE-CO₂) and to assess the effect of adding 5% ethanol (EtOH) as a co-solvent on extraction yield, in vitro antioxidant capacity in CUPRAC and ABTS assays (TEAC_CUPRAC and TEAC_ABTS), total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, β-carotene concentration, and photoprotective potential, expressed as the sun protection factor (SPF). SFE-CO₂ at 35 MPa and 40 °C resulted in 50% of the total yield within 15 min, with equilibrium reached after 120 min (final yield of 4.6 g/100 g flowers). Co-solvent addition increased yield by ~50% and shortened extraction time. The EtOH-modified extract exhibited markedly higher antioxidant activity, with a 2-fold increase in TEAC_CUPRAC (167 mg TE/g E), an 11-fold increase in TEAC_ABTS (194 mg TE/g E), and a 3-fold increase in TPC (91 mg GAE/g E), along with improved recovery of flavonoids and β-carotene. Volatile profiling revealed monoterpenoids, aldehydes, and esters as dominant groups, with carvone (14.0–16.5%) and dill ether (4.2–5.8%) as major contributors to aroma. The SFE-CO₂ + 5% EtOH extract achieved the highest SPF value (49.5 at 1 mg/mL; SPF > 6 at >0.1 mg/mL), indicating strong photoprotective potential and potential suitability for natural antioxidant and cosmetic applications. Full article

This study examined the effect of dandelion extracts on the ruminal microbiota, metabolome, and inflammatory response in dairy goats fed a high-concentrate diet. Eighteen Guanzhong dairy goats were assigned to three groups: low-concentrate diet group (L group, F:C = 60:40), high-concentrate diet group (H group, F:C = 35:65), and dandelion group (D) with 1% dandelion extracts based on the H group. Over six weeks, milk, blood, and ruminal fluid were collected to analyze pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), inflammatory markers, microbiome, and metabolome. Feed intake was significantly higher in the H and D groups than in the L group. Ruminal pH decreased in the H group, acetate was significantly higher in the L and D groups, and serum IgA was higher in D group. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were dominant rumen phyla, and dandelion supplementation significantly increased Proteobacteria. Prevotella abundance was enriched in the L and D groups and showed a positive correlation with acetate. Dandelion extracts also increased the production of trans-3-Hydroxy-L-proline and 7-Ethyl-5,6-dihydro-1,4-dimethylazulene in the rumen while improving amino acid and lipid metabolism. Overall, supplementation of dandelion extracts positively influenced rumen microbiota, enhanced production of beneficial metabolites, and positively influenced immune function in dairy goats fed high-concentrate diet. Full article

Cancer has become the second leading cause of death globally and is a big threat to human health. The development of new anticancer drugs and the elucidation of the signaling pathways of bioactive compounds are still effective strategies to address the current challenges in the clinical treatment of cancer. Dietary compounds are composed of a variety of effective ingredients, which have become an important source for the development of novel candidates for the treatment of cancer. These bioactive ingredients often carry the characteristics of low side effects, multi-target, and economic savings and hence attract more and more scholars’ research interests in them. Dandelion, one of the important medicinal and edible plants, is effective in anticancer, inhibition of bacterial growth, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammation, as well as antioxidant. Growing evidences from modern pharmacological research demonstrate the notable anticancer effects of dandelion. Bioactive components from dandelion are effective in inhibiting the occurrence and progression of various cancers, such as breast, lung, and liver cancers. Hence, the chemical composition, anticancer activities, and signaling pathways in cancer cells treated with bioactive components from dandelion are summarized in this review. We aim to provide more pharmacological evidence and scientific references for further research and development of dandelion for cancer treatment. Meanwhile, we anticipate that some novel candidates with high efficacy and low toxicity for anticancer might be developed from dandelion in future research on this plant. Full article

This paper suggests a developed virtual inertia-damping control (VIDC) scheme to improve the frequency stability of low-inertia, renewable-dominated power systems. The introduced approach integrates fractional-order control theory into both virtual primary and secondary control loops (FO-VPSC), coordinated with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)-based VIDC, to provide richer phase shaping and greater flexibility in mitigating diverse system disturbances. To ensure robustness and adaptability, the FO-VPSC parameters are optimally tuned using the Dandelion Optimizer (DO) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is validated on a two-area interconnected renewable power system comprising heterogeneous sources, including a thermal power plant, solar and wind units, and BESSs. Simulation results reveal that the proposed FO-VPSC significantly enhances the system’s dynamic response, achieving a 35–45% reduction in frequency overshoot, up to a 42% improvement in settling time, and a 30% reduction in frequency deviation magnitude compared with conventional VIDC. Moreover, the proposed control strategy improves inter-area oscillation damping and ensures stable operation under renewable penetration above 60% reduction in system inertia and damping constants. These results confirm that the FO-VPSC-based VIDC provides superior adaptability and resilience for next-generation low-inertia grids. Full article

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders associated with increased gastric acid secretion, such as gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia, bloating, and abdominal pain, significantly impair quality of life and present a substantial healthcare burden. Conventional therapies may have limited efficacy or undesirable side effects, underscoring the need for safe complementary approaches. This study systematically identifies and reviews the medicinal plants used in food supplements (FSs) marketed in Latvia for digestive health, focusing on the conditions linked to excess gastric acid. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted to identify European plant species with proven protective effects on the digestive system or the ability to influence gastric acid levels. A market analysis was performed using the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service FS Register. Results: A total of 218 FS-containing medicinal plants were identified, of which 15 species were included in at least ten products. The most frequently used plants were peppermint (Mentha piperita), artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), psyllium (Plantago ovata), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), caraway (Carum carvi), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and chicory (Cichorium intybus). Label claims most often referred to supporting digestion, relieving bloating, and maintaining normal GI function. However, the majority of claims lacked robust clinical substantiation, and were based primarily on traditional use. Discrepancies between product information and available scientific evidence highlight regulatory and consumer protection challenges. Conclusions: This work contributes to the critical evaluation of plant-based FSs for digestive health, emphasizing the need for standardized preparations, harmonized health claim assessment, and further clinical research to establish efficacy and safety. Full article

Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz (TMHM), a primary source of dandelion, is a globally recognized edible and medicinal plant with significant potential in food, medicine, daily chemical products, and animal husbandry. Although hypoglycemic effects have been reported in other Taraxacum species, the specific hypoglycemic constituents and mechanisms of TMHM are not well understood. The absence of comprehensive multi-target screening methodologies has hindered the elucidation of TMHM’s dual inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as well as its associated molecular mechanisms. In this study, a multi-target screening strategy was developed to concurrently evaluate α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, integrating multi-target affinity ultrafiltration coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MTAUF-UPLC-MS/MS), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using this approach, 13 dual-target inhibitors were identified from TMHM. Moreover, at least 5 of these compounds exhibited anti-diabetic activities comparable to the positive control drug acarbose, suggesting that they are principal bioactive constituents responsible for its hypoglycemic effects. Subsequent investigation of the antioxidant capacities of 7 out of the 13 bioactive compounds revealed that most exhibited more potent antioxidant activities than vitamin C (Vc). Based on these findings, molecular docking and MD simulations further validated that quercetin (8) and kaempferol (15), which demonstrated significant hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities, exhibited particularly strong affinities and stable interactions with α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. In conclusion, these findings underscored the considerable potential of TMHM as a natural source of multifunctional bioactive compounds for nutraceutical, functional, and pharmaceutical applications. This study provided a critical foundation for elucidating the mechanisms underlying TMHM’s anti-diabetic effects and its therapeutic potential in mitigating diabetes-related complications, thereby facilitating future development and utilization. Full article

Dandelion is an edible and medicinal plant that has beneficial effects in various complex disorders. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of dandelion leaf aqueous extract (DAE) on mice with hyperuricemia (HUA) and explored its underlying mechanisms. DAE exhibited a high total phenolic content (363.31 ± 0.61 mg GAC/g) and contained 20 identified polyphenolic compounds. The administration of DAE significantly reduced serum uric acid levels and exerted protective effects on both liver and kidney function in mice with HUA. Mechanistically, DAE inhibited the NLRP3/Caspase-1 and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways, leading to the downregulated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), thereby alleviating renal inflammation. Additionally, DAE modulated the gut microbiota composition and increased SCFA-producing bacteria, along with increases in fecal SCFA contents. These findings suggest that DAE effectively mitigates HUA and its associated renal complications by regulating uric acid metabolism, suppressing renal inflammation, and restoring gut microbial homeostasis. Thus, DAE holds promise as a natural adjuvant therapy for HUA and related kidney inflammation. Full article

The human gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms fundamental to human health, influencing metabolism, immunity, and neurological function. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in this microbial community, is increasingly linked to a range of chronic diseases, from inflammatory bowel disease to metabolic syndrome. This article explores the therapeutic potential of several common botanicals in modulating the gut microbiota and promoting intestinal health. We delve into the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of nine medicinal plants: globe artichoke, aloe vera, German chamomile, pot marigold, Ceylon cinnamon, dandelion, fennel, garlic, ginger, and green tea. We focus on their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and prebiotic effects. The article also discusses the scientific evidence supporting their use, acknowledges the limitations of current research, and highlights considerations for safe and effective application. We conclude by summarising the significant role of these herbal remedies in modern complementary medicine and proposing future research directions to further elucidate their mechanisms of action and optimise their use for gut health. Full article