Evidence supporting the use of: Dandelion
For the health condition: Cirrhosis of the Liver

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America. It has been regarded as a "liver tonic" and prescribed for a variety of hepatic disorders, including cirrhosis, jaundice, and hepatitis. Traditional healers have used dandelion root and leaves to stimulate bile flow, support digestion, and "cleanse" the liver, with some ethnomedical texts specifically referencing its use in chronic liver conditions. However, the scientific validation for its use in cirrhosis of the liver is limited. A few in vitro and animal studies suggest that dandelion extracts possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may modulate certain liver enzymes or protect against chemically induced liver injury. Yet, these effects do not directly translate to established efficacy in human cirrhosis, a complex, progressive condition marked by fibrosis and loss of liver function.

There are very few clinical trials in humans, and none of high quality that specifically address dandelion’s impact on cirrhosis outcomes. Most recommendations for its use come from traditional medicine literature or are extrapolated from its general hepatoprotective effects observed in preclinical studies. In summary, dandelion is used for cirrhosis primarily based on traditional practice, with weak scientific support and no robust clinical evidence. As such, while it remains popular in herbal medicine, its efficacy for cirrhosis is not established in evidence-based medicine.

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