Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum) contains sesquiterpene lactones and chicoric acid that support liver detoxification through enhanced hepatic enzyme activity. The plant's bitter compounds stimulate bile production and promote digestive function while providing immune-supporting polysaccharides.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Pu Gong Ying, also known as dandelion, is a perennial herb native to Eurasia. It is harvested for its leaves, roots, and flowers, which are used in various traditional remedies.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Some studies suggest that Pu Gong Ying may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Pu Gong Ying (Taraxacum mongolicum) is a nutrient-dense herb with the following approximate composition per 100g of fresh whole plant: Macronutrients: Protein 2.7g, Carbohydrates 9.2g (including inulin-type fructooligosaccharides 12-15% in roots by dry weight), Dietary Fiber 3.5g, Fat 0.7g, Calories ~45 kcal. Key Micronutrients: Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) ~5,000 IU, Vitamin C 35mg, Vitamin K1 ~778mcg (notably high, bioavailability moderate due to fat-soluble nature - best absorbed with dietary fat), Vitamin E 3.4mg, Folate 27mcg, Calcium 187mg, Iron 3.1mg (non-heme, bioavailability enhanced by co-ingestion with Vitamin C), Potassium 397mg, Magnesium 36mg, Phosphorus 66mg, Zinc 0.41mg, Manganese 0.34mg. Primary Bioactive Compounds: Taraxacin and taraxacerin (bitter sesquiterpene lactones, 0.5-3% dry weight) - responsible for digestive and choleretic effects; Taraxasterol and beta-sitosterol (phytosterols, ~150mg/100g dry weight) - anti-inflammatory activity; Luteolin and luteolin-7-glucoside (flavonoids, ~0.5-1.2% dry weight) - antioxidant ORAC value approximately 9,000 umol TE/100g; Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid (hydroxycinnamic acids, 1-3% dry weight) - hepatoprotective properties; Inulin (primarily in roots, 20-40% dry weight at harvest) - prebiotic fiber with low glycemic impact; Chicoric acid (~0.1-0.5% dry weight) - immunomodulatory; Polysaccharides (TMP-A and TMP-B, ~10% dry weight) - documented immunostimulatory activity on macrophages. Bioavailability Notes: Lipophilic compounds (taraxasterol, beta-sitosterol, carotenoids) show significantly improved absorption when consumed with healthy fats. Mineral absorption of iron and zinc may be partially inhibited by co-occurring oxalates (~7mg/100g fresh weight). Aqueous decoctions extract primarily water-soluble glycosides, flavonoid glucosides, and polysaccharides, while alcohol-based preparations (tinctures) more effectively extract sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic acids. Fresh leaf preparations retain higher Vitamin C content compared to dried herb which loses approximately 60-70% of ascorbic acid during processing.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Dandelion's sesquiterpene lactones activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways, upregulating phase II detoxification enzymes like glutathione S-transferase. Chicoric acid and chlorogenic acid demonstrate hepatoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines. The plant's bitter compounds taraxacin and taraxacoside stimulate cholecystic and gastric secretions through vagal nerve stimulation.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
A randomized controlled trial (n=24) showed dandelion leaf extract significantly increased urination frequency within 5 hours of consumption. In vitro studies demonstrate dandelion root extract exhibits hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in animal models. Limited human studies suggest 500-2000mg daily may support liver enzyme normalization, though more robust clinical trials are needed. Current evidence is primarily preclinical with promising but preliminary human data.
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