# Taraxasterol **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/taraxasterol **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** C₃₀H₅₀O, Pentacyclic triterpenoid, Dandelion sterol, Taraxacum triterpenoid, β-taraxasterol, Olean-12-en-3β-ol ## Overview Taraxasterol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found primarily in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) that exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production and inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways. Current evidence is limited to in vitro and animal studies, with no human clinical trials yet validating its therapeutic potential. ## Health Benefits • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties (identified in multiple sources, though specific human clinical trials not provided) • Potential therapeutic effects (based on in vitro biological activities, human evidence not available) • Note: The research dossier lacks human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses to substantiate specific health benefits • Further clinical research needed to establish efficacy • Current evidence limited to laboratory characterization and theoretical mechanisms ## Mechanism of Action Taraxasterol inhibits the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) signaling pathway, reducing transcription of pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) genes including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. It also suppresses COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) expression and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphorylation, dampening downstream inflammatory cascades. Additionally, taraxasterol has demonstrated inhibition of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), limiting nitric oxide-mediated [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in preclinical cell culture models. ## Clinical Summary All current evidence for taraxasterol derives from in vitro cell culture experiments and rodent animal models; no human randomized controlled trials, observational studies, or meta-analyses have been published as of 2024. Animal studies have demonstrated [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects at doses ranging from 10–100 mg/kg body weight in murine models of arthritis and liver injury, though direct human dose extrapolation is not validated. In vitro studies show measurable reductions in IL-6 and TNF-α at concentrations of 10–80 μM, but achieving comparable tissue concentrations in humans through oral supplementation has not been established. The overall evidence strength is preclinical only, and any health claims for human use remain speculative without clinical trial data. ## Nutritional Profile Taraxasterol is a pentacyclic triterpene compound (molecular formula C30H50O, molecular weight ~426.72 g/mol), not a macronutrient or micronutrient in the conventional dietary sense. It is a bioactive phytosterol found primarily in Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) and related Asteraceae family plants. Concentration in dandelion root extract ranges approximately 0.01–0.1% of dry weight, with higher concentrations in root vs. leaf tissue. As a triterpene alcohol, it contains no protein, carbohydrate, or fiber content intrinsically. It is lipophilic in nature, meaning bioavailability is enhanced when consumed with dietary fats; aqueous solubility is low (<1 mg/mL). Absorption is presumed to follow passive diffusion pathways typical of triterpenoids, with first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) likely reducing systemic bioavailability, though precise human pharmacokinetic data (Cmax, Tmax, half-life) are not yet established in published clinical literature. It co-occurs in plant sources alongside related triterpenes such as taraxerol, lupeol, and beta-amyrin. No caloric contribution is assigned in nutritional contexts. Standardized extracts in research settings typically use concentrations of 10–50 µg/mL for in vitro bioactivity assays. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges or standardized extract concentrations were provided in the research. Laboratory solubility data shows taraxasterol dissolves in ethanol at 5.5 mg/mL and in DMSO at 1 mg/mL, but these are not clinical dosing recommendations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No formal human safety studies, toxicology trials, or established safe dosage ranges exist specifically for isolated taraxasterol supplementation. Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds) should exercise caution, as taraxasterol is derived from dandelion, a member of this family. Theoretical interactions with anticoagulant drugs (e.g., warfarin) and diuretics are possible given dandelion's known pharmacological profile, though these have not been documented for isolated taraxasterol specifically. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid isolated taraxasterol supplements due to a complete absence of safety data in these populations. ## Scientific Research The research dossier explicitly states that no specific human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, or PubMed PMIDs evaluating taraxasterol's clinical efficacy were found. The available sources focus on chemical characterization and in vitro biological activities rather than clinical outcomes data. ## Historical & Cultural Context The research dossier does not provide information on taraxasterol's historical use in traditional medicine systems or the specific conditions it was traditionally used to treat. Additional sources would be needed to establish traditional medicine applications. ## Synergistic Combinations Other dandelion compounds, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) herbs, triterpenoids, pentacyclic compounds ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What plant is taraxasterol found in? Taraxasterol is found predominantly in Taraxacum officinale, commonly known as dandelion, where it occurs in the leaves, roots, and flowers as part of the plant's triterpenoid fraction. It has also been identified in smaller quantities in other Asteraceae family plants. The root extract of dandelion tends to yield higher concentrations of taraxasterol compared to aerial parts. ### Does taraxasterol reduce inflammation? Preclinical research demonstrates that taraxasterol reduces inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB activation and suppressing cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in cell and animal models. In murine arthritis models, doses of 10–100 mg/kg showed measurable reductions in inflammatory markers. However, these findings have not been replicated in human clinical trials, so it is premature to confirm this effect in people. ### Is taraxasterol the same as dandelion extract? No, taraxasterol is a single pentacyclic triterpenoid compound isolated from dandelion, whereas dandelion extract is a complex mixture containing taraxasterol alongside other triterpenes (taraxerol, taraxacin), flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and polysaccharides. Standardized dandelion supplements are rarely standardized specifically to taraxasterol content. Research on isolated taraxasterol and on whole dandelion extract should not be considered interchangeable. ### What is the recommended dosage of taraxasterol? No clinically validated dosage for isolated taraxasterol in humans has been established, as no human trials have been conducted. Animal studies have used doses of 10–100 mg/kg body weight to observe anti-inflammatory effects in rodents, but these figures cannot be directly translated to human equivalents without pharmacokinetic data. Consumers should be cautious of any supplement product claiming specific therapeutic doses of taraxasterol, as such claims lack clinical substantiation. ### Are there any side effects of taking taraxasterol supplements? No human safety data exists for isolated taraxasterol, making it impossible to characterize its side effect profile with certainty. Given its dandelion origin, individuals with Asteraceae allergies may risk allergic reactions including contact dermatitis or respiratory symptoms. Theoretical gastrointestinal discomfort is possible, as observed with high-dose dandelion preparations, but direct attribution to taraxasterol specifically has not been documented in any published study. ### What does clinical research show about taraxasterol's effectiveness? Current research on taraxasterol is primarily limited to in vitro (laboratory) and animal studies, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and potential therapeutic biological activities. However, human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and meta-analyses are not yet available to substantiate specific health benefits in people. This means while taraxasterol shows promise in preliminary research, more rigorous clinical studies are needed to establish its true efficacy and safety in humans. ### Is taraxasterol safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the safety of taraxasterol supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Due to the lack of human safety data and established guidelines, it is prudent to consult with a healthcare provider before using taraxasterol-containing supplements during these sensitive periods. ### Can I obtain taraxasterol naturally from food sources instead of supplements? Taraxasterol is a plant-derived bioactive compound found naturally in dandelion and related plants, making it theoretically obtainable from whole plant sources through diet. However, the concentration of taraxasterol in foods and the amount required for potential therapeutic effects have not been clearly established in clinical research, so relying on food sources alone may not provide consistent or measurable amounts of the compound. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*