You may recognize dandelion as a common lawn weed, but ancient cultures have utilized the plant for its medicinal benefits for centuries. Chinese, Arabic and Native American medicine used dandelion to treat liver disorders, among other things. Similarly, milk thistle is also an ancient remedy for liver problems. In fact, dandelion and milk thistle are often used in conjunction for this purpose. However, both milk thistle and dandelion provide other benefits, as well.
Liver Cleansing
Dandelion is reputed to help detoxify the liver of environmental toxins, as well as those introduced though metabolizing certain medications. The National Institutes of Health report that the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy and the German Commission E have approved the use of dandelion to treat liver and gallbladder disease and that some naturopathic physicians believe dandelion can be used to treat liver disease.
Adequate research on the benefits of milk thistle to the liver is also lacking. While some small studies indicate that milk thistle compounds, collectively known as silymarin, may enhance liver function, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that many of these studies were poorly designed or produced mixed results. However, researchers continue to investigate the potential for milk thistle in treating chronic hepatitis C.
Cholesterol Reduction
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that a few studies indicate that dandelion extracts may help to lower low-density cholesterol levels while improving high-density cholesterol levels. However, these trials used animal models, and more research on this effect in humans is needed.
The NCCAM also acknowledges the traditional use of milk thistle to lower cholesterol levels but does not present any scientific evidence to support this effect.
Insulin Regulation
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center there are some animal studies that suggest that dandelion may help to stabilize serum glucose levels, indicating a possible impact on insulin uptake and utilization, but the NIH notes that its effects in humans are not known and that the scientific evidence for this use is unclear.
Milk thistle is reputed to decrease insulin resistance in patients with type II diabetes with cirrhosis of the liver.
Cancer
Per NIH, preliminary studies using animal models suggest that dandelion may deter cancer cell growth, but research in humans is lacking at this time.
The National Cancer Institute notes that silymarin compounds in milk thistle provide antioxidant benefits to help protect cells from oxidative damage from free radicals. In addition, preliminary studies show that these compounds may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Available Forms
Dandelion leaf and root are available in capsule form, tablets, tincture and as a liquid extract.
Silymarin compounds, which are extracted from the seed of milk thistle, are available in capsule and liquid extract form.
Potential Side Effects
The NIH says that the available research in humans indicates that dandelion is generally well tolerated. However, some side effects have been reported, such as stomach upset, diarrhea, skin reactions and increased photosensitivity. In addition, people with diabetes are cautioned against the use of dandelion since at least one animal study showed a decrease in blood glucose levels. Dandelion is also believed to increase urination, which could lead to potassium depletion in people with a history of kidney disease. Finally, if you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners or anti-platelet medications, dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding. (Reference 1)
The NCCAM lists a few side effects associated with milk thistle, including stomach upset, diarrhea and allergic reactions, especially for people with allergies to plants in the same family, like ragweed.
Be sure to consult with your physician before using dandelion or milk thistle, particularly if you have a history of any of the conditions mentioned above.
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