Each year in the United States, more than 17,000 people learn that they have a brain tumor, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Malignant brain tumors can grow rapidly and invade brain tissue, causing serious and life-threatening complications. While surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are common treatments, research also suggests the dandelion herb may also help prevent and treat cancer. Dandelion can cause side effects and interact with certain medications. If you are considering taking a dandelion supplement, talk to your doctor.
Brain Cancer
Cancerous brain tumors can destroy brain cells and cause inflammation and increased pressure in the skull. Various types of brain tumors exist, but one of the most common is known as a secondary brain tumor. This type of tumor begins in other areas of the body and spreads to the brain. Secondary brain tumors are 10 times more common than primary brain tumors, or tumors that develop in the brain or tissues surrounding the brain, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. While the signs and symptoms of a brain tumor will depend on the type of tumor and its location and size, typical symptoms may include headaches that are worse in the morning, seizures; convulsions; nausea and vomiting; difficulty speaking or walking; changes in speech, hearing, personality or memory; confusion; and vision problems. Risk factors for brain cancer include a family history of the disease, exposure to radiation and age.
Dandelion Herb
The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial herb that grows in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Rich in vitamins A, B, C and D, and the minerals potassium, iron and zinc, the herb has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions. In ancient Chinese medicine, the dandelion was used to treat hepatitis, digestive disorders, and uterine, breast and lung tumors, according to a study published in a May 2008 issue of the “International Journal of Oncology.” Dandelion roots and leaves have also been used for rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, liver disease, loss of appetite, joint pain, muscle aches and water retention, MedlinePlus and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center report.
Evidence
Insufficient scientific evidence exists to support the use of dandelion for any medical condition, including brain cancer, MedlinePlus cautions. Few published studies have examined the effectiveness of dandelion as an anti-cancer agent, and no studies have explored brain cancer specifically. However, preliminary studies suggest that the herb may be beneficial in preventing and treating cancer. The study published in the “International Journal of Oncology” found that an extract of the dandelion leaf limited the growth of breast cancer cells and prevented the spread of prostate cancer cells. The root of the herb also helped block the spread of breast cancer cells. Another study, published in the journal “Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine,” reported that the dandelion root was effective in killing melanoma cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
Warning
Consuming dandelion can cause heartburn, stomach upset and mild diarrhea. If you are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisies, iodine, chrysanthemums or other related plants, you should avoid dandelion, as it may cause an allergic reaction, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises. Dandelion may also interact with certain medications. If you are taking antacids, blood-thinning medications, water pills, lithium or a class of antibiotics known as quinolone antibiotics, you should speak to your doctor before consuming the herb.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Brain Cancer
- International Journal of Oncology; Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of Taraxacum Officinale on Growth and Invasion of Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells; Sophia C. Sigstedt et al.
- MedlinePlus: Dandelion
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Dandelion
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; The Efficacy of Dandelion Root Extract in Inducing Apoptosis in Drug-Resistant Human Melanoma Cells; S. J. Chatterjee et al.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dandelion
- MedlinePlus: Brain Tumor - Primary - Adults
- MayoClinic.com: Brain Tumor
