Dentes de leão: benefícios potenciais, dosagem e efeitos colaterais

Os dentes-de-leão são cientificamente chamados de Taraxacum officinale . Eles não são apenas as ervas daninhas irritantes no seu quintal. Na medicina tradicional, eles eram usados ​​por suas propriedades medicinais.

Estudos em animais mostram que o dente-de-leão pode ajudar no tratamento do diabetes (1). Mais pesquisas lançam luz sobre os possíveis benefícios do dente-de-leão para a saúde, incluindo o combate à inflamação e ao câncer.

Aqui, exploraremos as diferentes maneiras pelas quais essa flor pode ajudar a promover sua saúde e bem-estar.

Quais são os benefícios potenciais para a saúde dos dentes-de-leão?

Os compostos bioativos do dente-de-leão podem ajudar a combater a inflamação e até o câncer. Eles também podem ajudar a reduzir os níveis de açúcar no sangue. Embora seu teor de cálcio e vitamina K possa fortalecer os ossos, seu teor de ferro pode ajudar a prevenir a anemia.

1. Pode ajudar a combater a inflamação

As células tratadas com compostos de dente-de-leão apresentaram níveis mais baixos de inflamação. Os polissacarídeos do dente-de-leão possuem propriedades antiinflamatórias e antioxidantes que desempenham papel promissor nesse aspecto (2).

O dente-de-leão atua reduzindo a produção de citocinas pró-inflamatórias, que são compostos geralmente envolvidos na inflamação do corpo (3).

Em outro estudo envolvendo camundongos com inflamação pulmonar, a introdução de dente-de-leão (Taraxacum mongolicum, cultivado na China) melhorou a condição (4).

2. Pode reduzir o risco de câncer

Estudos feitos com raiz de dente de leão (e extratos de capim-limão) descobriram que ela tinha potencial anticancerígeno. Descobriu-se que a raiz induz a apoptose (morte das células cancerosas) e aumenta os efeitos da quimioterapia. Este estudo foi realizado em células de câncer de próstata (5).

O extrato de raiz de dente de leão pode ser uma alternativa anticâncer não tóxica e eficaz. Ele foi capaz de desencadear a morte celular programada de células cancerosas em modelos de câncer colorretal. A complexidade molecular (um parâmetro particular envolvido na descoberta de drogas) do extrato da raiz pode ser responsável por essa atividade anticâncer (6).

O extrato de raiz de dente de leão também foi encontrado para prevenir o câncer de fígado (7). Efeitos semelhantes também foram observados no câncer de pâncreas (8).

Embora essas descobertas sejam encorajadoras, mais pesquisas são necessárias para entender e estabelecer como o dente-de-leão pode prevenir e tratar o câncer em humanos.

3. Pode ajudar no tratamento da diabetes

Os ácidos chicórico e clorogênico no dente-de-leão possuem grande potencial como nutracêuticos e farmacêuticos antidiabéticos para regular o diabetes. Os ácidos contêm compostos fenólicos que podem promover os efeitos antidiabéticos da flor (1).

Em um estudo, descobriu-se que as folhas e as raízes do dente-de-leão têm efeitos terapêuticos semelhantes em indivíduos com diabetes. Isso poderia promover a saúde e o bem-estar em longo prazo dos pacientes (9). No entanto, o efeito de longo prazo do consumo do dente-de-leão precisa ser investigado.

Outros compostos bioativos no dente-de-leão que oferecem benefícios antidiabéticos incluem fenóis, flavonóides, ácidos fenólicos e triterpenos. A raiz do dente de leão contém inulina, que contém carboidratos complexos. Isso ajuda a normalizar os níveis de açúcar no sangue (1).

4. Pode promover a saúde do coração

Os camundongos tratados com extratos de dente de leão mostraram uma diminuição dramática nos níveis de triglicerídeos e colesterol. Quando os ratos foram alimentados com uma dieta rica em gordura suplementada com o extrato, houve redução do acúmulo de lipídios hepáticos observada (10).

Resultados semelhantes foram observados em um estudo com coelhos. Em coelhos alimentados com uma dieta rica em gordura, a introdução de raiz de dente-de-leão melhorou o status antioxidante e reduziu os níveis de colesterol sérico. A raiz também combate o estresse oxidativo e pode promover a saúde cardíaca (11).

O dente-de-leão também pode promover a saúde cardíaca, reduzindo os níveis de pressão arterial. A planta contém potássio (12). Estudos mostram que o potássio na dieta regular pode ajudar a reduzir os níveis de pressão arterial (13).

5. Pode ajudar na perda de peso

Descobriu-se que o dente-de-leão tem efeitos semelhantes a uma droga popular para perder peso (Orlistat), que age inibindo a lipase pancreática. A lipase pancreática é uma enzima liberada durante a digestão que auxilia na quebra de gordura. A inibição dessa enzima pode alterar a forma como a gordura é absorvida pelo corpo, possivelmente auxiliando na perda de peso (14). No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para elucidar os efeitos anti-obesidade do dente-de-leão em humanos.

O dente-de-leão é uma erva amarga. Estudos mostram que ervas amargas, quando ingeridas como chás antes de comer, podem estimular as secreções gástricas e promover a quebra do colesterol e da gordura. Dessa forma, podem complementar seus esforços para emagrecer (15).

6. Pode promover a saúde óssea

As folhas de dente-de-leão são boas fontes de vitamina K e cálcio (12). Ambos os nutrientes estão associados à saúde óssea.

Vitamin K is known to increase the formation of bone. It also can regulate calcium balance and bone metabolism. In addition to increasing bone mineral density, vitamin K also reduces fracture rates (16).

Calcium intake also influences bone health in a positive way. It plays an important role in preventing bone loss and fractures (17).

The compounds in dandelion contain prebiotics, which were found to enhance calcium absorption. This way, they also may a role to play in bone health (18).

7. May Improve Liver Health

Dandelion root may promote liver health in multiple ways. In a study, it could alleviate high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and also reduce alcohol-induced oxidative stress (19).

Some research also suggests that dandelion can promote recovery from liver injury (20).

8. May Boost Immunity

The flavonoid contents of dandelion may have a major impact on the human immune system. It contains short-chain fatty acids, which were found to boost immune function and prevent infectious diseases in weaned pigs (21).

Dandelion also may nourish the blood cells in the body. Mice studies show it can help achieve normal red blood cells and white blood cells balance. This way, it may boost the immune system (22).

9. May Prevent Anemia

There is less information available in this aspect. Some research states that dandelion can help prevent anemia as it contains iron (23). One cup of chopped dandelion (55 g) contains about 2 mg of iron (12).

10. May Prevent Water Retention In Kidneys

The diuretic properties of dandelion can help here. Its high potassium content makes dandelion a good diuretic (24).

In a study, intake of dandelion increased the urinary frequency in subjects over a period of 5 hours (25). Hence, this plant shows promise as a diuretic in humans and may help prevent water retention in kidneys. However, if you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before using dandelion.

11. May Boost Skin Health

Studies show that dandelion extracts can protect the skin from UVB damage. They exhibited protective effects against photoaging (26).

In folk medicine, dandelion (especially the sap of the plant) was believed to be used to treat warts and eczema, among other skin disorders (27).

Some evidence also states that the sap of dandelion may be used to combat acne (28). However, more research is warranted in this regard.

These are the ways dandelion can make your life better. Though we know a few of the nutrients present in this plant, well, there is a lot more. In the following section, we will take a detailed look at dandelion’s nutrition profile.

What Is The Nutritional Profile* Of Dandelions?

Nutrient	Unit	1Value per 100 g	1 cup, chopped = 55.0g
Water	g	85.6	47.08
Energy	kcal	45	25
Protein	g	2.7	1.49
Total lipid (fat)	g	0.7	0.39
Carbohydrate, by difference	g	9.2	5.06
Fiber, total dietary	g	3.5	1.9
Sugars, total	g	0.71	0.39
Minerals
Calcium, Ca	mg	187	103
Iron, Fe	mg	3.1	1.71
Magnesium, Mg	mg	36	20
Phosphorus, P	mg	66	36
Potassium, K	mg	397	218
Sodium, Na	mg	76	42
Zinc, Zn	mg	0.41	0.23
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid	mg	35	19.2
Thiamin	mg	0.19	0.104
Riboflavin	mg	0.26	0.143
Niacin	mg	0.806	0.443
Vitamin B-6	mg	0.251	0.138
Folate, DFE	µg	27	15
Vitamin A, RAE	µg	508	279
Vitamin A, IU	IU	10161	5589
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	mg	3.44	1.89
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	µg	778.4	428.1
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated	g	0.17	0.094
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	g	0.014	0.008
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	g	0.306	0.168

* values sourced from USDA , dandelion greens, raw

That’s an impressive nutritional profile, isn’t it? Including dandelions in your diet is quite easy. Up next, we will discuss a few simple ways to do just that.

How To Consume Dandelions

• The simplest way to consume dandelions is to include them in a salad. Just toss a few dandelion greens into your evening vegetable salad.
• Sauteéd dandelions are another good option. Cooking dandelions removes their bitterness. You can boil the greens for about 5 minutes and then transfer them to a pan with garlic and hot olive oil. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Eat as it is.
• You can also use dandelion flower petals in your preparations. You can add the petals to your bakery items like muffins, cookies, or even plain bread.

The most popular way of enjoying the goodness of dandelion is in the form of tea. But how do you make it?

How To Make Dandelion Tea

The process is simple.

1. Throw the dandelion roots into a food processor and process.
2. Dry them at 250o F in an oven until they are completely dry.
3. Roast in the oven at 350o F until they turn brown.
4. Add the roots to water in a pan and bring to a boil. You can add 2 tablespoons of the root for every 16 oz of water.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Strain the liquid and drink.

What Is The Ideal Dosage Of Dandelions?

The American Botanical Council recommends the following doses (29):

• For the powdered root, the dosage is 3 to 4 grams, thrice daily.
• If you are taking a decoction, boil 3 to 4 grams of powdered root in 150 ml of water.
• In case of an infusion, you can steep 1 tablespoon of cut root in 150 ml of water.
• If you are having a tincture, stick to 10 to 15 drops, thrice daily.

You can get the supplement here.

Before you start making dandelion a regular part of your diet, you need to be aware of its side effects.

Do Dandelions Have Any Side Effects?

• May Cause Allergies

Dandelions may cause allergic contact dermatitis. This can be attributed to the presence of compounds called sesquiterpene lactones, which are irritants. The symptoms of these allergies include dry and itchy eczema-like reactions (31).

• May Interfere With Blood Thinners

Dandelion is rich in vitamin K, which aids blood clotting. Dandelion may interfere with blood thinners like Warfarin (32).

• May Cause Kidney Failure In Susceptible Individuals

There is less research on this. However, a herbal remedy containing dandelion as one of the primary ingredients caused renal failure (33). If you have kidney issues, please avoid dandelion and check with your doctor.

There is no information on the safety of dandelion during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence, consult your doctor in this regard.

Conclusion

Though they seem like simple weeds, dandelions may have several benefits. However, more research is needed to establish these benefits for humans. Also, be aware of the possible side effects and consult your healthcare provider before including dandelion or its supplements in your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dandelion tea contain caffeine?

Não, não importa. Mas existe o café dente-de-leão, que é uma mistura semelhante ao café com os efeitos da cafeína. Você pode obtê-lo aqui.

O dente-de-leão te deixa com sono?

Não, o dente-de-leão não é conhecido por ser um alimento indutor do sono.

33 fontes

A Stylecraze tem diretrizes rígidas de abastecimento e depende de estudos revisados ​​por pares, instituições de pesquisa acadêmica e associações médicas. Evitamos usar referências terciárias. Você pode aprender mais sobre como garantimos que nosso conteúdo seja preciso e atualizado lendo nossa política editorial.

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