
05/10/2025
🌱 Dandelion root extract shows potential in colon cancer research
In laboratory studies, an aqueous dandelion root extract (DRE) killed more than 95% of colon cancer cells within 48 hours by triggering programmed cell death. Unlike many treatments that focus on a single pathway, DRE activated both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent mechanisms. Remarkably, it was effective even in cancer cells lacking p53, a tumor-suppressor gene often mutated in aggressive cancers.
Importantly, DRE appeared selective: healthy colon cells were largely unaffected in the same experiments.
Animal studies supported these findings. In mice implanted with human colon cancer cells, oral administration of DRE slowed tumor growth by more than 90%, with little reported toxicity.
While these results are highly encouraging, they remain limited to cell cultures and animal models. Human clinical trials have not yet confirmed safety or efficacy. Further studies will be needed before dandelion root extract can be considered as a treatment option.
Source: Ovadje, P., Chatterjee, S. J., Griffin, C., Tran, C., Hamm, C., & Pandey, S. (2016). Dandelion root extract affects colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through the activation of multiple death signalling pathways. Oncotarget, 7(45), 73080–73100.\