
07/04/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AtaD3R5HV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A study by researchers from the University of Windsor and the University of Ottawa, published in Oncotarget, found that dandelion root extract (DRE) induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in over 95% of colon cancer cells within 48 hours in lab (in vitro) experiments. The extract was effective against both p53-positive and p53-negative colon cancer cell lines (HT‑29 and HCT116). In mouse models (in vivo), oral DRE significantly slowed tumor growth by over 90%. The mechanism involved activation of both intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (caspase-8) apoptosis pathways, increased reactive oxygen species, and disruption of mitochondrial integrity. Key phytochemicals included α‑amyrin, β‑amyrin, lupeol, and taraxasterol. However, these results are preliminary, limited to lab and animal studies, and have not yet been confirmed in human clinical trials. Dandelion root is not an approved treatment for cancer, and medical consultation is essential before considering its use.