Denti Di Leone: Potenziali Benefici, Dosaggio Ed Effetti Collaterali

2024 Autore: Cecilia Ryder | [email protected]. Ultima modifica: 2023-12-17 14:21

I denti di leone sono scientificamente chiamati Taraxacum officinale. Non sono solo le fastidiose erbacce che si stagliano nel tuo cortile. Nella medicina tradizionale, questi erano noti per essere stati utilizzati per le loro proprietà medicinali.

Gli studi sugli animali dimostrano che il dente di leone può aiutare nel trattamento del diabete (1). Ulteriori ricerche fanno luce sui possibili benefici per la salute dei denti di leone, inclusa la lotta contro l'infiammazione e il cancro.

Qui, esploreremo i diversi modi in cui questo fiore può aiutare a promuovere la tua salute e il tuo benessere.

Sommario

• Quali sono i potenziali benefici per la salute dei denti di leone?
• Qual è il profilo nutrizionale * dei denti di leone?
• Come consumare i denti di leone
• Come preparare il tè al dente di leone
• Qual è il dosaggio ideale dei denti di leone?
• I denti di leone hanno effetti collaterali?

Quali sono i potenziali benefici per la salute dei denti di leone?

I composti bioattivi nei denti di leone possono aiutare a combattere l'infiammazione e persino il cancro. Possono anche aiutare a ridurre i livelli di zucchero nel sangue. Mentre il loro contenuto di calcio e vitamina K può rafforzare le ossa, il loro contenuto di ferro può aiutare a prevenire l'anemia.

1. Può aiutare a combattere l'infiammazione

Si è scoperto che le cellule trattate con composti di tarassaco hanno livelli inferiori di infiammazione. I polisaccaridi del dente di leone possiedono proprietà antinfiammatorie e antiossidanti che svolgono un ruolo promettente in questo senso (2).

Il dente di leone agisce riducendo la produzione di citochine pro-infiammatorie, che sono composti solitamente coinvolti nell'infiammazione del corpo (3).

In un altro studio su topi con infiammazione polmonare, si è scoperto che l'introduzione del dente di leone (Taraxacum mongolicum, coltivato in Cina) migliora la condizione (4).

2. Può ridurre il rischio di cancro

Studi condotti sulla radice di tarassaco (e sugli estratti di citronella) hanno scoperto che aveva un potenziale anti-cancro. Si è scoperto che la radice induce l'apoptosi (morte delle cellule tumorali) e migliora gli effetti della chemioterapia. Questo studio è stato condotto su cellule di cancro alla prostata (5).

L'estratto di radice di tarassaco potrebbe essere un'alternativa anti-cancro non tossica ed efficace. È stato in grado di innescare la morte cellulare programmata delle cellule tumorali nei modelli di cancro del colon-retto. La complessità molecolare (un particolare parametro coinvolto nella scoperta di farmaci) dell'estratto di radice potrebbe essere responsabile di questa attività anti-cancro (6).

È stato anche scoperto che l'estratto di radice di tarassaco previene il cancro del fegato (7). Effetti simili sono stati osservati anche nel cancro del pancreas (8).

Sebbene questi risultati siano incoraggianti, sono necessarie ulteriori ricerche per capire e stabilire in che modo il dente di leone può prevenire e curare il cancro negli esseri umani.

3. Può aiutare il trattamento del diabete

Gli acidi cicorico e clorogenico nel dente di leone possiedono un grande potenziale come nutraceutici e farmaci antidiabetici per la regolazione del diabete. Gli acidi contengono composti fenolici che possono promuovere gli effetti antidiabetici del fiore (1).

In uno studio, sia le foglie di dente di leone che le radici hanno dimostrato di avere effetti terapeutici simili su individui con diabete. Questi potrebbero promuovere la salute e il benessere a lungo termine dei pazienti (9). Tuttavia, l'effetto a lungo termine del consumo di tarassaco deve essere studiato.

Altri composti bioattivi nel dente di leone che offrono benefici anti-diabetici includono fenoli, flavonoidi, acidi fenolici e triterpeni. La radice del dente di leone contiene inulina, che contiene carboidrati complessi. Questi aiutano a normalizzare i livelli di zucchero nel sangue (1).

4. Può promuovere la salute del cuore

I topi trattati con estratti di tarassaco hanno mostrato una drastica diminuzione dei livelli di trigliceridi e colesterolo. Quando i topi sono stati nutriti con una dieta ricca di grassi integrata con l'estratto, è stato osservato un ridotto accumulo di lipidi epatici (10).

Risultati simili sono stati osservati in uno studio sui conigli. Nei conigli alimentati con una dieta ricca di grassi, l'introduzione della radice di tarassaco ha migliorato lo stato antiossidante e abbassato i livelli sierici di colesterolo. La radice combatte anche lo stress ossidativo e può promuovere la salute del cuore (11).

Il dente di leone può anche promuovere la salute del cuore abbassando i livelli di pressione sanguigna. La pianta contiene potassio (12). Gli studi dimostrano che il potassio dietetico regolare può aiutare a ridurre i livelli di pressione sanguigna (13).

5. Può aiutare nella perdita di peso

Dandelion was found to have effects similar to a popular weight loss drug (Orlistat), which works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase. Pancreatic lipase is an enzyme released during digestion that assists in fat breakdown. Inhibiting this enzyme can alter the way fat is absorbed in the body, possibly aiding weight loss (14). However, further studies are required to elucidate the anti-obesity effects of dandelion in humans.

Dandelion is a bitter herb. Studies show that bitter herbs, when taken as teas prior to eating, can stimulate gastric secretions and promote cholesterol and fat breakdown. This way, they may complement your weight loss efforts (15).

6. May Promote Bone Health

Dandelion greens are good sources of vitamin K and calcium (12). Both these nutrients are associated with bone health.

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.

If you are taking a dandelion supplement, you can follow the dosage prescribed by your health care provider. Dandelion has been given the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status and approved by the US FDA for use as a supplement (30).

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

Anche se sembrano semplici erbacce, i denti di leone possono avere diversi vantaggi. Tuttavia, sono necessarie ulteriori ricerche per stabilire questi benefici per gli esseri umani. Inoltre, sii consapevole dei possibili effetti collaterali e consulta il tuo medico prima di includere il dente di leone oi suoi integratori nella tua dieta.

Domande frequenti

Il tè al dente di leone contiene caffeina?

No, non è così. Ma c'è il caffè al dente di leone, che è una miscela simile al caffè con gli effetti della caffeina. Puoi ottenerlo qui.

Il dente di leone ti fa venire sonno?

No, il dente di leone non è noto per essere un alimento che induce il sonno.

33 fonti

Stylecraze ha linee guida di approvvigionamento rigorose e si basa su studi peer-reviewed, istituti di ricerca accademica e associazioni mediche. Evitiamo di utilizzare riferimenti terziari. Puoi saperne di più su come garantiamo che i nostri contenuti siano accurati e aggiornati leggendo la nostra politica editoriale.

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