Dandelion Root and Cancer: What Science Says

Dandelions may be the most underestimated plant in your backyard. While often dismissed as weeds, their roots have been studied for surprising anticancer properties. Let’s delve into what the research reveals, how to use dandelion root safely, and what to be aware of if you're undergoing cancer treatment.

Anticancer Actions of Dandelion Root

Dandelion root extract (DRE) contains bioactive compouP%$nds like taraxasterol, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, and sesquiterpene lactones. These compounds have shown the ability to:

• Trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells without harming healthy ones[i]
• Suppress metastasis by downregulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) while supporting P53 expression.[ii]
• Increased P53 is often called the “guardian of the genome”. It is a tumor suppressor protein that plays a significant role in cancer development. When activated, it helps:[iii] [iv]
• Cell Cycle Arrest: p53 halts cell division at checkpoints (especially G1/S and G2/M), giving cells time to repair DNA damage before replicating.
• Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death): If damage is too severe, p53 activates genes like BAX, PUMA, and NOXA to trigger apoptosis, eliminating potentially cancerous cells.
• DNA Repair Activation: p53 boosts the expression of repair enzymes, helping maintain genomic integrity and preventing mutations.
• Senescence Induction: It can push damaged cells into a permanent non-dividing state, preventing them from becoming malignant.
• Inhibition of Angiogenesis: p53 suppresses pro-angiogenic factors like VEGF, limiting blood supply to tumors.
• Metabolic Reprogramming: p53 counters the Warburg effect by promoting oxidative phosphorylation and inhibiting glycolysis, starving cancer cells of energy.
• Why This Matters in Cancer:
• In many cancers, p53 is mutated or silenced, allowing cells to divide uncontrollably and evade apoptosis.
• Restoring or enhancing p53 activity is a major therapeutic goal. Drug companies are developing drugs (like APR-246) that aim to reactivate mutant p53 and restore its tumor-suppressive functions.
• Activate AMPK signaling, a key metabolic pathway involved in cancer suppression[v]
• Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to cancer progression[vi]

Cancers Studied with Dandelion Root

Dandelion roots have been studied in vitro (laboratory cancer cell) and in animal models for their effects on:

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How to Prepare and Consume Dandelion Root

Dandelion root can be consumed in several forms:

• Tea: Simmer 1–2 teaspoons of dried root in hot water for 10–15 minutes.
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• Tincture: Follow dosage instructions on the label (typically 1–2 mL, 2–3 times daily).
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• Capsules: Standardized extracts are available; doses vary from 500–1500 mg/day.
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• Roasted Root Coffee: A caffeine-free alternative with mild bitterness.

Yes, dandelion roots can be consumed raw, but with a few caveats.

🥗 Raw Consumption Basics

• Edibility: Raw dandelion roots are safe to eat and have been used traditionally in salads, relishes, and fermented foods like sauerkraut[xix]
• Flavor: They’re bitter and earthy, especially in older plants. Spring-harvested roots tend to be milder and less fibrous[xx]
• Texture: Young roots are tender enough to shred or slice thinly. Older roots may be tough and chewy unless peeled or lightly cooked.

🍽️ How People Use Raw Roots

• Relish: Ground raw roots mixed with apple cider vinegar and honey make a tangy condiment[xxi]
• Fermented: Shredded raw roots can be added to homemade sauerkraut for a prebiotic boost.
• Smoothies: Some blend raw roots into green smoothies, though the bitterness may need balancing.

Dandelion Root Considerations

• Bitterness: If you're new to wild foods, the flavor might be intense. Blanching or soaking in salt water can reduce bitterness.
• Digestive Effects: Raw dandelion root is high in inulin, a prebiotic fiber. This can cause gas or bloating in some people[xxii]
• Harvesting Safety: Only consume roots from untreated, chemical-free areas. They absorb soil contaminants readily[xxiii]

Potential Side Effects of Dandelion Roots

Dandelions are generally well tolerated, but some people may experience:

• Stomach discomfort or diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Allergic reactions, especially if sensitive to ragweed, marigold, or daisies[xxiv]
• Skin irritation when applied topically[xxv]

Dandelion Drug Interactions

Dandelion root may interact with:

• Lithium: May reduce clearance, increasing toxicity[xxvi]
• Diuretics: Can increase potassium levels dangerously[xxvii]
• Antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin): May reduce absorption[xxviii]
• Blood thinners: May increase bleeding risk[xxix]

Dandelion Interactions with Cancer Therapies

Dandelions and Chemotherapy

• Potential synergy: Dandelion root may enhance apoptosis when combined with chemo agents like paclitaxel[xxx]
• No Human Trials Yet: Most findings are from cell cultures and animal models. Human studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy
• Medical Supervision Is Essential: Because of potential interactions with drug metabolism and clearance, consultation with an oncologist or integrative practitioner is critical before using dandelion root during chemotherapy

Dandelion and Cancer Immunotherapy

• No direct studies yet.

Dandelion and Cancer Radiation Therapy

• No direct studies yet.

Final Thoughts

Dandelion root is not a miracle cure, but it’s a promising adjunct in integrative cancer care. If you're considering adding it to your regimen, especially during active treatment, talk to your oncologist or integrative practitioner first. The goal is synergy, not interference.

Reference Sources 

[i] Shittu, R.O., Ceesay, I. & Pwavodi, P.C. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Dandelion root extract (Taraxacum officinale) and its cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Discov Appl Sci 7, 136 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-06419-7

[ii] Rezaie, H., Alipanah-Moghadam, R., Jeddi, F. et al. Combined dandelion extract and all-trans retinoic acid induces cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells. Sci Rep 13, 15074 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-42177-z

[iii] Xuyi Wang, Evan R. Simpson, Kristy A. Brown; p53: Protection against Tumor Growth beyond Effects on Cell Cycle and Apoptosis. Cancer Res 1 December 2015; 75 (23): 5001–5007. https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-15-0563

[iv] Marei, H.E., Althani, A., Afifi, N. et al. p53 signaling in cancer progression and therapy. Cancer Cell Int 21, 703 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-021-02396-8

[v] Rehman G, Hamayun M, Iqbal A, et al. Effect of Methanolic Extract of Dandelion Roots on Cancer Cell Lines and AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2017;8. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00875

[vi] Xie, J., Huang, Y., & Wang, Q. (2020). Research Progress of Anti-tumor Active Ingredients in Dandelion. Journal of Oncology Research, 2(2), 24–30. https://doi.org/10.30564/jor.v2i2.2472

[vii] Rezaie H, Alipanah-Moghadam R, Jeddi F, Clark CCT, Aghamohammadi V, Nemati A. Combined dandelion extract and all-trans retinoic acid induces cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells. Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 12;13(1):15074. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-42177-z. PMID: 37700002; PMCID: PMC10497591. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10497591/

[viii] Shittu, R.O., Ceesay, I. & Pwavodi, P.C. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Dandelion root extract (Taraxacum officinale) and its cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Discov Appl Sci 7, 136 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-06419-7

[ix] Shittu, R.O., Ceesay, I. & Pwavodi, P.C. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Dandelion root extract (Taraxacum officinale) and its cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Discov Appl Sci 7, 136 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-06419-7

[x] Xie J, Huang Y, Wang Q. Research progress of anti-tumor active ingredients in Dandelion. Journal of Oncology Research. 2020;2(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.30564/jor.v2i2.2472 

[xi] Xie J, Huang Y, Wang Q. Research progress of anti-tumor active ingredients in Dandelion. Journal of Oncology Research. 2020;2(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.30564/jor.v2i2.2472

[xii] Caroline Hamm, Sindu M. Kanjeekal, Rasna Gupta, Wendy Ng; Dandelion Root and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia. Blood 2013; 122 (21): 5216. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.V122.21.5216.5216

[xiii] Anti-invasion and anti-metastasis effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) hydroalcoholic extract on glioblastoma multiforme cell line model - WCRJ. Wcrj.net. Published 2022. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www.wcrj.net/article/2361

[xiv] Nguyen C, Mehaidli A, Baskaran K, et al. Dandelion Root and Lemongrass Extracts Induce Apoptosis, Enhance Chemotherapeutic Efficacy, and Reduce Tumour Xenograft Growth In Vivo in Prostate Cancer. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-12. doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2951428 

[xv] Zhu H, Zhao H, Zhang L, et al. Dandelion root extract suppressed gastric cancer cells proliferation and migration through targeting lncRNA-CCAT1. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2017;93:1010-1017. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.007  

[xvi] Duan X, Pan L, Deng Y, et al. Dandelion root extract affects ESCC progressionviaregulating multiple signal pathways. Food & Function. 2021;12(19):9486-9502. doi: https://doi.org/10.1039/d1fo01093j 

[xvii] Chatterjee SJ, Ovadje P, Mousa M, Hamm C, Pandey S. The Efficacy of Dandelion Root Extract in Inducing Apoptosis in Drug-Resistant Human Melanoma Cells. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011;2011:1-11. doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/129045 

[xviii] Chen Q, Wang M, Shen C. Bauerane Induces S-Phase Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis, and Inhibition of Proliferation of A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells Through the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/AKT and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Signaling Pathway. Medical Science Monitor. 2020;26. Doi https://doi.org/10.12659/msm.919558   

[xix] https://commonsensehome.com/harvesting-and-using-dandelion-roots/

[xx] https://www.naturallivingideas.com/harvest-use-dandelion-roots/

[xxi] https://commonsensehome.com/harvesting-and-using-dandelion-roots/

[xxii] https://www.healthy-juice.co/dandelion-roots-the-hidden-treasure-you-can-eat-and-how-to-use-them/

[xxiii] https://commonsensehome.com/harvesting-and-using-dandelion-roots/

[xxiv] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-706/dandelion

[xxv] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/dandelion

[xxvi] https://www.drugs.com/mtm/dandelion.html

[xxvii] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-706/dandelion

[xxviii] https://firstaidherbalmedicine.com/pages/pharmaceutical-drugs-that-interact-with-dandelion

[xxix] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-706/dandelion

[xxx] Xie J, Huang Y, Wang Q. Research progress of anti-tumor active ingredients in Dandelion. Journal of Oncology Research. 2020;2(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.30564/jor.v2i2.2472