Descripton
The dandelion covers any type of grounds with bright yellow sunny flowers that turn into fluffy puff balls when seeding. The jagged leaves grow up to 12 inches from a rosette with round yellow flowers. The flowers are open during the day, closed at night. The seed heads contain up to 200 seeds on fluffy tufts. The stems ooze a sticky milky substance when picked.

History:

Dandelion root has been used for liver and biliary complaints for centuries. Extensive records of its medicinal use exists from the 10th and 11th centuries when it was promoted by Arabian doctors. In 16th century Britain, it was well established as an official drug of the apothecaries under the name of Herba Taraxacon and was a popular medicine for the liver and digestive organs. Since the 16th century the Germans have used dandelion extensively for "blood purifying" and liver congestion. It is truly a universal herb and is still found in the official pharmocopoeias of Switzerland, Poland, Hungary and Russia. A huge amount of research has been carried out on the medicinal and nutritional effects of dandelion in many European countries. Dandelion has also been used as a herbal medicine for centuries in China, India and Nepal for liver ailments. Today dandelion is used widely as a tonic in North America, the Orient and Europe. 1

Dandelion extract is approved as a GRAS (generally recognised as safe) food ingredient by FDA. The extract is used as flavour components in various food products, including alcoholic (eg bitters) and nonalcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins, puddings and cheese2

Function:

Dandelion extract is used to treat liver and gallbladder obstructions, improve liver function, promote bile production and as a diuretic.

1.Correcting Liver Function:

Dandelion extract is used in inflammation and congestion of liver. As one of the most effective detoxifying herbs, it acts by filtering toxins and wastes from the bloodstream, the gallbladder, the liver and the kidneys. It stimulates bile production, and helps the body get rid of excess water produced by the diseased liver. The Australian Journal Medical Herbalism Vol 3 (4),1991, refers to two studies, one by Vivarelli in 1938 and the other in Britain, which demonstrate the liver healing properties of dandelion. They found that dandelion successfully treats hepatitis, liver swelling, jaundice and indigestion in those with inadequate bile secretion. 5 It is also used in the early stages of liver cirrhosis such as alcoholic cirrhosis.3

2.Cholagogue

Extract of dandelion, flavonoids can double the flow of bile. This is critical in the process of toxin elimination, because bile flow is a natural secretion essential to transporting toxins from the liver to the intestines, where they are shuttled out of the body. An English study found that in addition to increasing biliary flow, dandelion extract can restore biliary function. Its cholagogue effect is useful for liver and gall bladder inflammation , eliminate gallstones and congestion, as well as jaundiced states.4

3.Diuretic
Extract of dandelion leaves is a powerful diuretic. Unlike many conventional diuretics, dandelion leaves do not leach potassium from the body.  In fact, the leaves are so rich in this mineral that they function as a potassium supplement.  This diuretic action is responsible for the dandelion's use as a treatment for high blood pressure. 

Dosage:

250-500mg of a 4% powdered solid extract daily for liver function improvement.

Safety:

No severe side effects are observed by using dandelion extract. Use cautiously if an ulcer or gastritis present.
Chemistry:

The dandelion extract is standardized to 4% Flavonoids.

References:1. Petkov VD, Yonkov D, Mosharoff A, et al. Effects of alcohol aqueous extract from Rhodiola rosea L. roots on learning and memory. Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg 1986;12:3-16.
2. Brekhman II, Dardymov IV. New substances of plant origin which increase nonspecific resistance. Ann Rev Pharmacol 1969;9:419-430. 
3. Lishmanov IB, Trifonova ZV, Tsibin AN, et al. Plasma beta-endorphin and stress hormones in stress and adaptation. Biull Eksp Biol Med 1987;103:422-424. [Article in Russian] 
4. Linh PT, Kim YH, Hong SP, et al. Quantitative determination of salidroside and tyrosol from the underground part of Rhodiola rosea by high performance liquid chromatography. Arch Pharm Res 2000;23:349-352.
5. Lee MW, Lee YA, Park HM, et al. Antioxidative phenolic compounds from the roots of Rhodiola sachalinensis A. Bor. Arch Pharm Res 2000;23:455-458.