Study Performed on The Effect Of Dandelion Root as a Diuretic

When looking at diuretic supplements you will notice that almost all of them contain some form of dandelion extract. For a long time people throughout the world have used dandelion as a natural diuretic. It wasn’t until recently that researchers have started doing studies on this extraordinary plant. Below is a study that was done on dandelion extract.

Researchers at the Tai Sophia Institute in Maryland decided that a scientific study needed to be done on the diuretic attributes of Dandelion. The reason for this was because of the popularity of this product in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In a pilot study an extract of the dandelion plant was taken and given to number of volunteers to determine if an increase in urine output would result. The study measured the urine output for a two day period after subjects received the dandelion extract. Within 5 hours after the first dose of dandelion was given there was a significant increase in the volume of urine produced. Based on this data Researchers stated that Dandelion extract was promising for the use as a diuretic.  Read the full abstract below.

J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):929-34.

The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day.

Clare BA, Conroy RS, Spelman K.

Department of Herbal Medicine, Tai Sophia Institute, Laurel, MD 20723, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber (Asteraceae) has been extensively employed as a diuretic in traditional folk medicine and in modern phytotherapy in Europe, Asia, and the Americas without prior clinical trial substantiation. OBJECTIVES: In this pilot study, a high-quality fresh leaf hydroethanolic extract of the medicinal plant T. officinale (dandelion) was ingested by volunteers to investigate whether an increased urinary frequency and volume would result. DESIGN: Volume of urinary output and fluid intake were recorded by subjects. Baseline values for urinary frequency and excretion ratio (urination volume:fluid intake) were established 2 days prior to dandelion dosing (8 mL TID) and monitored throughout a 1-day dosing period and 24 hours postdosing. RESULTS: For the entire population (n = 17) there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the frequency of urination in the 5-hour period after the first dose. There was also a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the excretion ratio in the 5-hour period after the second dose of extract. The third dose failed to change any of the measured parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these first human data, T. officinale ethanolic extract shows promise as a diuretic in humans. Further studies are needed to establish the value of this herb for induction of diuresis in human subjects.