Let’s examine the scientific evaluation Dandelion [Taraxacum species] as a antimicrobial agent.  In each of the studies below, the Taraxacum species showed compelling evidence of antiviral potency.  Rich in phenols compounds, the Dandelion inhibits viral replication without the toxicity most compounds display.

Viruses enter our cells and utilize the machinery of these hosts to produce vital proteins and replicate.  While in our cells, they are able to evading our immune system, often slowing or preventing our body’s ability to effectively track and attack the invading virus.  

By slowing the rate of viral load increase, we increase the time required for the host system to recognize the invasion and generate the quantity of antibodies needed for a successful defense.    

 In the last thirty years, the pharmaceutical industry has been making broad leaps in their capacity to successfully develop medications to target and treat viral agents.  But the propensity of these viruses to mutate and develop resistance to the medications, has been an ongoing first challenge. 

The second is that often these medication require such high concentrations of the compounds that their side effects can be lethal to the system they aspire to treat.  Perhaps developing diversified therapy to leverage synergy is the next stage of our recent acquaintance into this field.  

The dandelion mastered these challenges millennia ago.  It is suspected that the synergy that exists between dandelion’s compounds, not only minimizes resistance that develops in viruses, but exponentially boosts their collective effect, allowing the desired result before toxic levels of any one compound is realized.

In the HIV study specifically, Dandelion Extract is found to inhibit a cell’s Reverse Transcriptase activity,  thereby, demonstrating the potential of Taraxacum spp. as a broad antiviral solution.

Links to source papers can be accessed by selecting the content box..  Alternately, the literature annotations can be accessed from the Reference page by selecting the Dandelion topic references on the off-canvas menu.