Medical experts say dandelion cannot cure cancer cells in humans as claimed

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Lademi Aborisade

Claim: Dandelion root can kill 98% of cancer cells within 48 hours. It acts as a potent anti-inflammatory, immunity booster, and antioxidant. 

Verdict: Misleading. There is ongoing research on the potency of dandelion root as a cancer-fighting substance, but no published clinical research has proven an anti-cancer effect in humans.

Full Text

Dandelions are weeds from the Taraxacum family. They have yellow flowers and grow worldwide, including in many people’s lawns.

Dandelion leaves, roots, and flowers may offer health benefits. Although often dismissed as a stubborn lawn weed, people have used dandelion in forms of traditional medicine for centuries.

Different components of the plants are often found in herbal teas and supplements and act as a natural remedy to support blood sugar management and boost skin, liver, and heart health.

Herbal Home on Facebook shared how dandelion root can kill 98% of cancer cells within 48 hours. It is also characterised as a powerful anti-inflammatory, immunity booster, antioxidant, and organ detoxifier. 

However, one of the most intriguing aspects of the post is the claim that dandelion extract can potentially prevent the growth of cancerous cells in various organ systems.

The post has garnered 114 likes and 1400 shares since this report was filed. The virality and potential to be misused by the public is why DUBAWA decided to verify it.

Verification 

According to research done by Healthline, dandelion is considered safe for most people. However, some people may be allergic to touching or ingesting it.

Dandelion has also been found to interact with certain medications, including diuretics, lithium, and Cipro, and may not be advisable for some people.

However, a four-week study in rats showed that administering dandelion root extract modified specific pathways involved in suppressing the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Other test-tube studies have found that dandelion root extract may slow the growth of cancer cells in liver, colon, prostate, and stomach tissue.

While these studies are encouraging, research in humans is still lacking. Dandelion may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, supporting your body’s ability to fight infection. However, it isn’t entirely risk-free. 

Doctors advise consultations on any prescription medications before drinking dandelion tea. 

Martin Ledwick, UK’s Cancer information nurse, told Full Fact, “There is no scientific evidence that dandelion extract is a useful cancer treatment in humans. Any potential new treatment must undergo rigorous trials in humans before its safety and effectiveness, if any, can be established. We strongly advise anyone considering taking any supplement or unproven treatment to discuss this with their doctor first.”

Abiola Ayanbukola, a medical doctor at Abuad Teaching Hospital, noted that the dandelion plants could not be dismissed as unsuitable as they contain some particles that can help the body system. Still, no plant can cure 98% of cancer cells yet. 

“We do not recommend plants or roots to patients, especially cancer patients. It has not been proven for the treatment of any type of cancer. The plants can be good for other functions like improving immunity, but these are preventive mechanisms,” she said. 

She further advised patients to visit their doctors on drug prescriptions as roots and herbs taken excessively might affect their health. 

Conclusion

No research shows that the dandelion plant has been proven to have an anti-cancer effect in humans. Medical experts advise patients to visit their doctor on root and herb intake.