— Christine M. Kukka, Project Manager, HBV Advocate
Dandelions—viewed by many
as a pesky weed—may become an effective treatment for hepatitis B,
according to a recent Chinese study published in the January issue of Molecular Medicine Reports.
Dandelions are full of
vitamins, including A, B, C and D, and in the past dandelion roots and
leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans boiled
dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin
problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese
medicine, dandelion has been used to treat a wide array of stomach
problems.
In a laboratory, researchers
treated animal liver cells with dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum) and
found the compound protected the injured liver cells and also inhibited
HBV DNA replication.
"The results demonstrate the potent antiviral
effect of Taraxacum mongolicum against HBV," they wrote. This
protective effect may be achieved by its ability to reduce liver cell
damage and its antiviral properties may block HBV DNA replication, they
concluded, supporting the traditional use of dandelions in the
treatment of hepatitis.
Labels: dandelion, taraxacum mongolicum
