Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale FH Wigg) belongs to the Asteraceae family (Bercht. & J. Presl).Perennial herb 10-25 cm tall.The root is tuberous, thick, juicy, yellow or yellow-brown, with a white center.The leaves are deeply lobed with clustered scutes.In May, peduncles grow, with one spike at the top.A few weeks after flowering, the fruits are ripe - light brown pods with circles that are spread by the wind;the head is like a fluffy head.Up to 8,000 seeds mature per plant.The plant is common in Europe and Asia.Medicinal plant raw material - dandelion roots (Taraxici radix) - are dug in the fall of the second or third year of cultivation (September-October, at the end of the vegetation) or early spring (before the beginning of the vegetation).Dandelion leaves (Taraxici folium) are collected as they emerge (April-May), and dandelion inflorescences (Taraxici flos) are harvested (April-May).The European pharmacopoeia describes the medicinal plant material - dandelion roots together with dandelion leaves (Taraxaci radix cum herba).Both above-ground and underground parts of common dandelion accumulate biologically active compounds, so all parts of the plant are used to treat various diseases.Recently, the chemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of this plant have been extensively studied in the world, and their therapeutic properties are substantiated by clinical studies.Dandelion roots accumulate terpenes, triterpenes: taraxasterol, β - taraxasterol;their 16-hydroxy compounds: arnidole and faradiol, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol-β-D-glucopyranoside, stigmasterol;phenolic compounds - phenolic acids (esters of coffee, coffee and wine (tartaric) acid - caftaric acid; chicory acid; ester of coffee and quinic acid - chlorogenic acid (3-caffeoylquinic acid) and its isomer cryptochlorogenic acid (4-caffeoylquinic acid), p -coumaric, vanillic, syringic, protocatechuic and ρ-hydroxybenzoic acids; coumarins: umbelliferone, esculetin, scopoletin, esculin, chicoryin. In addition, the roots contain inulin, carotenoids (lutein), fatty acids (myristic acid), minerals, sugars (fructose , glucose, mannitol), vitamins, mucus, pectin substances.Terpenes found in dandelion leaves are sesquiterpene lactones: taraxinic acid β-D glucopyranoside, 11,13-dihydrotaraxinic acid β-D-glucopyranoside and triterpenes: β-sitosterol, β-amyrin;phenolic acids: coffee, caftar, chlorogenic, chicory and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acids;flavonoid glycosides: luteolin-7-O-glucoside (cinnaroside), luteolin-7-O-rutinoside (scolimoside), isorhamnetin-3-Oglucoside, quercetin-7-O-glucoside (quercimerythrin), and apigenin-7-O glucoside ( apigetrin);coumarins.Taraxinic acid β-D-glucopyranoside, 11,13-dihydrotaraxinic acid β-D-glucopyranoside, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, β-sitosterol give the leaves a bitter taste.The leaves are rich in vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, D) and trace elements (iron, silicon, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, and phosphorus), beta-carotene, xanthophylls, chlorophyll.Dandelion flowers accumulate phenolic acids: caftar, chicory and chlorogenic;flavonoids: luteolin and its glycosides (cinnaroside (luteolin-7-O-glucoside), luteolin-7-O-diglucoside, free chrysoeriol (luteolin 3-methylether). Carotenoids are found in the rings, the most important of which is lutein epoxide.Dandelion is used in traditional medicine in various countries as a natural diuretic.Now in Europe, Asia and America, their preparations are used in modern medicine to treat hypertension, edema, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes insipidus, congestive heart failure, kidney diseases, urinary tract infections, glaucoma, liver diseases and osteoporosis.The sesquiterpene lactones in the leaves and roots of dandelion have digestive properties: they stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juices and the activity of bile.Due to these properties, their preparations are characterized by digestive and appetite-improving, mild laxative effects.Dandelion roots contain a high (up to 40%) concentration of the fiber substance inulin - this affects the establishment of good bacteria, promoting their growth and restoring normal intestinal microflora.In addition, inulin regulates blood sugar levels.Dandelion root preparations have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease risk factors: obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia.Aqueous extract of dandelion leaves has an anticancer effect: it inhibits the growth of MCF-7/AF breast cancer cells and the invasion of LNCaP prostate cancer cells into type 1 collagen.The phenolic acids of dandelion extracts (chlorogenic and coffee) have an antiviral effect: In vitro activity has been demonstrated against Herpex Simplex and parainfluenza virus and the multiplication of influenza virus.The common dandelion is called the "root of life" in folk medicine and is used to prevent atherosclerosis and improve the general well-being of the body.Dandelion leaves in spring are a source of vitamins.Dandelion roots, dug in the spring, before the start of vegetation, are recommended for people with diabetes due to their high inulin content.During the flowering period of dandelions, it is recommended to eat ten flowers every day for those who are often sick, depressed and tired.Dandelion leaf juice is used externally to treat calluses, warts and freckles.Dandelion preparations should not be used by people who are allergic to plants of the aster family (Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl), as well as common dandelion;in the case of obstruction of the intestinal and bile ducts;in cases of gallstones.Children should not taste the milky juice of dandelions or drink a decoction of their roots - because it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or even a heart rhythm disorder.Food plant.Salads are made from fresh dandelion leaves.In the spring, fresh dandelion flowers are used to make jam (honey-flavored), and "milk wine" is made.Dried and roasted dandelion roots are used as a substitute for coffee.A woody plant.Dandelion flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, which is food for bees.Fodder plant.Dandelion leaves are a vitamin feed for birds and rabbits.Important to know!The common dandelion is a medicinal plant that has not only medicinal properties, but also contraindications and can cause unwanted effects, so it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment with dandelion preparations.Prof.skilledDr.Ona Ragažinskienė is the head of the Medicinal and Spice Plants Science Department of the Botanical Garden of Vytautas Magnus University (VDU)First month - only 0.99 EUR, then - 4.99 EUR/month.*Additional operator service fee is included when paying by phone.Meanwhile, paying by bank card will not cost you anything extra.The indicated prices are valid only for natural persons.Subscription offers for companies and organizations - prenumerata@15min.lt.