A REVIEW OF CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TARAXACUM OFFICINALE
Abstract
Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) is a widely distributed medicinal plant that has long been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. This review summarizes current knowledge on the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of T. officinale. Phytochemical studies reveal that the plant is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenes, sterols, polysaccharides, and inulin, with different plant parts (roots, leaves, flowers) exhibiting distinct chemical profiles. Pharmacological investigations demonstrate that T. officinale possesses a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, and diuretic effects. These activities are mainly attributed to its polyphenols, flavonoids, and triterpenoid compounds. In addition, recent studies suggest that in vitro cultures, particularly root and callus cultures, can serve as alternative sources for the production of bioactive compounds. Overall, T. officinale represents a promising medicinal plant with significant therapeutic potential, supporting its further investigation and application in pharmaceutical and biotechnological fields.
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