What Active Ingredients in Dandelion Extract Powder?

Dandelion is the dried whole grass of the dandelion Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz, the Chinese dandelion Taraxacum borealisinense Kitam. and various plants of the same genus in the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known in folk as huanghua langzi, huanghua cao, bubuding, nai zhen cao, etc., and is mainly distributed in medium or low altitude slopes, grasslands, fields, roadsides, riverbanks, etc. [1]. Due to its fast reproduction and wide range of growth, it is widely distributed in its place of origin, and is commonly found in provinces and regions such as North China, Northwest China, Southwest China, and Northeast China [2].

As a medicinal and edible plant, dandelion has high utilization value, and the improvement of its quality control standard system is the key to promoting the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine and the high-quality development of the industry [4]. In the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the index for dandelion content determination is chicoric acid [5]. However, the content determination results of a single compound cannot fully and scientifically reflect the quality of dandelion [6]. Therefore, the prediction of dandelion quality markers aims to provide a theoretical basis for improving its quality control standard system.

1 Chemical composition

1.1 Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a natural product that is widely found in the plant world. They generally have a basic carbon chain skeleton of C6-C3-C6 and contain two benzene rings connected to a central carbon atom to form a group of biological compounds [7]. Dong Mo et al. [8] determined the flavonoid content in dandelion to be 4.33% using spectrophotometry, which is an important active ingredient in dandelion. The flavonoids isolated from dandelion are shown in Table 1 and their structural formulas are shown in Figure 1.

1.2 Phenolic acids

Phenolic acids are found in most plants and have the basic structure of an aromatic carboxylic acid with a phenolic hydroxyl group substituted [7]. Zhang Yan et al. [12] determined the total phenolic acid content in dandelion to be 12.05% using an improved method, which is a relatively high content. The phenolic acids isolated from dandelion are shown in Table 2 and their structural formulas are shown in Figure 2.

1.3 Terpenoids

Terpenoids are compounds derived from mandelic acid with a structure of two or more isoprene units [7]. The terpenoids isolated from dandelion are shown in Table 3 and their structural formulas are shown in Figure 3.

1.4 Sterols

The basic structure of steroidal compounds includes a cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene and three side chains [7]. Chen Qian et al. [17] used a response surface method to determine that the content of sterols in dandelion was 6.73%, and sterols are an important substance contained in dandelion. The sterol compounds isolated from dandelion are shown in Table 4 and their structural formulas are shown in Figure 4.

1.5 Volatile oil compounds

Volatile oils are oily liquid mixtures with aromatic scents, most of which have significant physiological activity [7]. The volatile oil compounds isolated from dandelion are shown in Table 5 and their structural formulas are shown in Figure 5.

1.6 Other compounds

Dandelion extract polysaccharides are mostly composed of monosaccharides such as D-rhamnose, glucose, D-galactose, D-xylose and D-arabinose [21] and are important functional ingredients contained in dandelion [22]. In addition, dandelion also contains alkaloids and other compounds [23].

2 Pharmacological effects

2.1 Pharmacological activities based on the traditional efficacy of dandelion

2.1.1 Clearing away heat and detoxifying

The “Bencao Fenjing” (Compendium of Materia Medica) records that dandelion has bitter and sweet flavors and a cold nature. It can clear away heat and detoxify through its effect on the kidneys [24]. Hahm D H et al. [25] experimentally verified that dandelion can significantly reduce ear swelling, can be used to fight inflammation, and its anti-inflammatory effect is comparable to that of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin. Ma Yanni et al. [26] studied the active components in dandelion root and observed that the components of this part have a significant inhibitory effect on the secretion of inflammatory factors and have anti-inflammatory activity. Li Huan et al. [27] extracted plant polysaccharides from dandelion root for research. The results showed that dandelion polysaccharides can inhibit the production of the inflammatory factor NO in cells and have a certain anti-inflammatory effect. Wang Yaqin et al. [28] summarized the clinical conditions of 212 patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia and their responses after medication, and found that using dandelion as the main drug in combination with other traditional Chinese medicines can turn positive nucleic acid patients negative, which can be considered as having antiviral activity.

2.1.2 Eliminating abscesses and dispersing lumps

Kaibao Ben Cao (Compendium of Materia Medica from the Kai Dynasty) records: “Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It is used to treat breast abscesses in women. Boil the dandelion and drink the water, and the abscess will disappear immediately.” [29] Li Biyun et al. [30] proved through clinical trials that dandelion has significant efficacy in treating breast abscesses and parotid abscesses, and also has a certain effect on boils and abscesses in other parts of the body. Zhang Jinhua [31] used dandelion as the main ingredient in the “Dandelion Abscess-Resolving Soup,” which significantly increased the self-healing rate of early breast abscesses and reduced the rate of surgery. Yin Fei et al. [32] developed the Dandelion and Melon Seed Soup, which can treat breast inflammation during breastfeeding caused by milk stasis and help increase the breastfeeding rate.

2.1.3 Diuretic and urination-promoting

The Compendium of Materia Medica says of the dandelion herb: “It is effective in treating boils and abscesses, carbuncles, and poisoned boils, and is also a wonderful treatment for strangury.” [33] Zhang Yanan [34] proved that dandelion has the effect of relieving strangury by conducting a rat experiment on prostatic hyperplasia. Wang Jian [35] used the compatibility of dandelion to treat urinary tract infections, acute and chronic prostatitis, prostatic hyperplasia and other urinary system diseases, with significant efficacy.

2.2 Pharmacological activities based on the expanded functions of dandelion

2.2.1 Antibacterial effect

Tong Yanqing et al. [36] found through bacterial experiments that dandelion extract can inhibit gram-negative bacilli and can be used to treat urinary tract infections. Xu C et al. [37] designed an experiment and found that the number of bacteria in the experimental group with dandelion extract added was significantly reduced, indicating that dandelion extract has a certain antibacterial effect. Qian L et al. [38] found that the oligosaccharides in dandelion have high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.

2.2.2 Antitumor effect

Zhang S et al. [39] extracted the active ingredients from dandelion for in vitro anti-tumor experiments, and the results showed that dandelion inulin has anti-tumor activity. Chen Zihan et al. [40] extracted the compounds in dandelion root with water, and verified through cell culture experiments that dandelion root water extract can inhibit the proliferation and growth of cancer cells, and has a certain anti-tumor effect. Sun Yumin [41] detected that the flavonoids in dandelion can affect the growth of human breast cancer cells and promote their apoptosis, which has a certain anti-cancer effect. Zhang Yu et al. [42] observed that dandelion sterols can reduce the reproduction of liver cancer cells to a certain extent, strengthen the resistance of cancer-bearing mice, and improve their immune response to cancer cells.

2.2.3 Hypoglycemic effect

Wirngo F E et al. [43] believe that chicoric acid, perilla sterol, chlorogenic acid and sesquiterpene lactones in dandelion have hypoglycemic effects. Yan Shuang et al. [44] observed through animal experiments that the blood glucose levels of rats given different doses of dandelion extract by gavage were reduced to a corresponding extent, indicating that dandelion extract can lower the blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetic rats and has hypoglycemic activity. Guo Huijing et al. [45] believe that dandelion polysaccharides have a certain inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and can reduce blood glucose in living organisms.

2.2.4 Antioxidant effect

Hong Xin [46] compared the effect of dandelion extract on the antioxidant stability of canola oil and proved that chicoric acid and chlorogenic acid in dandelion have a significant effect on inhibiting the oxidation of canola oil and have a certain antioxidant effect. Liu Z et al. [47] analyzed the spectroscopic-effect relationship between dandelion fingerprints and antioxidant activity and found that five compounds had antioxidant activity and could be used as candidate markers for dandelion quality: caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C.

2.2.5 Gastrointestinal protective effect

Li Y et al. [48] concluded from experimental studies that the gastrointestinal protective substances in dandelion include dandelion sterols, caffeic acid, chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin and its glucoside, polysaccharides, inulin and β-sitosterol. Duan Huichun et al. [49] believe that dandelion saponin can protect gastric epithelial cells by interfering with cell signal transduction, inducing related enzymes, regulating cytokines, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and killing Helicobacter pylori. Zhou Yani et al. [50] found through animal experiments that dandelion polysaccharides can balance the flora in the mouse intestine and protect the intestine to a certain extent.

2.2.6 Other effects

Dandelion ethanol extract has a hepatoprotective effect [51]; chlorogenic acid in dandelion has a high binding capacity with sodium salt of bile acid and can significantly reduce blood lipids [52]; dandelion decoction can treat thrombotic external hemorrhoids [53].

3 Quality markers

Although there are many species of dandelion, their chemical compositions are not very different. The main differences lie in their place of origin and stem and leaf morphology [54-55]. According to the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, dandelion is the dried whole herb of Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz, Taraxacum borealisinense Kitam. and various plants of the same genus in the Asteraceae family. It is stipulated that the dried dandelion product the content of chicoric acid shall not be less than 0.45%, and the content of chicoric acid in the medicinal material shall not be less than 0.30% [5].

The index components for determination are relatively simple, and cannot reflect the overall value of dandelion [56]. Chinese medicine quality markers refer to certain chemical substances that are present in Chinese medicinal materials or products related to traditional Chinese medicine, and may also be produced during processing and preparation. These substances can reflect the safety and effectiveness of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine [57]. Therefore, the predictive analysis of dandelion quality markers is a critical step in establishing a scientific quality control method for dandelion.

3.1 Predictive analysis of quality markers based on evidence of plant phylogeny and chemical composition specificity

According to the data, the genus Taraxacum is extensive and is a large genus of the Asteraceae family. There are about 300 species worldwide, most of which are distributed in temperate to subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and a few species are distributed in tropical regions of South America. China has 70 species and one variety, with 19 species, one variety and three variants produced in the northeast [58]. Due to the wide distribution of dandelion plants, they are often divided according to their place of origin, such as Mongolian dandelion, Chinese dandelion, and white-margined dandelion [59].

Feng Wei et al. [60] used SSR markers to evaluate the genetic diversity of 82 dandelion germplasm resources. The results showed that the chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid and caffeic acid content of the 82 dandelion germplasm resources all had rich genetic variation. Therefore, chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid and caffeic acid are the main chemical components of dandelion. Studies have shown that dandelion plants contain a variety of active ingredients such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and polysaccharides [61], and have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects, which are similar to the basic chemical composition and pharmacological effects of dandelions. Among them, flavonoids and phenolic acids in dandelion plants are considered to be the main active ingredients [62]. Therefore, flavonoids and phenolic acids can be used as quality markers for dandelion by analyzing the phylogeny and chemical composition of dandelion plants.

3.2 Predictive analysis of quality markers based on chemical composition and evidence of effectiveness

A literature analysis shows that dandelion extract powder contains a variety of components such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, sterols, polysaccharides, and essential oils. Traditional Chinese medicine quality markers [57] can scientifically reflect the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine. In order to further determine the quality markers, this section analyzes the effectiveness of dandelion in traditional Chinese medicine.

3.2.1 Correlation between ingredients and traditional efficacy

The effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine can be reflected through its traditional efficacy and provides a basis for clinical medication [63]. Dandelion has the traditional efficacy of clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving abscesses and lumps, and diuresis and treating stranguria. It is often used in clinical practice to treat boils, mastitis, scrofula, sore throat, lung abscess, and intestinal abscess [2]. The anti-osteoarthritis effect of dandelion is exerted by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways, promoting the activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway, and limiting the activation of the NF-κB pathway [64]. Dandelion water extract has antiviral effects [65]. The anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of the two are consistent with the traditional efficacy of dandelion, “clearing away heat and detoxifying”.

Wang Guiying [66] used dandelion plus Huoxue Dan to give intramuscular injections to patients with indurations, and then applied the mixture externally. The efficacy was remarkable, indicating that dandelion can make lumps subside and has the effect of promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, which is consistent with the traditional efficacy of dandelion to “dispel abscesses and resolve lumps”. Huang Mengtao et al. [67] found through experiments that the amount of urine in rats infused with a decoction of dandelion increased, indicating that dandelion can promote the excretion of urine, which is consistent with the traditional efficacy of dandelion to “promote diuresis and treat stranguria”. Phenolic acids such as caffeic acid and chicoric acid have the effect of clearing away heat and detoxifying [68]; rutin has the effect of resolving abscesses and dispersing lumps [69]; and terpene compounds have the effect of inducing diuresis and treating strangury [70]. The above results show that the main pharmacodynamic substance basis of the traditional efficacy of dandelion comes from phenolic acids, flavonoids and terpene components, so quality markers for dandelion can be screened from these.

3.2.2 Correlation between components and traditional medicinal properties

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the five tastes of Chinese medicine come from different types of compounds [71]. The sweet taste of traditional Chinese medicine comes from the type and amount of organic and inorganic components it contains. Modern chemical research has shown that sugars, saponins, fats, vitamins, proteins, sterols and amino acids are the main sources of the sweet taste of traditional Chinese medicine [72].

Most plants in nature have a bitter taste, which is related to the alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids and other ingredients they contain. These ingredients are likely to be the main active ingredients with medicinal effects, and often have antioxidant and antitumor effects [73]. Dandelion is sweet and slightly bitter, entering the liver and stomach channels. According to the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the material basis of “sweet” traditional Chinese medicine should have the functional attribute of “sweetness”, i.e., “nourishing and soothing” effects.

The diuretic and urinolytic effects of dandelion are consistent with its “sweet” properties. The material basis of “bitter” Chinese medicinal herbs should have the functional attributes of “bitterness,” i.e., “detoxifying, drying and strengthening” effects. The heat-clearing and detoxifying effects of dandelion are consistent with its “bitter” properties [74]. Studies have shown that compounds such as polysaccharides and sterols are the main sources of the sweet taste of dandelion, while compounds such as volatile oils, terpenes and flavonoids are the main sources of its bitter taste [75]. Therefore, polysaccharides, flavonoids, volatile oils, terpenes and sterol compounds in dandelion can be used as the main choices for quality markers.

3.2.3 Correlation between ingredients and modern pharmacological effects

Liu Xu et al. [76] found that isochlorogenic acid A and oleanolic acid contained in dandelion have antibacterial effects. Yang Chao et al. [20] found in experiments that dandelion volatile oil can effectively inhibit the growth of breast cancer cell line MCF-7, and has certain antitumor effects. Guangzhi L et al. [77] found that dandelion sterols can inhibit cardiovascular aging and have antioxidant effects.

The above ingredients are related to the traditional efficacy of dandelion, and new pharmacological effects have been developed under modern pharmacological research, which can be used as quality markers for dandelion.

3.3 Predictive analysis of quality markers based on the detectability of chemical components

Chemical composition detectability can be used as an important basis for determining quality markers [78]. The 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia documents the method for determining the main component of dandelion, chicoric acid, and establishes the content limit.

Li Chao et al. [79] first used high performance liquid chromatography to determine the content of chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid and caffeic acid in dandelion. This method is simple and easy to operate, and can quickly and conveniently determine the content of these three organic acids in dandelion, and provide a basis for quality control of dandelion medicinal materials. Yang Liqun [80] used high performance liquid chromatography with dual wavelength to determine the content of chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid in dandelion tablets. The method has high stability and repeatability, and is easy and quick to operate. Wang Chaozhong et al. [81] used ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to determine the contents of luteolin, luteolin glucoside, caffeic acid and coumarin in dandelion. The method is sensitive, accurate and fast, and can be used to determine the contents of these four index components in dandelion.

An Xinxin et al. [82] used UHPLC-QE in negative ion mode to analyze the components of the total flavonoid fraction of dandelion, and deduced the relative molecular masses of the flavonoid compounds. HPLC was used to determine the contents of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol in the total flavonoid fraction of dandelion, which is fast, accurate, effective and reliable. Gao Shengping et al. [83] determined the content of flavonoids in dandelion using a fluorescence method. This method has high sensitivity and accuracy, and the results are relatively stable. In summary, flavonoids and phenolic acids are measurable and can be used as the main choice of quality markers for dandelion.

4 Summary

Dandelion is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with the effects of clearing away heat and toxins, resolving abscesses and lumps, and inducing diuresis. This article summarizes the current research status of dandelion in terms of chemical composition and pharmacological effects. On this basis, a predictive analysis of quality markers for dandelion is carried out from the aspects of plant phylogeny and chemical composition specificity, chemical composition and effectiveness, the predictability of quality markers for dandelion was analyzed from the aspects of plant phylogeny and chemical composition specificity, chemical composition and effectiveness, and

the detectability of chemical composition. It was concluded that the flavonoids and phenolic acids contained in dandelion can be used as the main options for quality markers for dandelion, among which chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, caffeic acid, and luteolin are consistent with the Q-mark concept and can be used as quality markers for dandelion.

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